Catskill Fly Fishing Guides

Open

Closed

$

$$$

East Branch

5.0
Down-to-earth Delaware system guides with deep local roots. Boots splash through riffles, laughter drifts over the water, and nets fill.

$

$$$

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📍

Catskill Fly Fishing Guides

East Branch

$

Seasoned Catskill guides for Delaware River float and wade trips. Patient, expert instruction for all skill levels. Book a true Catskill experience.

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FIELD NOTES
5.0
(
35
)

The first light on County Road 17 hits the drift boats parked outside and the old sign over the guides' shop. Inside, you'll find well-worn gear, battered hats, and two of the Catskills’ most seasoned river hands tying up patterns before the day. There’s a steady rhythm of wader straps, coffee poured into battered mugs, and tackle set down just so.

What to Expect:

    🛶 Full-day and half-day guided float or wade trips on the Upper Delaware and branches
    🎣 Guiding from April–October, with custom fly selections for current hatches
    🦋 Teaching for all levels—beginners to seasoned anglers
    🐟 Patient lessons on reading Catskill water, from pocket water to slicks
    🥪 Simple shore lunches and honest river company

Important Information:

    ✔ Guided by owner-operators Rick McCombie and Steve (grouped or solo trips)
    ✔ Service: Guided fishing/trips only; call or email to book
    ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking and ground-level entry; wader/wheelchair transfers by prior arrangement
    ✔ Hours flexible based on trip launch; best to reserve well ahead for prime hatch windows

Haley's Pick 🍽️

You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.

Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.

The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.

Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.

It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.

– Haley @milehighandhungry
🔊
🔊
🔊

Local Insights

🦟 Sulphur Time: Mid-May through early June, the evening Sulphur hatch can get wild—book early for those dates.

📏 Best Flows: Upper East/West Branch fishes best around 500–900 cfs—check river gauges the day before your trip.

💡 Early Birds: Walk-ins can sometimes get same-week trips on rainy or slower weekdays, but prime weekends fill by spring.

🎒 What to Bring: Bring rain gear and polarized glasses—even on sunny days, Delaware glare can be tough on the eyes.

Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Tuesday: 10:00 AM–12:00 AM

Wednesday: 12:00 AM–6:00 AM, 10:00 AM–12:00 AM

Thursday: 12:00 AM–6:00 AM, 10:00 AM–12:00 AM

Friday: 12:00 AM–6:00 AM, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Best For

First-timers, dry fly chasers, anglers looking for seasoned river knowledge

COORDINATES

8560 County Rd 17 Unit 3
,
East Branch
,
NY
13756

What folks are saying

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Reviews praise both Rick and Steve for encyclopedic knowledge of the Delaware and its hatches, patient instruction, and a knack for putting both seasoned anglers and beginners right onto fish. Clients call out the guides’ ability to read water, teach on the river, and provide good company—no matter if it’s raining or the sun is high. Repeat guests and family groups mention learning new techniques every season, fair prices for full-value days, and successful days even during tough hatches. No negative patterns noted, though weekend and major hatch dates fill up fast.

Last updated on

October 9th, 2025

MOUNTAIN MAP

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Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Custom-tied Catskill flies; Rods & reels provided; Drift boat & wade trips; All skill levels; Seasonal hatch expertise; Fly fishing lessons

Best TimeS TO visit

Best booked for prime hatches (May–June) or September terrestrial season; weekday floats offer quieter rivers. Reach out in advance for Sulphur or Green Drake weekends.
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