How is Fly Fishing Affected by Climate Change in The Catskills?

Benjamin LandFeb 13 2025Trout Fishing in the Catskills needs attention to detail.Ecosystems around the world are delicate. The one in the Catskills that supports the historic fly fishing culture is also a fragile thing. “ They (flooding) erode the banks. They get rid of all the indigenous trees that the roots hold, the structure of the stream back,” Doug Kluthe explained. Kluthe is a licensed fly fishing guide based in Phoenicia, New York. Kluthe grew up in the area where he learned from his grandfather, a contemporary of fly fishing legends like Lee Wulff and Art Flick. Like the fly fisherman that came before him, Kluthe is also a conservationist.And without those key trees and bushes, it prevents the flies from having a place to breed.”The New York State Climate Impact Assessment has reported that as waters warm, conditions may not support fish species that require colder water, like the prized indigenous fish of the Catskills, brook trout.Kluthe explained the trepidation he has experienced in recent times because of the sensitivity of New York’s native fish.“ All of a sudden we're in a heat wave, for the last two weeks and they (clients) really wanna go fishing and the water is up to 69, 70 degrees,” said Kluthe.“It's really hard for me to take people out and fish for trout 'cause I know there's a really good chance you're gonna kill these fish, so either I have to find water that's gonna be less affecting the trout's health, or I have to target different species.”There is still plenty to learn and catch with Catskills Fly Fishing Guide Service. Check them out for my info on guided fishing experiences and how to be better stewards of the aquatic environment.