New York State's Great Western Catskills in Delaware County have long been a place for those who know the secrets of its waters. The best fly fishing spots, early season high water kayaking on the rivers, fishing from canoes on the reservoirs. What had been lacking are large bodies of water for recreational use, until last year. What changed was the New York City Department of Environmental Protection's opening up of most of the Cannonsville Reservoir for recreational kayaking, canoeing, sculls, and for small sailboats, like Sunfish. Last year over 400 people went through the process of getting a permit and steam cleaning their boats, and got to paddle on these pristine waters.
Historically, the City's reservoirs have only been open to fishing boats under permit. After much urging from the local communities the City agreed to run a pilot program on the western reservoir, the Cannonsville, which runs from south of Walton west and south towards Deposit and Hancock. This is a three year pilot program running from 2009 to 2011, after which the City will assess the benefits and local impact and determine whether to keep it open or possibly expand it.
Two steps are required to access the Cannonsville. First the boater will need a DEP Access Permit, which you can get online at www.nyc.gov or at local sports stores. Second is the Recreational Boat Tag, which you get once your boat has been steam cleaned. All craft must be steam cleaned prior to being placed on the water and permits affixed to the boats. The Recreational Boat Tag will last from 1 to 7 days. Full season Boat Tags will be issued by the DEP's Downsville office and will permit owners to leave their boats locked up at launch areas. Trailers are not allowed in the water and there is no camping at these sites.
For the 2010 season the NYC DEP has opened a ninth launch site at Roods Creek, on the southern side of the reservoir. This provides a second launch site for sailboats. Roods Creek joins the eight original launch sites at Mormon Hollow, Dry Brook, Speedwell, Patterson, Apex, Fish Brook Beers Brook, and Dryden Brook.
Boat Cleaning
Five boat cleaning businesses will be in operation in the towns surrounding the reservoir, in Downsville, Deposit, Trout Creek and Walton, and are detailed on the free brochure on detailing the new pilot program. The cleaning process will take about 20 minutes per boat, so make sure you give yourself enough time if you have a few boats. These vendors can issue a temporary pass and get their watercraft steam cleaned. When you visit these locations, please remember to support these local vendors and purchase your supplies from them. For those wishing to obtain a full season pass, steam cleaning services will be provided by the DEP Downsville Operation's office located on NYS Route 30. Call 607-363-7009 to schedule an appointment.
Boat Rentals
Here are a few options for renting boats, though you'll still need to have the boat steam cleaned. Als Sport Store in Downsville will be renting out canoes and kayaks. Call them at 607-326-3500 or visit www.alssportstore.com. Catskill Outfitters in Walton will be renting kayaks and canoes. Call them at 607-865-8827 or visit www.catskilloutfitters.com. Border Water Outfitters in Hancock will be renting canoes and they can be reached at 607-637-4296 or at www.borderwateroutfitters.com. Old Town Kayaks in Halcottsville will have both kayaks and canoes available. Call them at 607-326-4266 or visit their website at www.pleasantpheasantfarm.com. Catskill Outback Adventures has kayaks and canoes to rent out to the public, complete with car top accessories for transporting the boat. Call them for more info at 845-254-9888 or visit their website at www.catskilloutback.com.
Access is from sunrise to sunset and will run from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus weekend. The Delaware County tourism office is providing a brochure outlining all the information you need to know on the rules and regulations for the Cannonsville. You can receive a copy by calling 866-775-4425 and leaving your name and address or by emailing your request to info@greatwesterncatskills.com. You can download the brochure on the tourism website www.greatwesterncatskills.com.
Great Western Catskills Tourism
The Great Western Catskills is an easy day trip from New York City metro area, Albany, or Binghamton and a great weekend getaway or vacation destination for all. To learn about other great outdoor resources, Stay-and-Play Packages, camping in the western Catskills, and great events in our towns and villages, log on to: www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For a free travel literature including the brochure on the Cannonsville Reservoir, public fishing access map, antique trails, and other literature, call toll-free: (866) 775-4425 or e-mail: info@greatwesterncatskills.com.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Whether They’re Horsing Around or Being Footloose, for Kids Going to Camp, Summer Rocks In the Great Western Catskills
New York State’s Great Western Catskills in Delaware County have long been a playground for the young, a place where memories are made, and a place to come back to and share with your own kids. With summer in sight, it’s time for families to make plans for summer camp sign-ups for the kids. What could be better than your kids learning great outdoor skills and romping through the fields and woods of the Western Catskills.
Summer Camp choices
Horsin’ around is something kids are usually expert at. Now they can learn how to do it for real! Stone Tavern Farm in Roxbury offers many choices for horseback riding enthusiasts amidst 400 scenic acres. The farm offers half-day, all-day and overnight horse camp for nine weeks every summer. Each camp is one week long and there are also specialty camps on the weekends. “In addition to the camp we offer trail rides by the hour, multiple hours or overnight. The most popular trail is the picnic trail ride where you and your guest trail for an hour before coming to your private lunch down by the stream,” commented owner Danielle Burrows. For additional information, please visit: stonetavernfarm.com or call (607) 326-3600.
If your child is more of the dramatic type, our mountains have great offerings that will put them right in the middle of a scene from the Sound of Music. The Festival of the Performing Arts at French Woods the camp covers theatre, circus, dance and music in its programming, rounded out with sports like tennis, basketball, golf, waterfront games, horseback riding and more. Sessions run from just under three weeks to just under three months. For more information visit www.frenchwoods.com/music-camp.htm.
For the 24th year, the West Kortright Centre in East Meredith is sponsoring children's theater workshops, accommodating a range of ages and interest levels. The workshops, which focus on Shakespeare, music and general theater education, have drawn young theater enthusiasts from a wide range of nearby towns. For a program schedule, please visit: www.westkc.org or phone: (607) 278-5454.
Delaware County is also home to 4-H Camp Shankitunk in Delhi, a co-educational summer camp for children between the ages of 8-16. Campers live eight to a cabin for a week, with one or two counselors. Campers choose four of nearly 30 classes in which to participate in daily, and all campers bring home souvenirs. Information: (607) 865-6531 or log on to: www.4hcampsny.org/shankitunk.
Classic camp experiences can be found at Camp Hilltop in Hancock gives children the chance “to feel comfortable and excel in a non-competitive, structured and nurturing environment.” This co-ed private residential summer camp is for children ages 6-16 and sessions range from two to eight weeks. For more information, please call (607) 637-5201 or visit: www.camphilltop.com.
Frost Valley YMCA’s summer camp, just over the border in Ulster County, unites traditional camping with innovative programs, focusing on building and maintaining healthy lifestyles and reflects the interests and needs of a dynamic camp community. Campers participate in activities designed to build trust, teamwork and mutual understanding. There are four two-week sessions and one weeklong session for boys and girls ages 7-16. For additional information, call (845) 985-2291, ext. 301 or visit: www.FrostValley.org.
Great Western Catskills Tourism
The Great Western Catskills is an easy day trip from New York City metro area, Albany, or Binghamton and a great weekend getaway or vacation destination for all. To learn more about outdoor resources, Stay-and-Play Packages or any other activities in the western Catskills, log on to: www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For free travel literature, call toll-free: (866) 775-4425 or e-mail: info@greatwesterncatskills.com. For timely events in the area visit delawarecountytoday.com.
Summer Camp choices
Horsin’ around is something kids are usually expert at. Now they can learn how to do it for real! Stone Tavern Farm in Roxbury offers many choices for horseback riding enthusiasts amidst 400 scenic acres. The farm offers half-day, all-day and overnight horse camp for nine weeks every summer. Each camp is one week long and there are also specialty camps on the weekends. “In addition to the camp we offer trail rides by the hour, multiple hours or overnight. The most popular trail is the picnic trail ride where you and your guest trail for an hour before coming to your private lunch down by the stream,” commented owner Danielle Burrows. For additional information, please visit: stonetavernfarm.com or call (607) 326-3600.
If your child is more of the dramatic type, our mountains have great offerings that will put them right in the middle of a scene from the Sound of Music. The Festival of the Performing Arts at French Woods the camp covers theatre, circus, dance and music in its programming, rounded out with sports like tennis, basketball, golf, waterfront games, horseback riding and more. Sessions run from just under three weeks to just under three months. For more information visit www.frenchwoods.com/music-camp.htm.
For the 24th year, the West Kortright Centre in East Meredith is sponsoring children's theater workshops, accommodating a range of ages and interest levels. The workshops, which focus on Shakespeare, music and general theater education, have drawn young theater enthusiasts from a wide range of nearby towns. For a program schedule, please visit: www.westkc.org or phone: (607) 278-5454.
Delaware County is also home to 4-H Camp Shankitunk in Delhi, a co-educational summer camp for children between the ages of 8-16. Campers live eight to a cabin for a week, with one or two counselors. Campers choose four of nearly 30 classes in which to participate in daily, and all campers bring home souvenirs. Information: (607) 865-6531 or log on to: www.4hcampsny.org/shankitunk.
Classic camp experiences can be found at Camp Hilltop in Hancock gives children the chance “to feel comfortable and excel in a non-competitive, structured and nurturing environment.” This co-ed private residential summer camp is for children ages 6-16 and sessions range from two to eight weeks. For more information, please call (607) 637-5201 or visit: www.camphilltop.com.
Frost Valley YMCA’s summer camp, just over the border in Ulster County, unites traditional camping with innovative programs, focusing on building and maintaining healthy lifestyles and reflects the interests and needs of a dynamic camp community. Campers participate in activities designed to build trust, teamwork and mutual understanding. There are four two-week sessions and one weeklong session for boys and girls ages 7-16. For additional information, call (845) 985-2291, ext. 301 or visit: www.FrostValley.org.
Great Western Catskills Tourism
The Great Western Catskills is an easy day trip from New York City metro area, Albany, or Binghamton and a great weekend getaway or vacation destination for all. To learn more about outdoor resources, Stay-and-Play Packages or any other activities in the western Catskills, log on to: www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For free travel literature, call toll-free: (866) 775-4425 or e-mail: info@greatwesterncatskills.com. For timely events in the area visit delawarecountytoday.com.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Get Hooked On Fishing In The Great Western Catskills
New York State's trout season opens April 1 and for a growing number of fishermen, the lure of the Great Western Catskills makes Delaware County the place to be for this rite of spring.
Natural area trout streams, which eventually flow to the Delaware River, provide freestone stream fishing. These rivers combine with the Pepacton and Cannonsville Reservoirs to total 11,000 acres of water habitat. Constant reservoir releases of cool, clear waters have enhanced the West Branch and East Branch to create unique tailwater fishing. Optimal year-round trout conditions ensure the serious angler and the adventurous visitor the most challenging and demanding fly-fishing in the Northeast.
The Beaverkill, the East and West Branches of the Delaware River, the Willowemoc and the Bushkill are among the renowned trout waters that flow through Delaware County. The "Birthplace of Fly Fishing" has been popular among anglers for more than a century and each year Catskill rivers and streams attract new legions of fishermen.
While fishing in the region is great in every season (including ice fishing in winter!) the thrill of early season angling is unsurpassed. The sights, sounds, smells and of course the hatches of April and May converge to make Catskill Mountain fishing an unforgettable experience.
The easiest way to gather information about fishing in the Great Western Catskills is to contact the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, which offers a full-color fishing guide/map with public access points. The fishing guide may be ordered free of charge by contacting the Delaware County Tourism office at 866-775-4425, or by e-mail: info@greatwesterncatskills.com. Website visitors are welcome to sign up for e-mail updates at www.greatwesterncatskills.com.
For those in search of "trophy trout" the Pepacton and Cannonsville reservoirs present great spots to "land the big one." Fishermen on these waters will want to pack a camera, too. When their respective seasons open, trophy brown trout, smallmouth bass and pickerel, are among the species that challenge sporting enthusiasts on these waters. Fishing the reservoirs just got easier. The New York City DEP, which oversees these waters, has made it easy to get fishing permits for the reservoirs by placing it online. Go to www.nyc.gov and search for watershed recreation. Regular DEC fishing permits are easy to get at almost any local sports stores.
Seasoned fishermen recognize that the way to "live large" while seeking the big one is to rent a private cabin with all the comforts of home - and great fishing just minutes away.
From Downsville down to Hancock and Deposit, camping, affordable motels, and cabin rentals abound. Fish beneath the historic covered bridge in Downsville where lodging options range from on river Pepacton Cabins (www.pepactoncabins.com), the classy Yellow House B&B (www.yellowhouseny.com), or the always affordable Downsville Motel (www.downsvillemotel.com) - a favorites among anglers. The conveniently located Al's Sports Store in Downsville (www.alssportstore.com) supplies everything an angler needs - from gear to a private river guide. When fishing time is over, the Old Schoolhouse Restaurant (www.oldschoolhouseinn.com) is a great place to dine and spin some fishing yarns.
For fishermen visiting the Hancock area (where the East and West Branches of the Delaware River converge), a full service resort such as the West Branch Angler (www.westbranchresort.com) is a great place to stay. The resort comes complete with a restaurant, an Orvis store, and knowledgeable river guides on staff. Bass Cabins (www.golfandxski.com) is nearby too and let’s you (or the spouse) combine fishing with a love of golf at their French Woods Golf Course. Hancock boasts a fine new hotel, great motels and B&B’s both in and outside the village. After an exhilarating day on the water, anglers will enjoy telling fishing tales at the new Bluestone Grill (www.bluestonegrill.com). This casual eatery serves lunch and dinner, topped off by a popular list of homemade desserts.
For those visiting the Deposit area and the lower edge of the Cannonsville Reservoir, lodging options include the Deposit Motel, the new Eagle Valley Cabins (www.evcabins.com) or private home rentals, such as Dream Catcher Lodge (www.dreamcatcherlodgeny.com) with one mile of river front access.
But landing trophy fish is only part of the experience. The Catskill Mountains have a special appeal that makes "just being here" a large part of the attraction - catching fish is a special bonus.
To learn more about fishing in the western Catskills and the Upper Delaware River region, or finding the right campground or lodging host to stay with, log on to: www.greatwesterncatskills.com. Call toll-free: 866 775-4425 or e-mail: info@greatwesterncatskills.com.
When it's time to fish, visit the Great Western Catskills of Delaware County and "Let the magic of our mountains move you."
Natural area trout streams, which eventually flow to the Delaware River, provide freestone stream fishing. These rivers combine with the Pepacton and Cannonsville Reservoirs to total 11,000 acres of water habitat. Constant reservoir releases of cool, clear waters have enhanced the West Branch and East Branch to create unique tailwater fishing. Optimal year-round trout conditions ensure the serious angler and the adventurous visitor the most challenging and demanding fly-fishing in the Northeast.
The Beaverkill, the East and West Branches of the Delaware River, the Willowemoc and the Bushkill are among the renowned trout waters that flow through Delaware County. The "Birthplace of Fly Fishing" has been popular among anglers for more than a century and each year Catskill rivers and streams attract new legions of fishermen.
While fishing in the region is great in every season (including ice fishing in winter!) the thrill of early season angling is unsurpassed. The sights, sounds, smells and of course the hatches of April and May converge to make Catskill Mountain fishing an unforgettable experience.
The easiest way to gather information about fishing in the Great Western Catskills is to contact the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, which offers a full-color fishing guide/map with public access points. The fishing guide may be ordered free of charge by contacting the Delaware County Tourism office at 866-775-4425, or by e-mail: info@greatwesterncatskills.com. Website visitors are welcome to sign up for e-mail updates at www.greatwesterncatskills.com.
For those in search of "trophy trout" the Pepacton and Cannonsville reservoirs present great spots to "land the big one." Fishermen on these waters will want to pack a camera, too. When their respective seasons open, trophy brown trout, smallmouth bass and pickerel, are among the species that challenge sporting enthusiasts on these waters. Fishing the reservoirs just got easier. The New York City DEP, which oversees these waters, has made it easy to get fishing permits for the reservoirs by placing it online. Go to www.nyc.gov and search for watershed recreation. Regular DEC fishing permits are easy to get at almost any local sports stores.
Seasoned fishermen recognize that the way to "live large" while seeking the big one is to rent a private cabin with all the comforts of home - and great fishing just minutes away.
From Downsville down to Hancock and Deposit, camping, affordable motels, and cabin rentals abound. Fish beneath the historic covered bridge in Downsville where lodging options range from on river Pepacton Cabins (www.pepactoncabins.com), the classy Yellow House B&B (www.yellowhouseny.com), or the always affordable Downsville Motel (www.downsvillemotel.com) - a favorites among anglers. The conveniently located Al's Sports Store in Downsville (www.alssportstore.com) supplies everything an angler needs - from gear to a private river guide. When fishing time is over, the Old Schoolhouse Restaurant (www.oldschoolhouseinn.com) is a great place to dine and spin some fishing yarns.
For fishermen visiting the Hancock area (where the East and West Branches of the Delaware River converge), a full service resort such as the West Branch Angler (www.westbranchresort.com) is a great place to stay. The resort comes complete with a restaurant, an Orvis store, and knowledgeable river guides on staff. Bass Cabins (www.golfandxski.com) is nearby too and let’s you (or the spouse) combine fishing with a love of golf at their French Woods Golf Course. Hancock boasts a fine new hotel, great motels and B&B’s both in and outside the village. After an exhilarating day on the water, anglers will enjoy telling fishing tales at the new Bluestone Grill (www.bluestonegrill.com). This casual eatery serves lunch and dinner, topped off by a popular list of homemade desserts.
For those visiting the Deposit area and the lower edge of the Cannonsville Reservoir, lodging options include the Deposit Motel, the new Eagle Valley Cabins (www.evcabins.com) or private home rentals, such as Dream Catcher Lodge (www.dreamcatcherlodgeny.com) with one mile of river front access.
But landing trophy fish is only part of the experience. The Catskill Mountains have a special appeal that makes "just being here" a large part of the attraction - catching fish is a special bonus.
To learn more about fishing in the western Catskills and the Upper Delaware River region, or finding the right campground or lodging host to stay with, log on to: www.greatwesterncatskills.com. Call toll-free: 866 775-4425 or e-mail: info@greatwesterncatskills.com.
When it's time to fish, visit the Great Western Catskills of Delaware County and "Let the magic of our mountains move you."
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