Your Guide — George Holz

George grew up fishing the creeks, lakes, and rivers of East Tennessee, discovering fly fishing here in the Catskills under the mentorship of greats like Don Tracy, Lee Wulff, Roger Menard, and other local legends whose knowledge stretches back generations. He’s traveled the world photographing fishing, adventure, and “cast-and-blast” stories in places like Costa Rica, New Zealand, Australia, Montana, Wyoming, Hawaii, Florida, Oregon, Halifax, Belize, and Mexico, working behind-the-scenes as both guide and photographer. George fishes the region's iconic rivers — the Esopus, Beaverkill, Schoharie, East and West Branches of the Delaware, and their tributaries.

When not fishing, he’s scouting the ever-changing waterways, tying flies, managing the trout pond on his 25 acre farm, and traveling for work as a photographer.

George is friendly, knowledgeable, seasoned, and happy to guide all levels. Like most guides, he is deeply committed to conservation and long term protection of these waters. George is a board member of the Ashokan-Pepacton chapter of Trout Unlimited.

George is also a licensed small and large game hunting guide. Mentored by some of the “greatest generation” hunters in and beyond the Catskills, he is highly skilled in bow, gun, and muzzle loading, most often for turkeys and whitetail deer. While his work as a photographer has taken him to some amazing hunting destinations, his favorite continues to be the challenging and deeply personal Catskills in his own back yard. He teaches and guides all aspects of hunting, including multi-seasonal scouting, stalking, tree stand, and still hunting, tracking, bow practice, muzzle loading, harvest, and processing. Profoundly aware that each hunter develops her or his own style of hunting, George works on and off season to inform and support each client.

  • “Thank you for an incredibly special afternoon — both at your perfectly rustic farm, as well as down on the Esopus. Your wife is lovely and welcomed us with such warm hospitality. I was in awe of the natural beauty around us, but it was your guidance and patience that made an introductory afternoon of fly fishing feel so magical and complete. I am eager to get back in waders and continue the fly fishing journey. I do hope that our paths may cross again.”

    Brendan Hayes, New York

  • “Thank you so much for such an amazing day. You went above and beyond to make sure our experience was a success, particularly for Meg—that was a great catch at the end there!! Truly, thank you. Everything was spectacular and you were a top notch guide, showing us great spots and helping us every step of the way. Please thank your wife for the brownies. We are grateful we ended our weekend with you.”

    Kait M., Brooklyn