Book Your Fishing Charter in Livingston Manor, NY

Find yourself in the birthplace of modern fly-fishing in the US as we all know it in Livingston Manor. This southern Catskills hamlet, running along the historic Willowemoc Creek, is an up-and-coming haven for creative types and a dependable area for anglers of all levels. Here you will be able to enjoy a small-town atmosphere made more vibrant by its growing creative community, amid a naturally scenic environment made for lovers of the great outdoors.

If you’re a fly fishing enthusiast, a trek to Livingston Manor should be high up on your list. After all, this is the region where Theodore Gordon, hailed as the Father of American Dry Fly Fishing, developed new fly patterns and made fly fishing more popular in the country. Today, Livingston Manor and its surrounding towns in the Catskills remain one of the best places in the country to practice the sport. It’s a great place to learn more about the sport’s history, as it is home to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum.

While here, don’t miss out on the up-and-coming artisanal shops, amazing food spots, quirky boutique hotels and inns, and other independent businesses on Main Street and beyond. Experience what makes this hamlet the place to be in the Catskills region.

Livingston Manor Fishing: Fly-Fishing in Some of the Best Trout Waters in the US

Practice the art and sport of fly fishing in the place that inspired its modern form. Start your journey at Willowemoc Creek. This beautiful body of water, a major tributary of Beaverkill, is one of the most popular fishing spots in the Catskills. Its waters are regularly stocked with brown trout, but it has wild brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout as well. What makes it a great place to fish is that sections of the creek are open to public fishing. From Livingston Manor, a family-friendly spot to fish in the historic creek is via the Van Tran Flat Covered Bridge Park, which has fishing access plus picnic areas.

Another famous trout water that you can fish in the hamlet is Beaverkill or Beaverkill River. It’s enjoyed its reputation since the 19th century, which has, in turn, contributed to the depletion of its trout population. This, however, inspired many of its devoted anglers to launch a conservation movement. This movement has since inspired the basics of river conservation in the United States. Today, you can fish the river from various points, such as Jones Falls, Beaverkill State Campground, and the popular pools at the lower region of the river which offer public fishing access.

From Livingston Manor, you can access some of the best waters all over the Catskills region. There’s the mystifying Junction Pool, at the confluence of Willowemoc and Beaverkill where many trout stay for a period of time. The Delaware River’s East Branch, West Branch, and Main Steam are right nearby, known for their shad and smallmouth bass, as well as wild brown and rainbow trout. If you’re looking to fill your bucket with largemouth bass, head to Lake Superior in the town of Bethel. Cannonsville Reservoir offers common carp, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and alewife within its waters. If you happen to be in the Catskills during winter, head to Big Pond in the town of Andes, an ice-fishing haven known for its American eel, white sucker, and rainbow trout. 

Immerse in Small-Town Pride at Livingston Manor, NY

1. Enjoy the Hamlet’s Creative Atmosphere

Support Livingston Manor’s creative industry by shopping around Main Street, where you will find many up-and-coming independent boutiques, nice cafes and restaurants, and artisanal shops.

2. Learn About Fly Fishing

The award-winning museum is a fantastic place to learn about the history of the fishing technique. It even has a section called Wulff Gallery and Heritage Craft Workshop where you can attend workshops on fly tying and bamboo rod making.