Contributed Story
ROSCOE — March 7, 2008 — The ceremonial “first cast” opening the 2008 New York State 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 Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis.
Pending his movie shooting schedule, Poland native Olek Krupa, an active television and film actor, who has appeared in television shows such as “Law and Order” and “Oz” and movies including “The Italian Job” and “Behind Enemy Lines,” will join Grannis and the Van Puts for the 2008 “first cast.”
For decades, the 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. The fly fishing community and local businesses gather at Junction Pool for this ceremony and reconnect with fellow anglers after a long winter.
Over the years, many celebrity and political fly anglers have participated in honor of this very special event. Flies are ceremoniously cast into the cold waters at Junction Pool, the confluence of the hallowed Willowemoc Creek and Beaverkill River that are joined and create the Big Beaverkill River, considered the birthplace of American Fly Fishing.
As always, a large crowd of ardent anglers, including Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, is expected on April 5 at Junction Pool. Local businesses will be providing hot drinks and breakfast snacks for the anglers.
After the first cast, anglers are invited to have a cup of coffee with Commissioner Grannis, Assemblywoman Gunther and mingle with other sportsmen and special guests before visiting the local fly shops, favorite fishing spots and diners.
Immediately following the first cast, guest fly tyer Ted Patlen will provide fly tying at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum (CFFCM), where a new season of exhibits will be on display. Ninety-one-year-old Agnes Van Put will start serving her famous soups in the Museum Gift Shop at 11 a.m.
From 10 a.m. until noon, Mike Canazon and the Bamboo Guys will host a Cane Casting clinic at the Livingston Manor High School gym. Everyone is welcome to cast some classic and contemporary bamboo fly rods.
At 5:30 p.m., the annual Two-Headed Trout Dinner will begin at the Rockland House.
For more information about First Cast activities, please call the CFFCM at 439-4810, send an e-mail to flyfish@catskill.net or visit the Web site www.cffcm.net.
For more information about the Two-Headed Trout Dinner, please call (607) 498-4139.