Note: This section can also be accessed through www.streamecology.org

	River Types   Introduction   The Freestone River   Feeder Streams   The Spring Hole   Limestone Rivers   Tailwater Fisheries
	Energy Considerations: The Flow Of Life Through The River   Introduction   Stream-side Foliage And Its Role In Stream Ecology   Leaf   Wild Flowers   Macro Invertebrates   Drifting
	Glossary Of Terms
	References And Suggested Readings   General References   Background Readings (for the sheer fun of it)   Topic-specific References
	Journals of Interest
	Books of Interest
	Appendix: Genera And Species Of Salmonids And Their Geographic Distributions
	Essay: Trout Light, Trout Shadow by Dickson Despommier
	1999-2004 Willowemoc Creek Temperature Profiles (April - June)

Oak Leaf

Without an intact river ecosystem, trout cannot exist on their own. Without an intact river ecosystem, the sport of fly fishing will rapidly regress to the virtual web pages of the internet. The Catskill Fly Fishing Center fully acknowledges the inter-connectedness of all life on earth, particularly as it pertains to trout habitat, and is committed to helping maintain the health of all cold water ecosystems. Stream ecology lectures, demonstrations and stream walks are a regular feature of the Education Center and are given throughout the fishing season. Topics covered include geology, hydrology, physical attributes of river types, biodiversity (flora and fauna of the local region), energy flow (e.g., the fate of leaves and downed trees, algae and other sources of detritus), food webs, productivity, and stream management practices (e.g., Project Lorax, restoration of Darbee Brook, Project Access, Trout in the Classroom). All who have participated in these educational experiences have expressed an interest in knowing more about how they can help preserve and extend valuable cold water fisheries, such as those found in the Willowemoc Creek, Beaver Kill River, Delaware River system and other smaller tributaries of those highly productive ecosystems. These programs will undoubtedly grow considerably in both scope and extent of knowledge in each new presentation over the next few years when our educational facilities improve to accommodate modern audio-visual equipment and information storage.

Nothing is more crucial to the survival of fly fishing than preserving the very environment in which it takes place. We can all help by volunteering for programs designed to improve stream banks, monitor water quality, educate the fishing public regarding river ecology and lend expertise to programs wherever applicable. In this fashion, we all become strong advocates for our cold water fisheries.

(Click on the numbers for more info)

Written and illustrated by Dickson Despommier, Ph.D.
© Apple Trees Productions, LLC