NEW YORK, March 23 /PRNewswire/ -- For fly-fishing enthusiasts, April 1 is a red-letter day, marking the opening of the 2001 trout season in the Catskill Mountain Region. Excitement is building at the Catskill Fly-Fishing Center and Museum in Livingston Manor, New York, where preparation is underway for the first fly-fishing casts of the season. The day's festivities will kick off at 7:00 a.m. at Junction Pool in Roscoe. Heading up the action will be master fly tyer Poul Jorgensen and expert fly-fishing teacher Joan Wulff, together with special guest Sally Jessy Raphael, whose passion for fly-fishing makes her an enthusiastic participant.

Treats In Store
Early visitors will enjoy complimentary Danish and coffee served streamside; a noontime lunch of soup and crackers plus delicious home-baked pastries at the Catskill Fly-Fishing Center, where the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will lead a discussion on the initiative to enhance the Beaverkill/Willowemoc Creek fishery through development of a comprehensive watershed management plan. Tel: 845-439-4810.

The legendary Poul Jorgensen will demonstrate his unmatched flytying skills at 1:00 p.m., and a reception to celebrate his 75th birthday will follow at 4:00 p.m. Mr. Jorgensen is also speaking the previous evening, March 31, at the annual "Two-Headed Trout Dinner," to be held at 7:00 p.m. at Rockland House, with door prizes and a raffle -- a real bargain at $35 for a multi-course, prime-rib dinner; a special $8-menu is offered for children under 10 years. Ms. Wulff and Ms. Raphael will also be in attendance. Admission includes a hearty breakfast of pancakes, eggs and sausage the following morning at the Rockland Fire House, courtesy of Roscoe Kiwanis. Tel: 607-498-4741. All these festivities are open to the public.

Speedy Access
While professionals and dedicated aficionados cross continents to fish the trout-rich waters of the Delaware River, enthusiasts from the tri-state region can cast a line within two hours of leaving home. Jim "Coz" Costolnick, host of "In Search of Flywater" on ESPN2, marvels at the proximity: "Standing in the gem-clear water, looking out at the trees and watching as a white-tail deer hops by, you just can't believe you are only two hours outside of New York City," he observes. He describes fly-fishing as "poetry in motion." Also the owner of "Outdoor Adventures," which provides guide services and outdoor outfitting, Coz can be reached at 877-4FLYGUY.

Challenge of the Tail Waters
The vibrant water supply of the Catskill Mountain Region supports one of the strongest freshwater fish populations in the world. Providing optimal conditions for large browns and rainbow trout, the tail waters of the Delaware River's main stem and the point where it meets with East and West Branches attract experts and enthusiasts from around the world. Here, fly-fishing is at its most challenging, and the wild fish of these waters make worthy opponents, stronger and heavier by far than stocked fish. Catching them is no mean feat. Considered by many to be the purest form of fishing, fly-fishing requires exact precision in eye-hand coordination to move some 40 feet of fly line through the air and drop it into a target area no larger than a teacup.

Sophisticated Facilities, Fun Accommodations
A wide choice of lodging near prime fishing locations adds to the pleasure of a fly-fishing trip in the Catskill Region, and many well-stocked specialty stores can outfit a guest with all the necessary gear. Crane's Restaurant in Deposit rents out guestrooms above the dining room, each equipped with its own fly-tying bench -- 607-467-2406. The West Branch Angler Resort is situated on the banks of the West Branch of the Delaware River, offering guests front door access to the best wild trout fishery in the East -- 607-467-5525 or http://www.westbranchangler.com. To ensure you have all the necessary gear for your trip, check out Al's Sport Shop in Downsville -- 607-363-7740. Wild Rainbow Lodge and Outfitters in Hancock is also a terrific venue for anglers -- 607-637-4695; and The Delaware River Club, located just across the river in PA, can help plan all the details for an outdoor adventure -- 570-635-5880.

Expert Instruction
Among the schools in the region offering courses on the art of fly-fishing is the world-famous Wulff Fishing School in Livingston Manor, near the town of Roscoe, often referred to as "Trout Town U.S.A."

Classes at Wulff fill up quickly each year, recommended mostly by word of mouth. Courses cover a wide range of topics from trout biology to artificial flies, tackle, and techniques of fly-casting for guests of all levels of ability. Director Joan Wulff, possibly the best-known female fly fisher in the world, maintains an instructor-to-student ratio of one to four. This private, family-run business with no commercial connections is located on 100 acres of splendidly scenic property along the upper Beaverkill River. For details visit http://www.royalwulff.com or call 845-439-5020.

Located on the banks of the Willowemoc Creek, the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to preserving America's fly-fishing heritage, teaching future generations of fly fishers and protecting the fly-fishing environment. An environmental research center is under development here. Visit http://www.cffcm.org.

Tips for Planning a Fishing Trip
Everyone 16-years of age and over must have a New York fishing license to fish in New York State freshwaters. Licenses may be purchased at major chain and discount stores, sporting goods stores, campsites, and Town Clerk offices. Complete information is available on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Web site at http://www.dec.state.ny.us.

Preview the Catskill Mountain Region
The Catskill Mountain Region is an ideal choice for a spring escape, with diverse attractions for all age groups. The glorious landscape is superb for walking and hiking; sporting options are extensive. Visitors can explore the region's premier antique shops, art galleries, museums, craft shops, fashion boutiques, cinemas and theaters; or simply opt for epicurean indulgence, with a choice of many fine dining venues throughout the counties. For a preview, visit http://www.CatskillRegionToday.com.