The old storefront hums with stories—boots creak on scuffed boards, daylight slants across vintage racks and fishing gear, and you’ll likely hear a friendly greeting the minute you step in. The place is part relic, part river supply: one foot in the past, one ready for tomorrow’s outing.
What to Expect:
🎣 Rotating selection of vintage and new fishing tackle plus river essentials
🧢 Local goods, gifts, and small-batch fly patterns tied just up the road
🌱 Flower and goods from local farms—unique in town
🛠 Old-school service, with real talk and honest opinions
🚪 Dispensary alongside gear and antiques—rare in the Catskills
Important Information:
✔ Shop owner usually on hand for questions, quick fittings, and advice
✔ Entry is step-free; aisles clear but vintage displays can be tight
✔ In-store shopping and pickup only; no online orders
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
🐟 West Branch Know-How: Ask for up-to-date Delaware hatch info—Ben tracks river trends, especially caddis and iso in late spring.
🎒 Nymphing Staples: The bins carry Catskill-leaning patterns, but don’t skip the oddball vintage lures for tough flows.
⏰ Guide Windows: Best time for personal fitting or trip tips is late morning before weekend crowds roll through town.
🪡 Offseason Swaps: Stop by in winter for spur-of-the-moment fly swaps or vintage gear finds when the river’s iced in.
What folks are saying
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Local anglers and curious visitors praise Fish Whistle for its knowledgeable staff (Ben gets name-checked), fair prices, and a selection that surprises—fly gear, vintage finds, and locally grown goods under one roof. The shop’s mixture of old tools, river supplies, and farm-sourced products stands out for those tired of sterile chains. Staff advice feels personal, not pushy. Most mention the shop as a fresh reason to stop in Hancock, though a few hope for more quantity and broader fly selection as the shop settles in. Busy times aren’t a headache yet, with all reviews positively rating the experience.
Last updated on
October 9th, 2025
