Posted on July 09 2026
Our own Dennis Molter brought home the gold in the Greater Stilesville Freefall Invitational today. It was a stunning upset over pre-event co- favorites, A-119 and Associate Editor Ed Smith. Smith, well known for his consistency has won numerous times on his home river, the Willow, and last year won the Red Barn Open in front of a packed house. A-119 is an experienced freefaller who has competed all over the country and in Canada. Most recently A-119 took gold in the Tar Hollow Classic with his freefall on the rocks.
Molter, (also an Associate Editor), is an accomplished athlete who has competed in swimming, basketball, golf, and to a lesser degree fly-fishing. He has had no known prior experience as a freefaller, (that is being investigated).
The freefall - With no cameras running, it's hard to describe the fall in it's entirety, but after talking with those present, here's what we were able to put together: It started with a backwards one leg hop, leading quickly to a back first emersion with a 180 roll, followed by two forward arm flailing lunges. The judges marked him down a point because the splash on entry wasn't high enough, he lost another tenth of a point for holding onto his rod but still easily won the event.
The fishing - Fished four places and caught at least one fish in each. Unless this was just a bad Dorothea hatch day, I would recommend staying up river of Barking Dog to max out the Dorothea hatch fishing. The fish continue to be large. I don't care what the DEC shocking indicates, there are very, very few two, (11/12 inch), and three, (13/14 inch), year old brown trout in the river. Enjoy the incredible big trout fishing now because a gap is being created, (by among others, the big browns), in the population.
Patrick McManus or Ed Zern couldn’t have written a better description of what must have been an epic event.
Particularly liked Chris’s description of Red Barn
Sounding more like Karins on the Beaverkill all the time!
🤣
Fished in Deposit yesterday. Bright sunshine brought the sulfurs early. Heavy hatch with lots of fish up. Got 3 nice Bows from 12-1:30 then they started ignoring the duns and went into boil mode. Only refusals for me after that. I agree the vast majority of fish seem unusually large this season. Drove by the Red Barn Pool which was insanely crowded! Guys on both sides of the pool and in the middle with casts going every which way! Was quite a site!
Angler119’- Your blog today was absolutely hilarious. Very cool. Ed
In regard to the 11/12 inch fish population, it was off the charts last year, which lead to the mid-teens bumper crop this year.
Angler119 and Dennis- I witnessed the performance in its entirety. And it was spectacular.The moves were incredible, the athleticism amazing and the addition of the theatrical element of the net over his face was the topper. I’d give a 10++. Seriously, Dennis ,I glad you weren’t hurt. I really enjoyed fishing with both of you.and watching you catch fish . As for me – the bench beckons. All My Best . Ed
Yes, green slop is present, so don’t let your fly hang downstream between casts. It will get much worse,
A119
We all need to be amazed that a novice attempted such a technically difficult freefall this early in his career. It only speaks to his unbridled dedication to the sport he loves.
USA…USA….USA!! 🇺🇸
I have been waiting all morning to see what was going to be written about my 9.5 double twisting front flip!! I did manage to hold on to my rod with my net over my face. I will say it must have been a sight to witness!!!! No injuries to report.
I hope to be on the river again Friday if you see a man with floaties on his arms please say hello !!
We need a little humor in today’s world..thanks for a great column today. I hear the green slop has started in the WB. True?