The Father of American Dry Fly Fishing: How Theodore Gordon Transformed the Catskills

A PIONEER

Theodore Gordon transformed the Catskills into the birthplace of American dry fly fishing. Born in Pittsburgh in 1854, Gordon's path to becoming the "Father of American Dry Fly Fishing" took a decisive turn when tuberculosis forced him to seek healing in the mountain air. By 1906, he had settled near the Willowemoc in Liberty, leaving city life behind.

The Willowemoc, Beaverkill, and Neversink rivers became Gordon's sanctuaries — and his laboratories. While American anglers primarily used wet fly techniques (flies submerged under the surface), Gordon began corresponding with British angler Frederic Halford about the dry fly approach that was revolutionizing fishing in England.

Recognizing that delicate English flies wouldn't withstand the faster Catskill waters, Gordon made his greatest contribution: adapting fly patterns with stiffer hackles and sparser dressing designed to ride higher on mountain riffles. The Quill Gordon, his signature pattern imitating the Ephemerella subvaria mayfly, became the first truly American dry fly.

Under the pen name "Badger Hackle", Gordon shared both technical knowledge and thoughtful reflections. "Fishing is a perpetual series of occasions for hope," he wrote — a sentiment that still resonates with anglers today. Gordon was also an early advocate for conservation, raising concerns about industrial pollution threatening the Catskills' streams and urging environmental education in schools.

Gordon passed away on May 1st, 1915. Nearly five decades later, in 1963, Theodore Gordon Flyfishers (TGF) organization was founded to carry forward both his name and principles.

Today, TGF continues Gordon's mission by protecting coldwater fisheries and advocating for responsible watershed management. They understand that preserving his legacy requires safeguarding the waters where his innovations were born. Through their work, the legend of the man who pioneered American dry fly fishing lives on — not just in the rise of a trout to a well-presented fly, but in the continued protection of the waters he loved.

UPDATES

Part 1: The next round of Catskill-opoly games have just finished up. I went ahead and made a few more than the last run, but they’’ll probably go faster than expected. I’ll let you all know when they arrive.

Part 2: I’m teaming up with some great folks to put on more Catskill Crew community events in the coming months. If you want to chat just reach out and say hi.

Part 3: I screwed up, the puzzle ended up being far too difficult. Live and learn as they say. Currently cooking up a few new concepts — I’d rather do things right than do them quickly.

REPORT

ADOPT PETS

We've got a trifecta this week... Kicking things off with Cinder, a Labrador Retriever Mix puppy. Next up is Buckwheat, a fine-looking Domestic Short Hair Mix. Closing it out, we have Molly, our first horse, a friendly and independent Standardbred who loves bananas.

THE BULLETIN

The Forest Exchange: Delaware County nursery specializing in trees and shrubs for food production, climate resilience, and habitat creation. Bare root plants available until April 5. Plants can be shipped directly to you or you can pick them up on-farm in Jefferson. Order online @ theforestexchange.com and get 15% off with discount code: catskillcrew

Spring House Carpentry LLC is seeking a full time Carpenter’s Assistant for all phases of construction, from framing to finish carpentry, in the northern Catskills. Experience is preferred, but not required. You must, however, have an interest in carpentry and/or the desire to learn the trade in pursuit of a career in it. Must have a driver’s license. Bonus if you like to fly fish. Pay is between $20-$24 / hour depending upon experience. Email Bill.

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 23,000 friends?

LAND 

Ready to start a farm? Take a look at this old boarding home and evergreen tree farm in Jeffersonville. Built in 1890, it’s a whole lotta home with 10 beds, 4 baths, and 3,431 sqft. But not only do you get the house, you get the post and beam barn along with three greenhouses.

GAME

Feast & Friends, a Supper Club Series bringing a unique dining experience to the Catskills is back again. I can personally confirm the food is awesome, the portions are incredible, and DJ Harlan is like a cool breeze on a hot summer day.

I’m teaming up with the good folks over at Foxfire for their last trivia night of the season. Stop by. Grab a drink and a snack. Win some stuff. I’ll see you there.

Want a Featured Event with a poster? Reach out and say hi. 
Want to add an event to the Happenings section? Use the link below.

TUESDAY 25TH

Keegan Ales, Kingston - Trivia at 6:30pm

Tinker Street Cinema, Woodstock - Video Vault at 7pm info

Tubby's, Kingston - Cloakroom, Sunbloc, and Dream Fatigue from 7-11pm details

WEDNESDAY 26TH

Harana Market, Accord - Lumpia Rolling Class & Dinner from 6:30-9pm heck yeah

Orpheum Theatre, Saugerties - Movie night: Rats! from 7:30- 9:30pm tix

Bearsville Theatre, Woodstock - Performance by Noam Pikelny & Friends at 7pm get yourself a ticket

The Pines, Mount Tremper - Music Night with Black Water Choir from 7-9pm hey thats my fishing buddy

Avalon Lounge, Catskill - Sleepover Trading Co. Presents: Who’s That Girl at 7pm check it out

West Kill Supply, Kingston - Tubby's DJ from 4-6pm brookies

The Half Moon, Hudson - Half Moon Karaoke from 8-11:15pm sing it

Chemistry Wine Bar, Catskill - Paint and Sip Wine Glasses at 6:30pm cheers

THURSDAY 27TH

Harana Market, Accord - Live Band Karaoke at 7:30pm excellent

Seminary Hill, Callicoon - The Hound Books Presents: Neuroscientist Joseph LeDoux will read from his novel The Realms of Existence and play songs with Colin Dempsey from 6-8pm resy

Lost Book Shop, Delhi - The Lost Writers Guild from 6-7:30pm info

Ommegang Brewery, Cooperstown - Thursday Trivia

Skatetime, Accord - Thursday Adult Nite Lite from 6-9pm sweet

The Rosendale Theatre, Rosendale - Respect: This One Is For The Girls at 7:30pm (until Mar 30) tix

Tinker Street Tavern, Woodstock - Major Mayhem Karaoke at 8pm

Tubby's, Kingston - Baths + Fashion Club from 7-11pm info

West Kill Supply, Kingston - Trivia from 6:30-8:30pm deets

FRIDAY 28TH

Starlite Motel, Kerhonkson - The Catskills Cocktail Club from 5-10pm sip sip

Skate Time, Accord - Adult Skate with DJ Lemonade from 8pm-12am have fun

StüdiGroup, Hudson Valley - Own / Use Exploring Architect’s Homes tix 10:30am-1pm info

Bridge Street Theatre, Catskill - Ghost Dance: Picture of a Madman at 7:30pm details

Ashokan Center, Olivebridge - Creative Strings - A weekend of Jamming and Instruction more info

Bearsville Theatre, Woodstock - Horsegirl with Free Range at 7pm get a tix

Senate Garage, Kingston - Hudson Valley Tango Festival dig it

Tubby's, Kingston - Famous Mammals and The Spatulas from 7-11pm details

Unicorn Bar, Kingston - Strangehouse Presents Nightwave: An 80's Dance Party With Dj Tryst at 8pm have fun

Laugh it Up Comedy Club, Poughkeepsie - Tom Green Comedy Tour at 7pm wow

The Callicoon Theater, Callicoon - Becoming Led Zeppelin at 7:30pm (until Mar 31) tix

Scribner's Lodge, Hunter - Maude Adams Theater Company: "True West" from 6-10pm more info

Griffin House, Palenville - Crystals, Cocktails & Constellations at 8pm cool

SATURDAY 29TH

Phoenicia Playhouse, Phoenicia  - Flying Cat Music Show info

Sullivan County Audubon, Livingston Manor - Renee Davis, for a Woodcock Watch at 7pm details

Old Dutch Church, Kingston - Kingston Film Foundation Presents: The Straight Story, a David Lynch Tribute at 6:30pm details

Hunter Mountain, Hunter - The Annual Denim Dash Pond Skim from 9-2pm sweet

Levon Helm Studios, Woodstock - The Weather Station: Humanhood Tour at 8pm tix

Beattie Powers Place, Catskill - Neilson Chen & Company - Beethoven Piano Quartet & Bruch Trio at 3pm details

Orpheum Performing Arts Center, Tannersville - Passion Fruit Dance Company: Dimensions at 7pm tix

SUNDAY 30TH

Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook - Pony Up Rescue Collective presents the Spring Pony Party from 2-5pm info

The Department of Things, Kingston - BYOB Clay Workshop from 1-3pm details

Avalon Lounge, Catskill - Sunday Night Swim: A Monthly Ambient Series at 7:30pm

Levon Helm Studios, Woodstock - T Bone Burnett at 8pm tix

RMV Cellars, West Park - Wine Class from 12-1pm info

White Feather Farm, Saugerties - Kundalini Yoga, Meditation + Gong Immersion with HariPrakaash from 10-11:30am check it out

American House, Coxsackie - Pilothouse Paper Paint 'n Sip Fundraiser for Upstate NY PAW from 4-6pm details

MONDAY 31ST

🦅 Foxfire Mountain House, Mt. Tremper - Trivia Night at 6pm

Scramble Answer: HUDSON RIVER