It was another picture-perfect weekend signaling the start of August.

After a few hazy days at the beginning of the week, we awoke to delightfully cool mornings warming to sunny, breezy afternoons. River levels are still low, as can be expected during the summer months, with the Beaverkill at Cooks Falls flowing on Sunday afternoon at 116 cubic feet per second, less than the median average of 139 cfs but more significantly below the mean average of 301 cfs based on 112 years of record-keeping. Despite morning water temperatures in the mid-60s, temps rose well into the 70s by mid-day; we will need more rain and cooler temperatures before fishing opportunities on the lower Beaverkill will return.

The Willowemoc fared a bit better; despite similar low flows, water temperatures in the mornings through early afternoon in the upper reaches were more favorable. An impromptu fishing trip last week to the upper reaches/cooler tributary of the Willowemoc was relaxing, restorative and fruitful.

The air registered a pleasant 74 degrees, with relatively low humidity; the stream, flowing under a shady green canopy, was a cool 64. It beckoned me to take a few minutes and savor the peaceful tranquility: far from the din of the highway, the music of the burbling stream rippled and splashed against bedrock and boulders, trickling and tumbling over verdant green moss and a kaleidoscope of rocks. 

A mourning dove broke the reverie as she swooped down and landed on a fallen tree branch stretched across the tributary. She remained on her perch intrigued, watching. As there were no flies to be seen hatching on or above the water, I decided to fish below the surface. 

Opening my fly box, I selected a Royal Coachman, my favorite wet fly, and chose one I had tied a couple of weeks ago. As I began to cast, an American Toad added its trill to the soft buzzing of a pair of dragonflies. 

The couple followed me along the stream, seemingly interested in the fly at the end of my line. Lulled into a restful state, I was almost startled by a flash in the water below and a tiny tug on the fly - and instinctively raised the rod bringing in a feisty fish, its fight belying its small stature, the very prize I was seeking - the jewel of the Catskills, a Willowemoc wild brook trout. 

The diminutive creature was duly admired for its vibrant colors, the white leading edge over flame-orange fins, its green banded body punctuated by bright red and yellow spots, the wormy vermiculations over its back and dorsal fin; it then was given its freedom to dash away to safety. A few more casts resulted in a few more takes and misses, finally ending at a deeper pool, which gave up a much larger prize: a beautiful brookie with equally vibrant fins on a more bluish body, speckled with scarlet spots outlined in bright blue. The Catskill native was as energetic as could be, and was quickly released after capturing its image, perhaps to be caught on another satisfying sojourn.

The wonderful weather continued even into the city, where three days were spent under sunny 70s, breezy, blue skies - with delightful walks to explore the American Museum of Natural History, and on to Central Park playgrounds; upon our return home to the comfort of the Catskills, a busy social calendar satisfied the fishing community.

On Saturday, August 9, Dette Flies was the place to be! Dette Flies, now celebrating their 97th year, hosted their annual celebration and summer Pig Roast as a thanks to their loyal customers and friends. 

Matt Grobert was present at the Dette Flies shop to provide fly-tying demonstrations and fun fishing stories - and behind the shop, the much- anticipated Pig Roast was perfectly prepared by Seth Cavarretta. On hand were the extended Dette Family of Joe Fox, Joe’s mom Linda Dette Fox and Joe’s partner Kelly Buchta who, along with her parents Liz and Milt Buchta, made delicious sides and home-baked desserts. 

Linda, daughter of Mary Dette, served Mary’s all-time favorite Orange cake, an incredibly delicious dessert that almost stole the show. The extended Dette family and Dette Flies staff were all on board during the day, including staff members Seth, Patrick, Mike, Bob and Jared, to the backdrop of wonderful live guitar and banjo music by Freestone Flood, and the day was enjoyed by all.

The Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum welcomed all to their free Saturday Fly Tyers Series, held in conjunction with the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild, from 11:00 am till 3:00 pm. Attendees were able to see some of this week’s guest fly tyer CFTGuild member Phil Street’s exquisitely tied flies. Phil demonstrated how he ties four different flies; this week he shared his Cross Special, Wickham’s Fancy, Royal Coachman and Pink Lady Fan Wing.

And on Saturday afternoon, from 2:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. (or until they sold out) it was on to the much-anticipated annual Drive-Through Chicken Barbecue deliciously prepared by Tom and Diane Babich family, the Misner Agency staff and Livingston Manor Rotary Club. 

The annual event funds the Stephanie Babich-Youmans Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Stephanie’s parents and sisters in 2015 to honor her memory - that of a beautiful young lady who loved the outdoors and fishing, among many other pastimes - and is given each year to a graduating High School Senior pursuing a degree. Held each year at the Livingston Manor Rotary Park, tickets are purchased in advance; there were plenty of helping hands on board to run the packages of piping hot dinners up to your car to take home and enjoy.

Similar events are held in communities all across our county during these precious weeks of summer. They bring us warmth and camaraderie, long-lasting days of fond friendships and fun, joyful sounds of children at play, summer concerts at the bandstand, hot sunny days and cold ice cream cones, swimming holes and sandy shores - all of which add up to the memories we treasure. 

If only we could bottle them up like we do the sweet and savory fruits and vegetables from our gardens, cramming all the summer goodness into gleaming glass jars we store on pantry shelves to open and enjoy during the chill of winter. Make time to attend and support these events, spend time outdoors, and enjoy the wonders of nature - summer is special!

Judy Van Put is a long-time member of the NYS Outdoor Writers Association, and is the recipient of the New York State Council of Trout Unlimited’s Professional Communications Award.