Anglers converge on Junction pool for First Cast

ROSCOE, NY — The ceremonial First Cast opening the 2008 trout season will be held at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, at Junction Pool. Hosts Ed and Judy Van Put will share the stream with New York State DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. Pending his movie-shooting schedule, Poland native, Olek Krupa, an active television and movie actor, will join Commissioner Grannis and the Van Puts for this year’s First Cast.

For decades, First Cast has been very much a part of Catskill fly fishing traditions to provide a meeting place for anglers to officially recognize the opening of another trout season. Flies are ceremoniously cast into the cold waters at Junction Pool, the confluence of the hallowed Willowemoc Creek and Beaverkill River that join to create the Big Beaverkill River, considered the birthplace of American Fly Fishing.

As always, a large crowd is expected, including Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, local businesses providing hot drinks and breakfast snacks and many ardent anglers. Immediately following the first cast, guest fly tyer Ted Patlen will be at the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum, where a new season of exhibits will be on display. From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Mike Canazon and the Bamboo Guys will host a Cane Casting clinic at the Livingston Manor High School Gym, and everyone is welcome to cast some classic and contemporary bamboo fly rods. Ninety-one-year-old Agnes Van Put will start serving her famous soups in the Museum Gift Shop at 11:00 a.m. On Saturday evening, the annual Two Headed Trout Dinner will be held at Rockland House starting at 5:30 p.m.

For more information on the Two Headed Trout Dinner call 607/498-4139. For more information on First Cast Activities, visit cffcm.net or call 845/439-4810.