FORGOTTEN MAPS

Welcome back. I’m hitting send from the open road, currently, somewhere in the fine state of Georgia. The road south has been kind so far, with minimal traffic, a bounty of jerky, and copious amounts of caffeine. This week’s edition is packed but unsurprisingly light on events with all the holidays. Hope you enjoy and I’ll see ya out there (when I’m back in 2 weeks).

A few months back, Marc Strang and Shelly Kennedy — life partners and owners of DROOZ & Company in Livingston Manor — received a call.

Whispers and word emerged of a rare Catskill fly fishing poster found at an estate sale a few hours north, in Ithaca.

Marc, like me, suffers from a lifelong and incurable fly fishing addiction. He moved fast. After reviewing photo evidence and studying the details, he knew exactly what he was looking at: the famed 1935 poster of the legendary fly fishing rivers of Sullivan County.

Without hesitation, Marc dispatched his son to Ithaca to secure it.

But when his son arrived, the call back wasn’t what Marc expected.

“It’s not an original,” his son said.
A pause.
“But… do you still want them?”

“Them?” Marc replied.

“Yeah,” his son said. “There’s a whole box of these. Labeled 1985 New Old Stock.”

They bought the box on the spot.

After digging in, Marc and Shelly learned the story: the maps were reprinted in 1985 by the Liberty–Monticello Kiwanis Club under the title The Angler’s Guide to Sullivan’s Big Five. The original artwork dates back to 1935 and was created by Cayton B. Seagers, documenting the region’s most storied trout waters — the Delaware, Neversink, Willowemoc, Mongaup, and Beaverkill.

How these maps ended up forgotten in a house hours north of the Catskills, we’ll likely never know.

The map is packed with beautiful hand drawn illustrations, fishing tips, and more than 250 prime fishing spots — equal parts a practical guide and a historic keepsake. The 1985 reprint faithfully preserves the charm, character, and artistry of the original.

A genuine piece of Catskills fly fishing history.

Now, Catskill Crew has teamed up with DROOZ & Company to give one of these maps to one lucky Crew Member. (You can also buy one here, in very limited quantity)

A lost artifact.
Found again.

The winter solstice arrived quietly in the Catskills. The shortest day and longest night are now behind us, and from here on out, we move slowly back toward the light.

Last winter brought ice. This winter, we can only hope for more snow. For now, the mountains, valleys, and rivers grow a bit more still as Mother Nature prepares for spring just around the corner.

I put down the 5 weight trout rod and winter midge patterns, and grabbed my tree trunk of a 10 weight with a box of Clouser Minnows (a fly pattern that mimic baitfish) to go for red drum, pompano, snook, jacks, and whatever else I can find down south.

Worry not, I’ll still hit send on every edition of Catskill Crew, until the day I die. After that, it’s the next persons responsibility to carry the torch.

In the meantime, all shipping will be on hold until the first week of January.

The Catskill Crew Dinner Club is back once again — this time, in HUDSON on Jan 15th at 7pm. Take the quiz, get matched, and come out to meet some new friends. You can book your seat here!

Remember walking into the video store back in the day? Browsing those aisles, searching for the sought-after new releases or old cult classics, which were almost always rented out. I even have fond memories of getting whacked with late fees, or the dreaded “didn’t rewind” fee — sorry Mom. Well, the same experience is back, minus those fees.

Tucked inside Catskill’s historic Community Theatre, Sleepover Trading Co. has cultivated retro heaven in their space, with a vision to preserve the legacy of a 20,000-title collection of VHS tapes.

This isn’t just nostalgic resurrection, but rather, an invitation to appreciate the art of analog. A movement that continues to pick up speed under the stewardship of owners Rob Ribar and Guido Sanchez. Their shelves are packed with films you won’t find anywhere else, and yes, you can rent them — as well as a VHS player.

To really understand what makes Sleepover Trading Co. so special, go listen to my friend Brett talk about it on the Kaatscast podcast. And if you’re unfamiliar with Kaatscast… it’s time to fix that.

Anyone who lives out here knows our homes can take a beating. Between the mud, the dust, and the dirt, it can be hard to keep things clean — but Pink’s is the remedy.

They’ve got us covered from windows and skylights, to trim and beams, bathrooms and kitchens, gutters, garages, basements, and all the places that are out of sight or hard to reach.

They’re trusted near and far, with hundreds of five-star reviews to back it up. Your home works hard. Pink’s will keep it looking good.

Want to spread the good news to over 40,000+ Crew Members?

Crew Quarterly Four envelopes mailed to your door, stuffed to the brim with Catskill Goodness. P.S. I’ll plant a tree for each letter sent. Pre-order your Winter Edition today.

Catskill-opoly Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Catskills. Just be sure to secure your trash to avoid the bears and dodge the snow storms so you don’t get stranded. Hope you enjoy.

Puzzles Now that winter has officially arrived, it’s time to keep the fire going and break out a good puzzle get yours.

Pocket Tees Good for the trail, by the fire, or six feet under a sugar maple. Screen printed on Comfort Colors. Get one.

Last week’s Scramble: Shawangunk

PROPERTY: c.1860

PETS: Cooper the pup, Claire the cat, and Keeper the Yellow Nape Amazon.

SKY: Look toward the southwestern horizon at 7:09 PM on the 26th to see a conjunction between Saturn and the waxing crescent moon.

SIGHTINGS: Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)

Catskill Crew is 100% free and independently owned and operated (heck, it’s just me). Your contributions go toward keeping the Crew going so we can have more fun and build more community. I appreciate any and all support my friends! - Michael

ADD AN EVENT

Keegan Ales, Kingston – Trivia Break Tuesdays with Andre: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party - at 6:30pm check it out

Night School, Athens – These fine folks are holding it down on Christmas Eve for all your festive needs, thanks Johnny and Nate.

Merry Christmas - I hope there is snow.

Colony, Woodstock – Jeffrey Gaines w/ Belle-Skinner at 7pm tickets

Keegan Ales, Kingston – Feast of Friends at 8pm enjoy

Pearl Moon, Woodstock – Brian Mitchell & Friends Holiday Blues Show! at 9:30pm more details

Bethel Woods, Bethel – Celebrate Kwanzaa with Music, Dance, and Unity! at 6:30pm tune in

Seminary Hills, Callicoon – Jazz on the Hill at The Tasting Room at 5pm have fun

Skate Time, Accord – Adult Skate with DJ Lemonade! Dress as your favorite holiday movie character at 8pm groove

Andes Hotel, Andes – Karaoke Night with DJ Tito: British Karaoke at 8pm she loves you yeah, yeah yeah

Unicorn Bar, Kingston – Filthy Lucre: A Burlesque Christmas Carol at 8pm
details

Avalon Lounge, Catskill – Emo Night at 8pm get tix

Bearsville Theatre, Woodstock – Robyn Hitchcock Performing “John Wesley Harding” at 8pm see more

Catskill Art Space, Livingston Manor – Bach, Unplugged at 4pm if it’s baroque, don’t fix it

Colony, Woodstock – Rick Danko Birthday ft. Prof. Louie & The Crowmatix w/ The Woodstock Horns at 7pm tickets

Keegan Ales, Kingston – Malt & Metal Holiday Meltdown with Shadow Witch, Mama Doom & Tony Xmas at 8pm check it out

Pearl Moon, Woodstock – Bossa Nova Dinner with Boreal at 7:30pm enjoy

Madame Fortuna, Narrowsburg – Oysters and Champagne Party: Deck the Halls at 5pm take a look

White Feather Farm, Saugerties – Kundalini Yoga, Meditation + Gong Immersion with HariPrakaash at 10am details

Skate Time, Accord – DJ Harlan at 6pm get groovy

Unicorn Bar, Kingston – Sapphic Film Series & Reflections on a Screen present: PARIAH at 5:30pm have fun

Unicorn Bar, Kingston – The Naughty List at 9pm enjoy

West Kill Supply, Kingston – DJ Tolton & Just a Taste Food Truck let’s boogie

Shamrock House, East Durham – Irish Sunday Session at 1pm discover

Rosendale Theatre, Rosendale, NY – The Testament of Ann Lee at 2pm see more

Tinker St Tavern, Woodstock – Woodstock Backgammon Club at 1pm take a look

Colony, Woodstock – Honky Tonk Last Sunday w/ Hudson Valley Flyers at 7pm tickets

Pearl Moon, Woodstock – Jay Collins Gravy Train – Jazz Brunch Sunday at 11am enjoy

The Ashokan Center, Olivebridge – New Year’s Winter Camp 2026 all week long

Pearl Moon, Woodstock – Henry Ferland Trio: Acoustic Jazz Dinner Show at 6pm see more

Phoenicia Playhouse, Phoenicia – Movie Night: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark at 7pm discover