After the weather took a nosedive, with temperatures heading down into the 20s the past few nights, torrential downpours and wind; it seemed that it was time to put our waders away for a while. And the realization set in that in just a few short weeks Thanksgiving and the holiday hustle-bustle will be upon us.

For those who are looking for gift ideas for their favorite trout fisher, this column is for you! There are many things to choose from - whether for a beginner, one with some experience, or an expert. And if the angler is interested in fly-fishing, the realm of possibilities is even larger.

Most trout fishers who have spent some time on the stream already have the basic equipment - a rod, reel, line and lures or flies, as well as waders for entering the water. Not everyone has a net - but anglers can land more fish with a net than without. The net bag allows you to hold the fish while you remove the hook without unnecessary handling or squeezing. A net can be hooked to your fishing belt or to the back of your vest and is most commonly attached to a retriever to keep it up out of your way when not in use.

A fishing vest or some sort of backpack or ‘saddle bag' is very handy in which to keep your basic equipment while you are fishing. It's here that you can store nippers, extra tippets and leaders, flies, dry fly flotant, sunscreen, bug spray, forceps for removing flies or lures that are difficult to dislodge, and a tape measure for measuring your catch…and all of the above are items that might be on a trout fisher's wish list.

Big-ticket items are a new rod, reel, or waders. But what about raingear, lures or flies - or better yet, for the novice, a basic fly-tying kit? Winter is the best time for tying flies, as the evenings are long; inclement weather often cancels plans -- and reading about or learning to tie flies can easily ignite or rekindle a fly-fisher's enthusiasm. There are many magazines, books and how-to instructional videos on the market that apply to fly-fishing, as well as techniques for fishing and catching more fish. Some anglers appreciate artwork - which brings to mind a perfect opportunity for those interested in purchasing any of the above-named items.

This coming Saturday, November 9, 2019, the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum is hosting The Arts of the Angler, a full-featured fly-fishing show! Here is an opportunity to find gifts for your favorite angler - or for yourself - including fly -fishing tackle and accessories, fly-tying materials and display flies, books, gifts, fishing destinations, instruction, guiding and services for the fly-fishing community. In addition, there will be a silent auction of collector's items.

The Angler Marketplace will be open on Saturday, November 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Wulff Gallery. And don't miss Morgan Lyle, author of Tenkara Today (reviewed in last week's Streamside) who will give a talk about Tenkara fishing. Copies of the book will be available for signing by the author.

The cost of admission for the day will be $5, half of the regular cost of daily admission to the museum. Food will be available for separate purchase. The Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum is located at 1031 Old Route 17 in Livingston Manor, N.Y. For more information, contact the Catskill Fly Fishing Center at https://cffcm.com/ or call 845-439-4810.

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.