Thanks to fairly consistent rains our rivers and streams are in reasonably good condition for trout growth, running just a bit below the average flow. Temperatures have been cool the last few mornings but by afternoon are reaching into the 70s, sending most who wish to fly-fish on to the tailwater streams, as is typical for mid-summer fishing.

Our morning walks up in the pasture are, as always, a wonderfully refreshing start to the morning. 

No matter the weather, we’re always uplifted by the cheerful chirps and calls of the songbirds, the bright colors of the meadow flowers dancing in the breeze, the sweetness of wild berries in the bushes and the thrill of watching an occasional bald eagle soaring overhead, its calmness easing the troubles of the world below. 

It’s a gift to be living in such a special place; and we are thankful every day for the beautiful balm of nature we are fortunate to be able to enjoy, just outside our windows.

It’s the time of year to slow down and relax, and enjoy leisure time with friends and family. Picnics and celebrations abound - including one this past Saturday, where the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild held their Annual Picnic at the Pavilion on the grounds of the Catskill Fly Fishing Center. About 30 - 35 gathered, including Catskill Legends Tom Mason, “Catskill John” Bonasera, and John Shaner, who were on hand to enjoy warm camaraderie, delicious food and have a chance to cast cane rods.

One rod that gained particular attention was a beautiful blonde rod custom built by master rodmaker John Apgar, Steward of the CFFC Rod Shop, for his friend Tom Mason, that he dubbed “The Friendship Rod”.

Tom, a rod maker himself, sent a heartfelt tribute to John after receiving the rod, which he described in detail. Tom stated “I have been around the rod making world long enough to know a great one when I cast it.” The rod, an 8-foot, 2-piece, 2-tip construction, is “a labor of love...constructed of perfect blond cane from my best friend (now deceased) Mike Canazon’s stash. The rod sports a beautiful Leonard-type grip of select cork, a Tiger Maple reel seat with nickel silver hardware and nickel silver ferrules. 

It is wrapped with Pearsalls gossamer primrose silk tipped in red, and an agate stripping guide. The taper is from friend Tom Smithwick that was developed over a number of years, and casts a 4 weight as well if not better than any other rods that I have casted. 

Pure delight! John also added his signature Jungle Cock feather tipped in above the cork grip.” Tom added that the rod was cast by the members of the Catskill FlyTyers Guild at their annual picnic (this member included) and “it was a delight to see the members’ faces light up when they cast this rod.”

I spoke with John Apgar, who teaches rod-making at the Museum’s Rod Makers Shop, and he described in detail how a bamboo rod is made. He explained that although he’s built many rods, Tom’s rod is only the second one of its type that John has ever made - labeled “TSS 002” for Tom Smithwick Special taper, and the second of such rods John has made, after his personal rod.

 He explained that each rod that is built has its own taper; these vary by only hundredths of an inch - and that it took Tom Smithwick 15 years to perfect the TSS Special taper used for this one!

Everyone at the picnic had the chance to cast the rod, and it casted beautifully; all agreed it was a masterful rod built by a master maker. John has just finished teaching a rod building class at the Museum; the next opportunity is coming up in the fall.

 He agreed to provide an abbreviated ‘crash course’ of instruction for Streamside readers (coming up next week) in the steps that go into building a rod, which can take up to a year or longer, depending on the time the student has to devote to it. Beamoc TU News - the first informational meeting of the soon-to-be-relaunched Beamoc Chapter of Trout Unlimited was held last Thursday at the Livingston Manor Library. 

Jesse Vadala, Engagement Manager of New York and Connecticut for Trout Unlimited’s Northeast Coldwater Habitat Program, traveled down from Albany to host the meeting, which included co-chairs Judy Van Put and Laura Colangelo, Directors Manny Zanger and Seth Cavarretta and other attendees. A full slate of officers, including President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Directors, are ready for the official launch on August 2 at the CFFC Summerfest celebration, where Jesse will have a Beamoc TU Tent for interested persons to sign up. TU is offering a year’s membership for new members at a reduced price of just $17.50. Member benefits include a one-year subscription to TROUT magazine, a TU calendar, an official membership card, discounts on car rentals and hotels, a TU decal, and membership in a local chapter. Additionally, $15 of the $17.50 membership fee is rebated to the local chapter (Beamoc.) 

Jesse has provided a link for those who are interested in signing up for the Beamoc newsletter and stay in the loop on happenings: https://mailchi.mp/5b8a38afc27c/welcome-to-beamoc-trout-unlimited

Those who are current members of Trout Unlimited in other areas will eventually be able to switch their membership to the Beamoc chapter once it is up and running and is approved by NYState TU.

The next informational meeting will be held at the Roscoe Library at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 25. This will be the last meeting before the official launch on August 2 at Summerfest. Hope to see you there!

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.