Catskill Flies Vs The Beaverkill Angler

[Andy B]

Hi every one:

Well Here I am at my new job here in Allentown PA working for PPL (PA Power & LIght). I have been away for awhile in leaving one job that almost ruined me financially and physically to my new job where I just have come off probation and finally have time to start acting and being me again. Well lets get to the chase. Most of of you have visited Roscoe and have been to both fly shops. My experience with Catskillflies has been poor far as when it comes to fly tying material. Eiher the store does not have it or you are told that the item is out of season. I walk acrosss the street to the Beaverkill angler and get what I am looking for or they will order it for me and send it to my house. I can not comment on both stores far as knowleged of streams and hatches mainly because I never ask and am off fishing wet flies and streamers and every now and then Yes I fish a dry fly. Also I always feel at home in the Beaverkill Angler and had many freindly and warm conversations about fly tying and fishing my wet flies. At Catskill flies I feel like I an intruder that is treated with the attitude why are you asking that question, are you stupid or just a plain dumb rookie. It has taken a few of the Guild brothers to introduce me in this store to be treated with respect. I thought it would be interesting to find out which store you like better and why. Give some good experiences or bad ones if you have them. Me I am a fly tyer, I like a store with lots of materials for tying and has nice gear to use for fly fishing. The most important issue that makes and breaks a store is the customer service and hi how are you and if you need anything please ask. For me I now only visit and spend my money at the Beaverkill angler when I am up that way. I am just ready to make my first trip up that way in five months. To me going to Roscoe and the stores and eating at Ramondo's and fishing is like going home afer a very long time away.

Andy B

 

[catskilljohn]

First I would like to say,glad to have you back. You know what I mean.
To answer your question,I enjoy both shops,but would have to say that Catskillflies is where my heart is. The guys are Catskill 100%,and alot of Dennis's tying ethics are following Walt Dette,which to me is reason enough. I would agree with your opinion on material selection,they seem to carry materials for the flies they recommend. Not alot of other stuff. This to me is no big deal,because you can buy anything,anywhere with internet shopping. I go there for ACCURATE stream conditions,and honest talk about whats going on.
The Beaverkill Angler was just bought out by a young fella,and I haven't stopped in to say hello yet,but I plan to.
Again,Andy you and I had some "issues" and I hope we can put that behind us. John

 

[Eagle Claw]

I have found the guys at Catskill Flies always helpfull and always truthfull about what is happining on the streams, I am also 100 percent for the small fly shop concept over the big supermarket types like Cabella and Orvis. The small local shops are as much a part of the fly fishing tradition as the sport itself and like to see them prosper. With that said, I would not say anyting negative about either and feel the buyer should patronize whatever style he or she likes, we need these local shops. I have also been in Catskill Flys and was looking for somthing they did not have and they said "try the guy across the street", I think that was big of them and like the shop. Its nice to have two different shops in town, Orvis carries some stuff that is exclusive to them, you are telling me they have tying materials you need and Catskill Flys has the best and most honest stream condition site in the area and ties flys of their own creation. I say what a great mix, best to both of them. Dennis has never steered me wrong and has on ocasions said, "why are you buying more flys, you have what you need" I have met the new owner of Beaverkill Angler and he seems like a nice guy. Like I said best of luck to both.

 

[flyman23]

I often look at the Catskill Flies Website, they have good info updates on water flow and hatches just about everyday. I figure I should then pick up a few things I may need there, as opposed to elsewhere. Every time I go in that store I find I am in the midst of what I call "yuppie flyfishers" and I seem to be ignored by the staff. It must just be bad timing so I'll try there again. If I just need to pick up some tippet floatant ect. I've done well at The Little Store.

 

[dcabarle]

I've been in both stores. I think Dennis offers a better conversation than the guys across the street. Dennis seams to tell it like it is, he doesn't hold back, and certainly has a mind of his own. Some people might take him the wrong way, but overall, I like the guy.

The new website they have looks great and looks well thought out.

The only thing I don't like are their forums. Their no link to any other site that might offer you some additional information rule just ticks me off to no end. I understand they want to keep their customers on the site, but this is the internet. They seam to think they are hiding the rest of the internet from their users. Kind of a slap in the face to their users intelligence if you ask me. Anyhow, overall... I prefer Catskill flies over Beaverkill Angler. I found the guys in the Beaverkill (before the new owner) to be a little boring. At least when I 've gone into Catskill flies, Dennis has always given me a good laugh.

 

[AKSkim]

éclaircissement

Afternoon Lad's.

I have been in both stores on a recent trip to Roscoe and found both well run establishments.

However, I would like to add a very pleasant experience I had in the third shop located in that hamlet.

I believe the name of the establishment is Baxter House Fly Shop. I had a wonderful and enlighting chat with the proprietor Ken on several occasions. I found him very free with his information of the current conditions on the local streams and directed me in a couple of spots for me to try my hand at.

Back to the other two shops in question, could it also come down to Orvis v. Simms?

 

[JeffK]

I like Baxter House too - Ken used to be in our TU Chapter when he was a Jersey Guy, so I got to go with the home team. The hot flies he recommends have done well for me - between Ken and his guides you get a lot of accurate info about what's happening. They used to have Varivas hooks, which are hard to find.

Sometimes I like the general store vibe of the Little Store and like browsing through their old fly boxes. Never feel like they are pushing anything and the experience there is low key. Got some awesome CDC olives there that were the savior of one trip. And I like to see a place that stocks decent salted minnows.

Beaverkill Angler has an extensive collection of stuff and I can find oddball stuff if I need it.

Dennis at Catskill Flies adds a healthy dollop of local color. Since I check his website for streams conditions I feel I need to throw some business his way to support it. I have been happy with his flies so it is no sacrifice. Also, his fly selection seems just right - what you need without having to sort through a bunch of stuff you don't need.

And that's just Roscoe! The Catskills have plenty of good flyshops and I can always find one to fit to the mood I am in.

 

[Petergoodman]

In general, not taking into account the new owner of Beaverkill Angler, Catskill Flies will give honest info about conditions on the streams, unlike a lot of what you see on the internet. I have called up to see whether it is worth the drive, and on more than one or two occasions been told not to bother - you can't buy their stuff if you are not there, so I respect that. And if you are asking about different sections to fish, they don't just send every one to Cairns Pool, or other overly popular pools - I have been asked about what type of fishing I like to do, etc. But yes, there is not a lot of stuff there from a tying perspective.

Going back 30 years, BA was owned by an older couple, and they seemed to have every tying material known to man. They retired, and the new guys kept the concept of having lots of materials, but it seemed to me that I never felt that I got any good info from them, so drifted across the street for advice, but went to BA for snipe wings or such. Being Orvis affiliated, if you need something they do not have, they can order it for you - CA does not offer this, because they are on their own. If the new guy keeps the materials, and ups the friendliness/information aspect he should do well.

Here is how the two shops have operated together over time, however - When you go to Roscoe in late spring, of course both shops are open late. But in October it is hard to stay open for the 3 fishermen who come in on Wednesdays. I have noticed that the shops seem to coordinate when they are open and closed, so a fisherman always has somewhere to go - good for everyones business, good for the town, and good for me when I run out of 5X at the wrong time. kind of neat.

 

[khuhner]

Unfortunately, I have had the worst experiences at Catskill Flies. Yes, the web site is nice. But the staff isnt. They tend to be pushy, arrogant; not many locals go there. I had my first guide trip with them several years ago. I'll never go back...they made fun of my equipment and flies BEFORE we even left the store. :thumbsdow And the forum is way too strict.

Beaverkill is under new management. I have met the new owner and he is opening up the store. I'm hoping he does well.

I have had the best experiences with Baxter house house.

Dont forget Mary Dette's place. She IS THE NICEST one of the bunch. If you want some of the best flies and knowledge, visit her. She is a true local.

Kurt

 

[scotte303]

catskill flies

I am really new to fly fishing hoever here goes. My trip with my buddy to the delaware was cancelled because of illness in his family so I decided to go by myself seeing I had the day off anyhow. I went to catskill flies and hired a guide. I will start with the friedliness.
While in the shop, they just seemed to want to push me out the door without listening to any of my bs. OK, your busy but after the unsuccessful day back at the shop, there was no time to BS. Oh well, guess they dont like to BS. Then he said Ramaindos was not that good. My buddy who is italian by the way and he knows good food said we were going to eat there on our way back from the delaware. He was really looking forward to it.
As for the guides skills? I guess he was ok, however at 12:00pm on a sunny day I would be fishing the deep holes not the 1-3 foot ones.
well 230 bucks later 170 guide 40 tip 12 in flies plus tax,
I was not impressed. I thik I will try the Competition

 

[Burtbords149]

Dont forget Mary Dette's place. She IS THE NICEST one of the bunch. If you want some of the best flies and knowledge, visit her. She is a true local.

Kurt

I know this is an old thread but here goes. When I go to Roscoe and I want flies, bs, stream conditions, hatches or tying advice I'll go to Mary Dette's. There's something about being in the footsteps of a few of the world's greatest fly tiers. She also has so much to offer. Instead of trying to push her flies she showed me how she dubs her dry fly bodies so that mine at home would be better. I never feel pressured into buying something but if I ask a question I get an answer and some conversation. Did I mention she may be the world's greatest living dry fly expert/tier, and she's easily the expert on classic dry flies.

In the event that I need equipment I'll either go to Catskill Flies or Beaverkill Angler, most likely BA (Tiffany's as a veteran fisherman used to call it). Dette's doesn't carry many (if any) waders or rods.

Tight lines and tapered (Dette style) bodies

 

[Stonefly]

As Ken is a friend and fellow NJTU member his shop is always first on my list when in town. I also like staying at the B&B he and his wife Michele run next to the shop. BA is good for materials, but so is Ken and he will also order something for you if he doesn't have it. He has a dedicated group of local tyers that proved the "special local patterns" that work, no pressure to buying anything, and he is also an outstanding guide, as is Darren Rist a North Jersey TU member and licened NY Guide who guides out of the shop.

As to Cattskill Flies, I was in the shop when he was making fun of a young couple just into fly fishing , and couldn't believe the hard time he was giving them, and when then said they were from Bergen County, he went off on all things NJ, especially NJ anglers. I haven't been back in the shop since.

it was much better when Paul owned the place.

 

[mayfly18]

when did the Beacerkill Angler change hands?
new question , anyone know anything about the Antrim?

 

[catskilljohn]

Mayfly18,


It was about a year ago, maybe more. The new guy is great, always smiling and not at all pushy. I have been frequenting his shop quite a bit lately, its always a pleasure.

The Antrim? Looking good, but they seem to have ceased all work for about 2 months. I swing by ever 2 weeks, and nothing has changed [externally anyway] for a while. Should be nice when completed, but I wonder if a "high end" establishment will make it in Roscoe. I wish them all the best none the less. CJ

 

[mayfly18]

Thanks for the reply. I used to stay at ther Antrim many years ago, it cost $12 a night I doubt that it will be that when it finally opens.
I will have to stop in the Beaverkill Angler next time I get that way, I can still remember Budge Locke (sp) when he and his wife owned it, real neat people

 

[Andy B]

The Beaverkill Angler has changed far as fly tying material for the bad. I was always able to go into the store and get duck and goose quills of all colors, schlappen and various colored Danville Floss. The store is nice and the owner is nice to talk to, but like I said the fly tying materials that use to be is gone.

Ok on the other side of the street, Catskill Flies never really stocked fly tying materials and what he does have is limited. I have been going to the Baxter House because they have a little more material. Still can't find every thing I need.

Lastly, far as ordering tying materials I order from about five fly shops around the country, The rest of my materials I go to about 6 shops from Central PA to Western PA down into VA.

In closing it appears that the stores in Roscoe are more for rods, lines, waders and flies, leaders and such. Far as fly tying materials in stock, neither of the stores scores big at all.

Andy Brasko

 

[Catskill Mountain Man]

catskill flies wins hands down

 

[Soft-hackle]

Hi all,
Andy, I'd have to agree with your latest assessment. Both the stores are more equipment oriented. The Baxter House shop is small, friendly, and is about on the same level as the other two shops. I am amazed how much stuff Ken has in that small shop. I also like conversing with Ralph Graves, who spends a lot of time at Ken's shop.

I enjoy all the shops, there. I will occasionally find some tying materials I want. I don't get there very often, and having a real fly shop to go to is something I relish. I must, however, visit Mary Dette, which I've not done. I've spoken with Joe a number of times, and he's a great person.

Mark

 

[corlay]

Andy,
Good to see you posting, again...

Yep, they just don't make e'm like they used to, eh?
But check-out this shot a friend sent from the Kettle Creek fly shop in PA: (yowser!)

new rods, blanks, parts, tying material, flies, line, and ATTITUDE! (What more could you ask for?...)

 

[AKSkim]

Kettle Creek fly shop in PA: (yowser!)

Nice shop on Rt. 144 on Kettle Creek, just down from Hammersley Fork and Kettle Cr. Bridge. Very well stocked on EVERYTHING!

To your right and down the wall to the corner is some of the finest blended dubbing for fishing any PA stream!!!! I wish I had loaded up on the Mahogany.

 

[biot]

Phil Badachinno, the man in the picture has one of the best stocked shop's in the east. His dubbing colors for matching Mayfly's, Caddis, etc. are second to none, wether it be poly or natural.

Too bad he doesn't have a website but I've never had a problem when ordering over the phone from his shop. He's a great guy, very knowledgable. All the Dries that I tie are made from his dubbing selections and they match any Mayfly, on any stream in the Northeast.
Thing is he's hard to get in touch with during the winter months due to his Drag Racing addiction.
AS far as the shops in Roscoe, I'll patronize any of them except Catskill Flies. Dennis is a very arogant SOB and I have had words with him on several occasions so now I boycott his shop.
Anyone who is anyone in the Roscoe vicinity are very humble and will get my business well before some guy who thinks he knows it all and put's you down if you tell him your from NJ.

 

[klg neighbor]

Is he wearing earmuffs?

 

[AKSkim]

Corlay: Great photo thanks for sharing.

Biot: Ditto brother... one of the nicest guys you ever want to walk into his shop and just talk, ask questions, and that being just the first time in there.. I am not talking about being a regular.. stone cold off the street.

A gentleman.

 

[corlay]

<ping> Tiers:
Any opinions on the "Collins" hackles Catskill Flies sells? The price is right, and they say they use them to tie the flies that they sell, and it seems fine.

Opinions? Like do they compare well to Metz, at least?
much appreciated...

(I'm getting ready to stock-up on a few hackles for winter tying...)

 

[biot]

Tiers:</P>Any opinions on the "Collins" hackles Catskill Flies sells? The price is right, and they say they use them to tie the flies that they sell, and it seems fine.

Opinions? Like do they compare well to Metz, at least?
much appreciated...

(I'm getting ready to stock-up on a few hackles for winter tying...)

Corlay,
In my opinion they are much better than what now is called a Metz. If your in NJ for any of the Fly Tying/Fly Fishing Shows, you can get them directly from Mr. Collins himself and a much larger selection since he will be a vendor at these shows.

 

[JeffK]

I'm a Collins fan too, but buy more nen necks since I have more dry fly necks than I will ever use. The Collins necks have very interesting colors with hints of a bunch of subtle colors that make very natural looking flies. Much better than solid colors. For example, I have a natural black hen neck (natural black hens are tough to find - the dyed ones suck) where the feathers have a light gold border. They make really nice soft hackles and nymphs. It is better to sort through them in person, but if you call he will make a good effort to find what you want. I think he has some birds with Darbees blue dun blood in them for the traditionalist.

 

[wrangler]

i've had this same experience in the store. i'll never return. terrible way to treat customers.

As to Cattskill Flies, I was in the shop when he was making fun of a young couple just into fly fishing , and couldn't believe the hard time he was giving them, and when then said they were from Bergen County, he went off on all things NJ, especially NJ anglers. I haven't been back in the shop since.

it was much better when Paul owned the place.

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

I was in both stores this past weekend. I liked both owners, and found both stores to be well equipped. We were teased in both stores, and both owners joked around quite a bit and made fun of us for various reasons, but all was in jest and good-natured. There was a lot of traffic in Catskill Flies when we were there and I didn't see anyone subjected to ridicule, not even our friend from New Jersey.

I especially liked Catskill Flies - they were very warm and friendly, offered advice that proved useful and accurate and were overall a very pleasant couple. We even got a free fly-tying demonstration. I think I would prefer them over Beaverkill Angler only by the slightest margin, and when I go back to Roscoe I will make a point of visiting both stores and supporting them as much as my limited budget will allow.

 

[khuhner]

when I go back to Roscoe I will make a point of visiting both stores and supporting them as much as my limited budget will allow.

Dr. Gonzo:

Also be sure to check out Baxter House and most importantly, Mary Dette's shop.

Kurt

 

[jamiep]

I was in both stores this past weekend i like to mess around so i can give as good as i get in the breakin balls department.The beaverkiil guy was extremely nice.Catskill fly guy was breaking balls alittle so i gave it back
as soon as he heard my irish accent it was fair game from then on with the irish stories from pubs and all that bs with the back and fourth which i like i can see why people dont like it but alot of people are wrapped way to tight But he seemed to be a cool guy.he even gave me some free flytying lessons and some of his personal head cement and dubbing wax. all in all good people i have to say.Now i want to go by dettes and baxter house also