Just in time for the opening of the 2015 fishing season, Willow Mixed Media, has begun production on a new documentary about angling in the Ashokan watershed. The program will cover the rich history of world-class fishing on the Esopus Creek and its tributaries, as well as contemporary angling throughout the region.
The documentary will feature the historic Catskill school of fly fishing along with trout tales and fishing lore. Ashokan Reservoir segments will highlight serious deep-water angling and relaxed family fishing. The importance of keeping the watershed healthy, clean, and attractive, for fish and people alike, will be the focus of fishery experts and scientists.
The documentary is being produced by Tobe Carey and Mark Loete for Willow Mixed Media, a not-for-profit arts and video production organization in Glenford, N.Y. Tobe Carey has produced and directed several historical documentaries about the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains, including Deep Water: Building the Catskill Water System (with Robbie Dupree and the late Artie Traum), Rails to the Catskills, The Catskill Mountain House and The World Around, and Sweet Violets.
Mark Loete is an accomplished professional photographer and a licensed NY State and New York City DEP Guide. He and Carey collaborated on the celebratory documentary “Shandaken Remembered” for the 200th anniversary of the town.
The Ashokan watershed film is funded in part by a grant from The Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program through a Stream Management Implementation Program grant.
The producers are seeking Ashokan watershed images and lore that might enrich the production. Contact us with any suggestions by email at video@hvc.rr.com. For more information about Willow Mixed Media visit us at willowmixedmedia.org.
Photo credits: Tobe Carey and Mark Loete collection.