Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D-Forestburgh) announced the Assembly passed her resolution making the week of June 4-12 Fly Fishing Week in New York State.

"One of the best of the many things our state has to offer is our great outdoors, and excellent fly fishing in our streams and rivers like the Beaverkill and the Willowemoc," Gunther said. "That fly fishers from all over the country travel to our state to enjoy our abundant rivers is really something to celebrate."

Gunther noted that not only is fishing a regional pastime, but an important part of the economy that supplies $3 billion and 17,000 jobs statewide. The Catskill region is known as the "Birthplace of American Dry Fly Fishing," and is home to the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum and the National Fly Fishing Hall of Fame, in Livingston Manor, also known as "Trout Town, USA."

"Fly fishing is a way of life for many here in the Catskills," Gunther said. "With children spending more time in front of the television, I think it’s important to help encourage healthy habits like fly fishing. I applaud the work of the National Fly Fishing Hall of Fame preserving America’s fly fishing heritage, preserving fishing environments and teaching future generations of fly fishers."

Assemblywoman Gunther will present the resolution on Saturday at the 2nd annual Trout Parade in Livingston Manor.