LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY – July 29, 2025 – The Willo Preserve, a legendary fly-fishing property nestled in the heart of New York’s Catskill Mountains, is now available for $12.5 million, offering a rare opportunity to own one of America’s premier angling destinations. With a history stretching back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this 1,157-acre property boasts 2.6 miles of private frontage on the renowned Willowemoc Creek, making it a coveted jewel for discerning enthusiasts. The Willo Preserve holds a distinguished place in fly-fishing lore. It was on these very waters in 1904 that angling pioneer George LaBranche cast the first dry fly on fast water in North America, an event that profoundly shaped the sport. Even earlier, the “father of American dry fly fishing,” Theodore Gordon, found inspiration and enjoyment along the Willowemoc’s banks.
“The Willo Preserve is more than just a property; it’s a living piece of fly-fishing history,” listing broker + Hall and Hall Partner, Alex Webel.. “For the past 66 years, a dedicated fly-fishing club has meticulously managed these waters, preserving a legacy that includes notable members like esteemed writers Nick Lyons and Sparse Gray Hackle, and celebrated wildlife artist Milton C. Weiler.”
Beyond its storied fishing, The Willo Preserve offers an unparalleled natural sanctuary. The 1,157 acres encompass verdant forests of mixed hardwood, pine, and hemlock, with elevations rising over 700 feet from the creek bed. This diverse topography creates a haven for abundant wildlife, including Whitetail Deer, Eastern Wild Turkeys, and Black Bears, and features an extensive network of trails, old logging roads, and stunning waterfalls, providing endless four-season recreational opportunities.
Despite its pristine and private setting, The Willo Preserve is remarkably convenient. A future owner could easily transition from the hustle of midtown Manhattan to the tranquility of the Willowemoc’s banks in just over two hours. The vibrant hamlets of Livingston Manor and Roscoe (dubbed “Trout Town, U.S.A.”), offering a full complement of restaurants, stores, and amenities, are mere minutes away.
Key Features of The Willo Preserve:
- Historic Fishery: 2.6 miles of private, double-banked frontage on the Willowemoc Creek, historically managed for brown and brook trout, with a legacy tied to the origins of American dry fly fishing.
- Expansive Acreage: 1,157 ± acres of diverse forest land, offering exceptional privacy and year-round recreation.
- Charming Accommodations: A historic 1,200 ± square foot clubhouse (circa 1912) with four bedrooms, overlooking a stocked 2.5 ± acre pond, and a 1,400 ± square foot tenant house with three bedrooms.
- Natural Beauty: Multiple waterfalls, including one over 30 feet high, and a rich ecosystem supporting healthy wildlife populations.
- Unbeatable Location: Just two hours from New York City, and minutes from the charming towns of Livingston Manor and Roscoe, providing a perfect balance of seclusion and convenience.
“This marks the first time in nearly 80 years that The Willo Preserve has been offered for sale, presenting an extraordinary chance to become the steward of a truly exceptional property and to build upon its remarkable 120-year-old fishing heritage,” said Webel.
About Hall and Hall: Founded in 1946 as an agricultural mortgage company, Hall and Hall has evolved into the largest full-service rural real estate firm in the Rocky Mountain West, Great Plains, and Southwest, and Southeast regions. We offer comprehensive services, including farm and ranch brokerage, loan origination, appraisals, farm/ranch management and staff recruitment, auctions, and consultations on conservation easements and stewardship plans. With over 800,000 acres of land under management and a loan portfolio exceeding $1.2 billion, we are committed to providing unparalleled expertise and personalized service. Our unique partnership across offices in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Virginia ensures that clients benefit from deep local expertise combined with a broad national perspective, empowering them to make informed acquisition and management decisions. https://hallhall.com/
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