Mike Walsh grew up a mile from the Beaverkill. He was casting a fly rod before he was ten years old, taught by his grandfather on the same runs he now guides for clients from around the world. He has spent more than two decades learning every riffle, pool, seam, and eddy on the Beaverkill, Willowemoc, and upper Delaware river system.
He is known for his patience with beginners and his ability to put experienced anglers into fish that other guides walk past. He does not take every client who asks — he is selective about who he guides because he cares about the experience on both sides of the rod.
Mike is an Orvis-Endorsed guide and a licensed New York State guide. He holds a first aid certification and carries full liability insurance on every trip.
A full day on the Beaverkill or Delaware — Mike's choice based on current conditions. Combination of wading prime runs and floating productive sections by raft. Best option for experienced anglers chasing wild browns.
Morning or afternoon session on the Beaverkill. Ideal for beginners, those with limited time, or anglers who want focused instruction. Mike works a handful of his most productive known pools.
The full Catskills experience — multiple rivers, multiple techniques, Mike's full knowledge. Cover the Beaverkill, Delaware, and Willowemoc across several days. Lodging recommendations provided. The trip serious anglers travel for.
Mike's personal notes on when to be on the water. Activity levels reflect typical years — conditions vary.
| Month | Key Hatches | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| April | HendricksonBlue Quill | |
| May | March BrownSulphurCaddis | |
| June | Green DrakeIsonychiaYellow Sally | |
| July | TricoPale Evening Dun | |
| Aug | TricoTerrestrials | |
| Sept | IsonychiaBlue-Winged Olive | |
| Oct | Blue-Winged OliveStreamers |
Mike walked me to a run on the Beaverkill I never would have found on my own. By 8am we had a dozen browns. He has been fishing that river his whole life — you can feel it in every step he takes on the water.
I am a total beginner and was embarrassed to book a guide. Mike made me feel completely at ease. By the end of the half day I was landing fish independently. His patience is extraordinary. Already booked a full day for May.
Three days on the Delaware with Mike. Every morning he had conditions figured out and put us exactly where the fish were. The streamer fishing on the West Branch in October was the best fishing I've had in 20 years. Worth every cent.