Roscoe

Fishing

The pioneers of trout fishing took to Sullivan County's waterways in the 1800s and, with a flick of the wrist and knot on a fly, a tradition was born.

Roscoe's Junction Pool, where the Beaverkill and Willowemoc creeks meet, is hallowed ground for anglers who wade into these waters—the supposed birthplace of dry-fly fishing. From the April 1 opening of trout season, folks are after the approximately 2.27 million catchable-size trout the state stocks each year.

At Beaverkill Angler (Stewart Ave. 607/498-5194. www.beaverkillangler.com), the official Orvis dealer in Trout Town, U.S.A., offers wade and float guide services and instruction. You also get the option to "test before buying" with a rental, and the fisherman-cashier can fill you in on the water temperature and fishing prospects before you climb into your waders. Catskill Flies (Stewart Ave. 607/498-6146. www.catskillflies.com) has everything a fly-fisherman could ask for, from Columbia sportswear and hiking boots to waders and casting lessons. And you can arrange for a licensed guide to accompany you for a day of fishing. A member of fly-fishing royalty, Joan Wulff breaks down the secret of the perfect cast into simple mechanics at the Wulff School of Fly Fishing (7 Main St., Livingston Manor. 845/439-4060 or 800/328-3638. www.royalwulff.com), the school she runs on the banks of the fabled Beaverkill.