Roscoe NY Fly Fishing Guide
Fly Fishing Guide Catskills Roscoe

Guided Fly Fishing Where It All Began. 

The rivers and streams of New York’s Catskills – the Willowemoc, Beaverkill, Neversink, and Branches of the Delaware - are the cradle of American fly fishing. As an expert angler and resident of the region for years, I love sharing my skills with clients during a personalized day on the water. It will be an experience you’ll never forget.

Our trips are walk/wade-based. I don’t use drift boats or any other devices when I guide. Instead, I work hand in hand with you to better your time on the water, right by your side. Whether you’re a novice or experienced, I will enhance your knowledge and skills and help you be a better, more confident and precise angler. 

Trips begin with an initial conversation, to gather information about your level of experience and understand what you’d like to gain from our time together. I then design a day for you on waters I’ve been fishing for years. Whether it’s learning and practicing the basics on the Freestones, or demanding, technical fishing on the tailwaters, I spend the day watching, coaching and teaching. I provide all the gear you’ll need, including flies I’ve tied myself that are specific to this region. All you have to do is show up. 

You’ll learn about everything from casting techniques to matching hatches, fly selection and the remarkable aquatic entomology, ecology and wildlife of my home waters. You’ll finish the day more skillful, more confident, more knowledgeable and with an enhanced appreciation of a remarkable sport that for me is a cherished way of life.

I believe fly fishing is never about chasing numbers or “how many can I catch today” but rather the development of technical skills and knowledge paired with a deep appreciation of the experience. We will see all kinds of wildlife – beaver, mink, even eagles and the occasional otter. I’ll teach you to read the waters you’re fishing, and how to work with them, to fit seamlessly into the environment. To me, the trout we’ll net are beside the point. My goal is to help you experience the special pleasure of fishing well, and I spend the day at your side showing you how.

Testimonials

“I've fished with a lot of good guides over the years, but Joe is quite simply THE BEST GUIDE I've ever fished with. He is a natural teacher, patient as can be and more knowledgeable than the day is long! Frankly, I would drive miles to fish again with Joe. If you want to up your game, you could not do better than to fish with Joe! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!” - Richard, Hudson Valley NY

“We had the best experience with Joe! My husband decided, at the last second, that our trip to New York would not be complete without a fishing trip. Joe was able to get everything together within one day. He is patient, extremely informative, and an overall pleasure to be around. It felt like a day on the river with a friend we’ve known for years. My husband left the trip feeling like an expert; we would highly recommend him as a guide to anyone looking to start fly fishing!” - Stephanie and Todd , California

“Wow! My wife and I had the most amazing time with Joe. My favorite fishing experience to date. He is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and he has a ton of fun while guiding. We learned a ton about where to look for fish and how to cast. I would highly recommend booking with Catskills On The Fly.” - Michael and Jacquelyn , NYC

“My partner and I spent an afternoon with Joe and it was everything we could’ve wanted and more! We were both new to fly fishing, and this experience ended up being our favorite part of the vacation. Joe is very knowledgeable about everything from the flies he makes himself to the right spots to find; he’s a patient teacher and a great conversationalist to spend a day with.” - Phoebe

“My son and I went out with Joe and had the best time. He was incredibly informative, enthusiastic and made fly fishing a lifetime sport for us. We went to a beautiful spot and felt very at peace in the nature. Joe’s communication was great, from arranging where to meet to setting up our gear to the actual fishing itself, we felt very confident with Joe. We will absolutely do this again!” - Ellen G , NYC

“A wonderful day with Joe. He's the complete package. He knows an immense amount about fly fishing, of course, and the waters of the Catskills. He's also a very gifted teacher. There were two of us with him, one a beginner and one intermediate, and we learned a LOT from him. He's also a good guy, and great company. Highly recommended, and next time we're in the area, we're going to hire him again.” - Peter, Southern Tier NY

“Excellent guide with extensive knowledge of the Catskills rivers & entomology. Joe taught me how to contact nymph and has me observing and reading water in a whole new light. I’d definitely recommend.” - Jimmy K , NJ

“I had the pleasure of fly fishing with Joe on the Beaverkill, and it was an unforgettable experience. Joe is a true expert in the art of fly fishing, and his knowledge of the Catskills area is exceptional. He not only corrected my casting and presentation techniques with precision but did so with the patience and enthusiasm. He also has an exceptional ability to spot rising trout and select the perfect fly pattern to match the hatch. Joe made my first Catskills experience unforgettable.I'm definitely booking with him again.” - Mahrad, NYC

“A must-do for anyone visiting the Catskills. Joe is the most wonderful guide, even for beginners at fishing. He’s got an encyclopedic knowledge of fly fishing, and is a patient teacher. He’ll help you appreciate the local ecosystem in a new way and take you on a wonderful adventure. He’s as kind as he is knowledgeable. Joe has a passion for fly fishing that will reel you in.” - Olivia and Sander , NYC

“Amazing experience in a beautiful setting! Joe is a great teacher and a great guy. He is so full of knowledge and passionate about the sport. Highly recommended!” - Tom M. and Son Max , Austin Tx

“I booked a trip for my husband and son. Joe did not disappoint . My son was eager to learn the art of fly fishing and my husband loves information. Joe delivered to the both of them. My son came home and told all his friends about the trip and has been teaching forward. My husband has not stopped talking about Joe and all he learned from him”. - Kathy , Boston MA

“Fantastic day on the water with Joe. Learned a ton about the fish, the River, the area, the flies, and casting throughout the day without even realizing it. Joe’s passion for fishing is contagious and I look forward to the next adventure!” - Marty , Long Island

“Had an amazing time out on the water. I came with very limited experience and Joe taught me a ton. From the basics to ways I can progress in the future. Also followed up with info on filling out my starter fly box!” - Brian, NY