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Welcome to the Busy Beaver Lodge and Guide Service website. This is a small family business that started with a dream in 2001. Steve started fishing the Catskill rivers in 1993. After discovering the upper Delaware River system in 1996, he knew he found his home. After an intense five year learning period, he took the leap, and started his guiding career. After 17 years of guiding out of campgrounds, Steve and his wife, Michelle, bought a house on a mountain in East Branch, and Busy Beaver Lodge was born. It is nothing more than a cozy family compound that they share with family, friends, and clients. A bed and breakfast type experience coupled with a top-notch guide service.

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We create memorable fishing experiences and getaways for those who value quality time outdoors. Catering to the angler that appreciates the finer aspects of our pastime, coupled with a relaxing after hours dinner while recounting the wonders of nature that filled the day.

Person fishing on a boat in a river during late afternoon with an autumn landscape and a setting sun in the background.
A person in outdoor gear holding a fish over a measuring container on a boat, with water and trees in the background.

Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall all have their opportunities. This cool scene happened on the East Branch on a fine October day, just as the leaves were starting to turn. I’m game to float the river whenever opportunity knocks.

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Our Team — It’s a Family Affair

Two children and a young woman on a boat in a river surrounded by green trees. The children are sitting at the front, wearing life jackets and holding an oar. The woman, wearing sunglasses and a green shirt, is smiling and sitting behind them, holding a steering wheel.

Aly - AKA- Alycat Taggart

Aly has been tying flies since 5 years old and loves rowing the boat. She also attended the FUDR/Canfield Fly Fishing Camp in 2018, and is an accomplished angler. She can be found around camp and the local waters when not in CT pursing her career in Occupational Therapy. She is also a great big-sister to Dylan

A man and a boy sitting in a small boat on a river, with a dog near the boy. The man is wearing a cap and sunglasses, and the boy is wearing a bear hat with a knit pom-pom. The boy is wearing a life jacket. The boat is surrounded by water and trees with green leaves.

Dylan - AKA - Silly Dilly Taggart

Dylan lives full-time at camp. His job is to help around the lodge, clean boats, and entertain the guests. He is a fan favorite. He is also a movie star.

Also pictured here is our original camp dog Curly Shirly Maximus…we miss her.

And, in the back, covered by a backwards rain jacket is our Den Mother, Camp Girl Hostess with the Mostest…Michelle.

Two people, one male and one female, on a boat during a rainy day, both wearing dark raincoats and hats, with fishing rods visible in the background.

Steve Taggart — “Beaver Boy”

Steve is the owner, guide, carpenter, plumber, landscaper, part-time cook, fly tier, and the entertainment. He can also serve as cycling tour guide.

He is pictured here with his daughter Aly on a great day of wade fishing the Beaverkill. She just released a beautiful wild rainbow and we had nice smiles. Happy times!

A woman with long brown hair, wearing sunglasses, a wide-brimmed straw hat with a black band, and a navy blue and white striped sleeveless top, smiling outdoors on a sunny day near a body of water with green trees in the background. 
Customer Service Manager - Den Mother

Michelle Taggart — “Shelly”

Michelle is the face that greets all guests. It can get crazy at camp, and she always has a smile.

Besides being a great host, she is a great cook. She is not a bad life partner either. This picture is from one of our anniversary floats on June 6th. We have had 28 of those celebrations.

Common Questions

  • Please call, text, or email to book a trip. Text and email is the best way to leave a message if I don’t answer. Number is at the bottom of the page to text.

  • Changes more than a week out can be refunded or rescheduled. Trips that are cancelled less than a week out expected to be paid in full unless an agreement is reached under special circumstances.

  • Always pack a rain jacket! Waders or rain pants should be brought.. A dry bag with layers, even on the warmest days, is highly recommended.

  • A ride to the river and back to your vehicle or lodging at the end of the trip is a courtesy. It is not a part of the guide pricing. Extended transportation can be arranged for an additional guide fee.

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