River Basin Sport Shop feels like stepping into a timeworn Catskill outpost—the creak of the door, familiar chatter from behind the bench. Jars of tackle, bins of live bait, and the scent of oil and river mud set the tune for a morning’s rig-up.
What to Expect:
🎣 Reliable wall of hard baits, spinners, flies, and soft plastics
🐟 Live bait—shiners, nightcrawlers, and minnows in season
🧢 Honest advice, up-to-date bite reports, and river access tips
🪝 Last-minute lines, weights, hooks, and seasonal gear
🛶 Quick stop for river maps and local fishing regulations
Important Information:
✔ Walk-in service only; semi-retired, owner-operated outpost
✔ Shop is closed Mondays–Wednesdays and fully closed Oct–early March—call ahead for confirmation in fringe months
✔ Wheelchair accessible parking lot directly beside building, but classic narrow aisles inside
✔ Phone for product checks or seasonal hours: (518) 943-2111
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
📆 Spring Rituals: Shop reliably reopens early March; best bait and selection in April and May.
🎣 Bait Wisdom: Early Friday or Saturday beat the rush for live shiners during late spring runs.
🧑🦽 Aisle Note: Accessibility at door and parking, but classic narrow aisles and crowded shelves limit maneuvering inside.
📞 Always Call: Owner updates hours on the fly—call before big drives, especially outside prime season.
What folks are saying
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Locals praise River Basin’s steady stock of bait, authentic advice, and fair pricing. Owner is widely respected for his knowledge and plainspoken tips, especially on Catskill rivers and local access points. Shiners and nightcrawlers are reliably available early in the season, though late-season hours and bait selection can get sparse. Some reviews note the classic, no-frills setup means a smaller fly or high-end rod selection, but for bass, panfish, and trout basics, most say it's the stop they count on. Peak weekends and holidays bring heavier foot traffic and shorter bait supply—call ahead for in-season updates.
Last updated on
October 9th, 2025
From The preserve
Standout Dishes
Mountain Stats
The Selection
Accommodations
Course Stats
Angler’s Offerings
What You'll Find
Trout and bass lures; Live bait (shiners, nightcrawlers, minnows); Spinners; Soft plastics; Terminal tackle; Fly and spin gear; Local fishing reports
