In the Great Western Catskills, the journey matters just as much as the destination. Follow the winding road along the Upper Delaware River and continue on into the headwaters where you’ll discover a few small towns: Deposit, Hancock, and Roscoe. Here, fishing traditions run deep, unique independently-owned shops beckon, and the river reminds you to slow down.
Your trip begins in Deposit, a classic river town with fly shops and lodging like the Troutfitter Fly Shop and Inn and Deposit Motel. Morning here should start the way locals do—with breakfast at a diner or Honey’s Cafe. Grab a booth, order eggs and coffee, and watch the town wake up. It’s the perfect fuel before heading out to explore.
The West Branch of the Delaware River flows right through town and offers several accessible spots for anglers looking to cast a line. Pull-offs and public access points make it easy to spend a quiet hour along the water. Even if you’re not fishing, the riverbanks are worth visiting just to hear the water flow over the rocks and birds chirping on the bank.
Follow West Branch downriver toward Hancock, one of the most scenic stretches of road in the region with plenty of opportunities to dip your toes in the water, cast a line and enjoy some sun.
Hancock sits at the meeting point of the East and West Branches of the Delaware River. Public access along the river makes it easy for visitors to find a quiet place to wade or simply watch experienced anglers work the current.
Stroll through Hancock’s walkable downtown. Small businesses like Kaybird’s line the street, offering everything from outdoor gear to gifts and regional products. The farmers’ market every Saturday boasts live music during the summer months. Fishwhistle Trading Post, a welcoming shop filled with outdoor apparel, accessories, and Catskills-inspired finds that make perfect souvenirs of your visit. Just down the street is All Sorts offering an eclectic mix of gifts, vintage finds, and curiosities that reward slow browsing.
If you’re looking for adventure beyond fishing, the river itself becomes the main attraction. OARS (Outdoor Adventure Recreation Services) offers guided rafting and kayaking trips along the Upper Delaware, giving visitors a chance to experience the river from a new perspective. Floating through forested banks and eagle habitat, it’s easy to understand why this stretch of water is so beloved.
After a day on the river, grab a bite at the Circle E Diner or Honest Eddie’s Taproom. Hancock’s laid-back dining spots make it easy to settle in, share stories from the day, and plan the next stop on your Catskills journey.
A short drive east brings you to Roscoe, famously known as Trout Town, USA. Here the legendary Beaver kill and Willowemoc Rivers converge, creating some of the most storied fly-fishing waters in the country.
Even if you’re new to fishing, it’s worth stopping at one of the many river access points to watch the rhythm of the sport. Early evenings often bring rising trout and anglers standing quietly midstream, casting lines that seem to float across the surface of the water.
Roscoe’s small downtown has its own share of discoveries. For a local favorite, make a stop at the Riverside Café and Lodge where you will run into outfitters relaxing after a day on the river. Meet up with friends and stay at The Red Rose Motel, a local landmark that has welcomed fly-fishers, thirsty neighbors and city escapees ever since it first opened in 1936.
For those seeking a bit more outdoor excitement, Catskill Pheasantry and Clays just outside town provides a chance to try sporting clays in a beautiful mountain setting—another experience that connects visitors to the region’s sporting traditions.
Build your own escape to the Catskills, one built around rivers, mountains, and genuine small-town hospitality.
What makes this corner of the Catskills special isn’t just the fishing or the scenery. It’s the feeling of stepping into places where time slows down, businesses are often family-run, and visitors are greeted like returning friends.
Follow where the water flows, take your time in each town, and you may find that what started as a simple weekend trip becomes the beginning of a tradition and an incredible story (or two) of your own. To help plan your trip, find more inspiration and planning tips at www.greatwesterncatskills.com.
Photo Credit:
- Bridge over the West Branch of the Delaware Photo by Nick Davis
- Honey’s Café, Deposit Photo by Taylor Marie Wagner
- Allsorts Hancock, Photo by James Vincent
- County Road 17, Photo by James Vincent
- The Red Rose Motel, Roscoe, Photo by Ivana Cajina