INFO SHEET 2025

WE PROVIDE:

Fly fishing rod, reel, flies, snacks and drinks.

RENT IN ADVANCE:

Waders and wading boots. Bring your own if you have them.

If you plan on fishing again, it might be prudent just to buy a pair of waders in advance of our trip. We can help you with some suggestions.

BUY IN ADVANCE:

MANDATORY LICENSES & PERMITS TO GET BEFORE YOUR TRIP:

1. NYS fishing license: resident or non-resident

   https://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6091.html

2. Free NYC DEP Watershed Recreation Permit—some of the water we'll fish is under their jurisdiction.

   https://a826-web01.nyc.gov/recpermitapp/

WHAT TO BRING SUGGESTIONS:

Don’t spend a lot on new clothes. You already have most of what you need to wear under your waders or can improvise. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about what to bring.

• Rain jacket, short is best— long-sleeved quick-dry shirt — sun hat with brim.

• Comfortable clothes to wear under your waders: long underwear, leggings, preferably polyester/spandex or fleece that wicks away moisture. Avoid cotton.

• Good non-cotton wool-type socks, several pairs

• Extra set of clothes

• Something warm: fleece/wool jacket, pullover, or vest

• Sunglasses (preferably polarized, helps you see through the water)

• Sunscreen

• Bandana

• Bug stuff

• Personal supplies, prescriptions

• Snacks, especially if you have specific dietary needs or restrictions.

• Spare glasses or contacts

• A few waterproof bags/ziplocks

• Cell phone camera

• Fingerless gloves during cold weather

• Headlamp/flashlight

• Your vehicle

If you bring your own rods and reels: (let us know if you’re bringing your own gear)

• 8.5 or 9-foot rod with a 5 or 6 weight forward floating line is most versatile for our local rivers.

• 3-4 weight rod for smaller streams.

• 10.5 ft. 3 or 4 weight for Euro-Nymphing

• Feel free to reach out with any fly fishing gear related questions.

HELPFUL ADVICE:

• Dress in layers. Bring extra clothes. The weather changes suddenly up here and it gets colder on the water than you’d expect.

• Don’t spend a lot on clothes. You already have most of what you need to wear under your waders.

• Most anglers slip their waders on and off outdoors from the back of a truck, so wear something underneath that you are comfortable wearing in public.

• Wear sunscreen!

• Bathrooms are accessible at several area restaurants and of course at the Holz Farm, where beginners will learn some basics and gear up. We’ll schedule in bathroom and coffee breaks as needed. Some more remote spots may not be as bathroom accessible -– we’ll plan accordingly.

• We’ll provide picnic lunches and snacks and a cooler. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know. If you have allergies or restrictions, please bring your own food.

• If you have personal, dietary, clothing, or other concerns, feel free to reach out to my wife Jen. We want you to be comfortable!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Will you drive us?

No. You should bring your own car and follow me. (Insurance regulations)

Where do I change? Can I wear my gear to local restaurants?

Some anglers slip off their waders on the roadside by their vehicles and wear whatever they have on underneath into local establishments. That said, there are lots of anglers in these parts, so you’ll definitely see some wearing gear in a restaurant or bar.

I’m very experienced and don’t need much instruction. Can you just guide me to the best locations and help me get gear if needed?

No worries! I’ve been doing this for 35 years and have fished with all levels. I understand that the experienced angler values time on the water above all else. I’ll direct you to licensing and gear providers, guide you to hidden gem spots, some very remote, show you what the fish are taking, and get out of your way while you hit the water.

Are fishing spots hard to get to? Will I do a lot of hiking?

That varies — from easy access places with fairly flat entries, to really challenging off grid spots that require substantial hiking. Bear in mind the current factor as well –– some spots are deep and fast, others are pretty tame (also dependent on the water level) Some can even be fished from the shore. We’ll plan your trip around your physical comfort and skill level.

I have a mixed group of ages and levels.

Great! I can usually handle two or three people by myself, beyond that, I will bring in a second experienced guide.

What is it customary to tip a fishing guide?

Whether the fish are biting or not, it's customary to give a 15% to 20% tip to a hard working and knowledgeable guide.

George and Jennifer Holz 1118 Woodland Valley Rd. Phoenicia, NY 12464

George (cell and Text) 917-797-2817 Jen (cell and text) 845-800-4540 Home 845-688-7661

campholz.fish.game@gmail.com

redjen15@gmail.com

www.holzfarm.net

There is no cell service in Woodland Valley and some areas we’ll be fishing. You will get service until just past Boiceville with occasional service in the town of Phoenicia with Verizon. We have Wi-Fi at the farm.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Real Time Stream Conditions on Esopus Creek:
  https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/01362500/ #parameterCode=00060&period=P7D

• Local Fishing Lore, History and Hatch Chart:
  https://catskillanglingcollection.org/

All participants will be required to sign a copy of the Camp Holz Fish & Game Waiver/Release of Liability.

We’ll provide you with a copy to sign before you start. You may also download it here.