Learn to fish a legendary Catskill stream for wild brook trout with an expert guide.

Adventure Snapshot

🎣 Activity: Guided brook trout fishing experience and casting instruction
⏱️ Duration: ~5–6 hours on the water (start time customizable)
🥾 Distance: Less than 0.5 miles hiking to the stream, up to ~2 miles walking along the water while fishing
⛰️ Elevation: Minimal
🧭 Difficulty: All levels welcome, beginners encouraged!
📍 Location: Catskill Forest Preserve, NY
👥 Group Size: Private small group experience

Join us for a guided fishing adventure on one of the legendary trout streams of the Catskills

This hands-on experience begins with an introduction to fish behavior, casting technique, and essential fishing knots before heading to the water to put those skills into practice.

Your guide will walk the streamside with you throughout the day, offering instruction, helping untangle lines, pointing out promising fishing spots, and sharing insights about the local ecosystem. Beginners are absolutely welcome, no prior experience is necessary.

We’ll also cover the fundamentals of reading the water to predict where trout are likely to be holding and how to present a cast effectively in moving water.

If we’re lucky enough to land a legal-sized fish, we may have the option to responsibly harvest and cook it streamside over a fire with lemon and herbs, an unforgettable taste of the Catskills.

All fishing gear is provided. Participants only need to purchase a valid New York State fishing license (available from the DEC for as little as $5 for a one-day pass).

Unlike our scheduled group adventures, this experience is private and customizable. After choosing a date, we’ll work with you to fine-tune the details of the day, including start time, destination, and menu. Optional round-trip transportation from NYC can also be arranged.

What You'll Learn

🎣 The fundamentals of casting technique and fishing gear setup
🐟 How fish behavior changes based on time of day, weather, and insect activity
🌊 How to “read the water” to find where trout are likely to be holding
🪢 Essential knots and basic fishing rigs
🌿 The ecology of Catskill streams and native brook trout habitat
🔥 How to responsibly harvest and cook a trout streamside (when conditions allow)

The Destination Backcountry Difference

Why fish with us? Our licensed wilderness guides bring decades of experience exploring the waters and ecosystems of the Catskills.

Your lead instructor, Dave, is a local Catskills fishing guide with an intimate knowledge of the region’s streams, fish behavior, and backcountry environments. He founded Destination Backcountry in 2011 and has since grown it into New York’s largest wilderness guide service.

Over the years, his work has been featured on the Today Show and in publications like the Wall Street Journal, highlighting his signature ADAPT survival methodology.

This isn’t just a fishing trip, it’s a chance to experience the Catskills through the eyes of someone who has spent decades exploring its waters.

By the end of the day, you’ll leave with new fishing skills, a deeper understanding of stream ecosystems, and a memorable experience in one of New York’s most iconic fishing regions.

What's Included?

🎣 All fishing gear and equipment
🧀 Lunch: A healthy gourmet lunch and snacks during the adventure. Vegetarian and vegan options available, and we’re happy to accommodate dietary needs and allergies.
🔥 Optional streamside cooking of any legally harvested trout with herbs and lemon

Schedule

Start time is flexible between 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The schedule below reflects a typical 10:00 AM start.

10:00 Meet at the trailhead for introductions, hot beverages, and fishing instruction
~10:30 Streamside instruction and casting practice
~11:15 Guided fishing along the stream with instruction and support from your guide
~12:00 Lunch available along the water
~3:45 Return to the trailhead

All times are estimates. We adjust every experience to the pace and interests of the group.

The Destination

🎣 Our lesson takes place within the protected wilderness of the Catskill Forest Preserve, fishing one of the region’s legendary trout streams.

While Roaring Kill is one possible location, there are several excellent streams within a short drive. We’ll select the best destination based on current water conditions and seasonal factors, and we’ll confirm the location well in advance of your adventure.

What Do I Need to Bring With Me?

Must have

💧 2, 1-liter water bottles
🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes suitable for being outdoors near water
🥾 Footwear: Sturdy sneakers, trail runners, or hiking boots (an extra pair is a good idea)
🧣 Extra layers for breaks — and extra socks are recommended

Good to have

🌧️ Rain shell
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧢 Hat

FAQs

What happens after I book my adventure? You will receive a confirmation email for your adventure within 24 hours of booking. Your guide will reach out 7-10 days before your adventure with an update on trail conditions, weather, a final packing list, our adventure waiver, and more.

More questions? Visit our FAQ page here.