A Fly Fisher’s Revelations: Nick Lyons and Judy Van Put on Ed’s Final Book
Key Takeaways
- Nick Lyons was coaxed out of retirement at the age of 93 to help bring Ed Van Put's final book, A Fly Fisher's Revelations, to publication.
- Ed Van Put dedicated over five decades to studying, fishing, and protecting the rich waters of the Catskills as both a legendary angler and a New York State fisheries biologist.
- Ed's wife, Judy "Obie" Van Put, shares intimate stories of Ed's gentle demeanor, his meticulous journaling, and his lifelong passion for river conservation.
- The discussion highlights Ed's contrarian approach to fly selection, emphasizing the philosophy of presentation over complexity on the water.
- Listeners get a heartfelt look at how Ed's decades of securing public fishing rights and cold-water releases left a lasting legacy on Catskill trout fishing.
Ed Van Put spent more than fifty years studying, fishing, and protecting Catskill waters — and in the process became one of the region’s most respected fly fishers and fisheries biologists. In this episode, Nick Lyons returns to Kaatscast to share the story of how Ed’s final book, A Fly Fisher’s Revelations, brought him out of retirement at age 93. Joining Nick is Ed’s wife, Judy “Obie” Van Put, who offers a deeply personal portrait of Ed’s life, his gentle nature, and his lifelong devotion to the rivers he loved.
Together, Nick and Obie trace Ed’s journey from a curious New Jersey kid to a principal fisheries biologist for New York State, his meticulous fishing journals, his contrarian approach to fly selection, and his decades of work securing public fishing rights and cold‑water releases. They revisit Ed’s favorite flies, his philosophy of presentation over complexity, and the stories behind his landmark books on Catskill trout fishing. It’s a celebration of a man whose knowledge, humility, and passion shaped generations of anglers — and whose legacy continues to ripple through Catskill waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the book A Fly Fisher's Revelations?
A Fly Fisher's Revelations is the final book by renowned Catskill fly fisher and fisheries biologist Ed Van Put, capturing a lifetime of wisdom on rivers, trout, and angling philosophy.
Who joins Nick Lyons to discuss Ed Van Put's final book?
Nick Lyons is joined by Ed's wife, Judy "Obie" Van Put, who provides a deeply personal perspective on Ed's life, his gentle nature, and his dedication to Catskill waters.
What was Ed Van Put's professional background?
Ed Van Put worked for many years as a principal fisheries biologist for New York State, dedicating his career to protecting Catskill waters and securing public fishing rights.
