BDFC News and Notes
The History of the BDFC
Bob Dwyer of Binghamton, NY was an ardent trout fisherman. When he passed away on December 31, 1969, his friends decided the best way to honor his memory was to organize a fishing club and name it for him. Charter club member, the late Pat Grimes of Bovina Center, NY and friends could not think of many better memorials, thus was born The Bob Dwyer Fishing Club, founded in 1970.
Bob passed away after a bout with cancer. His love of fishing and his courage and determination could be seen as he continued to camp and fish along his favorite Catskill streams despite his illness. His appreciation of the wonders of nature could best be reflected in his comment, “Nothing is as beautiful as a male brook trout in the fall when he dons his mating colors,”
A lifetime of fishing the Catskill Mountain waters found Bob Dwyer staying in the Downsville area until his World War II service. After the war, he and his young children stayed at the Hoyt Farm off the junction of Miller Ave. and Bramley Mtn. Rd. in Bovina. Later, they stayed with Margaret and Charlie Eisele outside of Kelly Corners and finally with Martha and Jack Hewitt at their Crystal Springs Farm in Denver along the banks of the Batavia Kill. The Hewitts would continue to host the BDFC annually after it was formed and, for many years now, the club has made the Mountain Brook Inn in Bovina their headquarters for their annual spring and fall gatherings which both culminate with a Saturday night meeting/trophy presentation dinner.
Each year, trophies are awarded to members for the largest brown and brook trout caught by its members that season. Trophy winners must have caught their fish only in Catskill rivers and streams, not lakes or reservoirs. The Bob Dwyer Trophy is awarded for the largest brown trout caught that season.
The Perry Dimmick Trophy is awarded for the largest brook trout caught for that season. The Dimmick family has long been associated with the Catskills. An early ancestor, Col. Noah Dimmick was the Commander of Ft. Monroe, VA during the Civil War. Perry and his father, Keudelka Dimmick were both born in an old stone house at the headwaters of East Branch in Grand George. Perry’s son, Dave is a 11-time PD Trophy winner and his great-grandfather, Perry and great-uncle, Lem of Canada Hollow near Margaretville attended the old school house just outside of Margaretville. The cemetery in Arkville was once called Dimmick Cemetery.
The Ray Williams Trophy is awarded for the largest trout caught during the designated fall club fishing week. In honor of Ray Williams, gourmet cook, worldly scholar and trout professor. He was a true friend of the BDFC.
The Pat Grimes Trophy i s awarded for the largest trout caught during the designated spring club fishing week. Pat Grimes of Yonkers and Bovina Center (Tunis Lake) is credited with establishing the BDFC. Bob met Pat through his brother-in-law, Tom Kerr who lived in White Plains. After Bob’s passing, and despite blizzard conditions, Pat came to his funeral in Johnson City with a huge trophy, announcing the establishment of the BDFC to honor Bob’s memory. This was the beginning of amazing friendships that have grown for over 50+ years and fellowship that now spans three generations.
The Father Tom Keating Sportsman Award is given annually to the member who best lived, promoted and conducted himself to the benefit of the BDFC values, membership, goals and club charter. The recipient will best position the club for success, including teaching, promoting camaraderie and support toward each other and in furtherance of our trout fishing sport!
Contact us via Email: bdfc1970@gmail.com