Since 1993, we have been preserving, protecting, promoting, and enhancing the Catskill fly-tying heritage.

About Us

Our Story

In 1993, Floyd Franke and Matthew Vinciguerra founded the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild with a four-part vision:

  • Preserve, protect, and enhance the Catskill fly-tying heritage.

  • Promote the work of contemporary Catskill fly tyers.

  • Foster a community where members can share information and knowledge.

  • Cultivate the next generation of Catskill fly tyers.

The members of the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild believe that the development of fly fishing in the Catskill Mountains of New York is synonymous with the development of fly fishing in the United States. This rich heritage forms the cornerstone of the guild’s ongoing efforts.

Monthly Meetings

We hold monthly meetings that provide opportunities for learning, sharing, and connecting with like-minded fly tyers. Our in-person meetings are hosted at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum (CFFCM) in Livingston Manor, New York., adjacent to the renowned Willowemoc Creek. These meetings offer a unique blend of education, history, and the opportunity to fish one of the top streams in the Catskills.

During the winter months, we conduct virtual meetings to ensure the safety and convenience of our members. These virtual gatherings have expanded our reach, allowing members from across the country and internationally to participate. Links to these meetings are sent directly to guild members.

Membership & Gazette

Join our vibrant community for just $20 per year, billed every February. Membership is non-refundable but offers invaluable benefits:

As a member, you'll receive six issues of our newsletter, the Gazette, delivered via email every two months. Each issue is packed with rich history, detailed fly patterns, and a wealth of information. To learn more and explore past issues of the Gazette, click on the Gazette link at the top of this page.

Catskill Fly Tyers Guild By-Laws

LMarch 22, 2018

  • Catskill Fly Tyers Guild

  • Roscoe, NY

  • The guild was formed with the following purposes in mind: Preserve, protect and enhance our Catskill fly tying heritage.

    Work cooperatively to promote the education of present-day fly tyers.

    Provide ways for the sharing of information.

    Promote the development of a future generation of Catskill Fly Tyers.

    To take any other action and to do other things incidental to, or necessary or desirable in connection with the foregoing purposes.

  • Any person interested in the objectives of this organization shall be admitted for membership in the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild upon payment of dues.

    Application for membership shall be accompanied by the correct amount of dues.

    The Executive Committee may from time to time establish various honorariums for members with privileges, powers and voting rights as they shall determine. Admission to special membership will be by vote of the membership.

  • The Executive Committee shall recommend the amount of annual dues. The dues amount shall be approved by the membership at the annual meeting.

    Dues are payable by the annual meeting (February). Members not paid by March 31 of that year shall be dropped from membership.

    Normal expenditures shall be approved, and checks shall be signed by one of the four officers.

    Expenditures other than mailing costs, materials and printing shall be discussed at meetings and approved by majority of present members. Bills and receipts shall be retained.

  • The annual meeting of the guild will be held in February. The place will be determined by the Executive Committee and the membership shall be given 15 days notice prior to the date.

    The regular monthly meeting – membership shall be advised at least 15 days prior as to time & place.

    Special – A special meeting may be called by the Executive Committee.

    Quorum – Eight members shall constitute a quorum for conducting business at a regular meeting or a special meeting.

  • Elected officers shall consist of four officers.

    The President will be the chief executive officer of the Guild and will preside at all general, annual and special meetings. The President will appoint all standing and special committees. The term will be 3 years. The president shall be a member ex-officio of all Committees, except the Nominating Committee.

    The Vice President will preside in the absence of the President and perform duties as assigned by the President. The term will be 3 years.

    The Secretary shall record and maintain minutes of all meetings and report same to the Guild. Will notify membership of the time and place of meetings and maintain the list of members. Coordinate publicity, activities and local events. The Secretary will preside in the absence of the President and Vice President. The term will be 3 years.

    The Treasurer shall collect and deposit dues, pay bills, maintain the financial records and report on same at each meeting. Coordinate with secretary. The Treasurer will preside in the absence of the President, Vice President and Secretary. Term to be 3 years.

  • Executive Committee will consist of the 4 officers who may conduct any business needed between meetings, approve expenditures not to exceed $500.00 with an annual accumulated cap of $800.00 of such expenditures, or call a special meeting if necessary before the next scheduled meeting.

    Nominating Committee – President to appoint three members to actively seek and be responsible for nominations and elections. (They will pick a chairman among them.)

    Audit Committee – President to appoint three members who will review financial records and make report at the annual meeting for the previous calendar year. (They will pick a chairman among them.)

    Programs & Events Committee – shall consist of 5 members. Each will have specific duties covering meeting programs and special events.

    By-laws Committee – shall consist of 3 members who review the by-laws each year and address any proposal made.

  • An amendment may be proposed by any member to be considered at any meeting. Should the members present fulfill a quorum and vote to submit the amendment to the full membership, the Secretary will send a ballot with a copy of the amendment to the total membership within ten (10) days following the meeting. The ballot must be returned within thirty (30) days of date sent. A two-thirds vote of responding members will carry the amendment and will be reported at the second meeting following the sending of the ballot.