Since the debut of his first book, Dressing Flies for Fresh and Saltwater, in 1973 Poul Jorgensen has continued to provide innovative tying techniques and clear instruction through his outstanding photographs for all fly tyers. Poul is probably the most recognized fly tyer in the world and on April 1, 2001, the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum and Fly Tyer Magazine invite the fly tiers of the world to celebrate New York State's opening day of trout season on The Beaverkill River and Willowemoc Creek, birthplace of American dry fly fishing and participate in a special 75th birthday reception for Poul Jorgensen at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum at 4 PM on April 1. This reception will be held in the Museum in Livingston Manor, NY at 4pm. All are invited. Due to limited space for this no cost event, reservations are suggested; call The Center at 1-845-439-4810, fax 1-845-439-3387, email flyfish@catskill.net, or visit the CFFCM website at www.CFFCM.org to RSVP.

Come early and spend the day celebrating the opening day of New York's trout season fishing the Beaverkill river and Willowemoc Creek, spend some time in the Museum viewing all of the Flies 2000 and try some of the new equipment in the living exhibit Fly Tackle, Equipment, and Accessories 2001, see Poul himself tie some flies, and visit with some of the fly fishing celebrities, authors, and friends that will be at the Center throughout the day.

For years, the opening day of trout season in the Catskill Region has been a tradition to celebrate the rite of spring. National television crews, locals, out of town visitors, celebrities, and the cream of the fly fishing crop gather each year to officially open the season with a first cast and the hope of catching that first fish. On many first days the weather has usually been the winner, forcing the strongest of heart to the diners for commiseration among the brotherhood, while others end up on the other side of Agnes Van Put's famous soup at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and discuss previous season openers and the fish that hit short. But where traditions began, they continue and this year will be no different. In early April, Poul Jorgensen will celebrate his 75th Birthday. Just the mention of his name conjures up full dress Jock Scott's, innovative flies and tying techniques, many books written specifically for the fly tyer, and as a bridge connecting the legends from the past into the future. As Charlie Fox said many years ago, ...in Poul Jorgensen we have a fly tiers fly tyer. And combined with the opening day of New York's trout season on the Beaverkill and Willowemoc, it will be quite the day; and you should plan on being part of it.