Three rivers run through it

Ruminations on first day of trout season, By J.J. Kimiecik Roscoe - Within an hour’s drive of the Warwick-Florida area flow three trout streams of great distinction. The opening day of the trout season last Saturday seemed a good enough reason to pack up the camera and pay those three rivers a quick visit. Up the Quickway into Sullivan County. First stop at the Covered Bridge Access point on the Willowemoc. Not many fishermen but a beautiful flowing stream, made post card-beautiful because of the restored covered bridge. Next stop the famous Junction Pool where the Willowemoc and the Beaverkill converge in Roscoe, also known as “Trout Town, U.S.A.” Many fishermen and women and youngsters. Earlier, at 7 a.m., noted fly fisher Joan Wulff would make the first “official” cast of the year. Actor and fly angler Rip Thorn was to be there as well. The third stop was a slight detour to the Beaverkill Traders Antique Shop just outside of Roscoe. Larry and Robin McCarthy have a varied selection of vintage and usable fly rods, reels, lures and fishing-related items as well as books, magazines, etc. Back down old Route 17 to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum near Livingston Manor. Crammed this day with fishing enthusiasts enjoying complimentary soup, hot coffee, etc. At the museum, noted fly tyers Ted Patlen and Don Bastian were tying trout flies using legendary Ray Bergman’s vise and materials. Has to be the best small museum around. Stayed 30 minutes, could have stayed 30 hours. Back to Livingston Manor for a quick lunch at the Robin Hood Restaurant. Pleasant respite. Got off the Quickway in Monticello, headed for Forestburgh and then to Cuddebackville. Brief stop at the bridge over the Neversink River in Oakland Valley. A lone fisherman on a lonely stretch of water. Last stop at the Neversink Area Delaware and Hudson Canal Park in Cuddebackville. Back in Orange County. The swift run and deep pool at the base of the old stone D and H Canal aqueduct held a half-dozen anglers. Don’t need to catch fish here. Just being there is reward enough. Speaking of rewards. The aroma of fresh coffee and doughnuts from the porch of the museum was too hard to resist. A cream-filled delight was the fitting end to a delightful non-fishing opening day.