Covert Creek Outfitting
Your Premier Catskill Mountain Outfitter & Guide Service
Covert Creek Outfitting was Built on Tradition. We’re happy to offer Outdoor Pursuits for the Social Sportsman – for folks just like us! Providing a world class experience and tradition in the outdoors are the foundation of what we do. We pride ourselves on being able to give you a safe, successful, and enjoyable experience like none other. Our goal is to give you the knowledge you need to be successful in your own adventures. Whether you are a new angler or upland hunter, or you have years of experience, we are excited to work with you to plan a trip of a lifetime!
Joe Heusinger, owner and outfitter of Covert Creek Outfitting, LLC, has been fly fishing and upland bird hunting for over 25 years! Going into his 11th season of guiding, he still maintains the mindset that what we do is about the experience. Fly fishing and grouse hunting the Catskills is not always easy, and that’s the very reason we do it! Joe and his team welcome you to a region they hold close to the heart and look forward to being your premier fly fishing and wingshooting outfitter in New York’s Catskill Mountain region!
Our entire team is made up of New York State licensed & insured guides, all based in the Hudson Valley & Catskill Mountains. Our guides have a deep knowledge and passion for fly fishing and upland bird hunting, and we’re excited to help you however we can.
Founded formally in 2019, our Outfit is a special thank you to both of Joe’s grandfathers for what they taught him in the outdoors. From catching trout in the local reservoir, to Saturday morning pheasant hunts; Thanks to them he was able to grow up with an appreciation of what the outdoors has to offer. Through these early experiences, it became obvious that fishing and hunting are not about the actual act of doing; but about a mindset, the idea, the memories, and the friendships made.
– Joe Heusinger / Owner & Outfitter
Our Team
Joe Heusinger – Owner/Outfitter:
NYS Guide License #8567
Joe, owner & outfitter, is a New York State Licensed Fly Fishing & Upland Bird Hunting Guide.
Growing up in the Hudson Valley, Joe had upland hunting and fly fishing around him from early on. Having lived the sporting lifestyle over 25 years, it’s become apparent that the journey, the anticipation, stories told, and those who you share days afield with are what’s important.
He began guiding in 2017 and enjoys teaching, sharing in the success of others, and sharing his passion with both new and experienced hunters and anglers. When not on the river or in the uplands, he is most often training pointing dogs, tying trout flies, enjoying vintage double guns, reading sporting literature, or traveling to hunt and fish with friends.
Joe is an active member of many outdoor and conservation groups including the Ruffed Grouse Society, American Woodcock Society, Trout Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association.
Jeffrey Smith – Guide, Fly Fishing & Wingshooting:
NYS Guide License #8650
Jeff is a New York State Licensed Fly Fishing, Upland Bird Hunting, and Camping Guide.
With family traditions deeply rooted in the outdoors, he accompanied his father on hunts behind hounds and bird dogs from an early age. Great mentors taught him the ways of the woods and waters, and he developed a deep respect for fish, game, and the habitat they live in. Jeff is a former Mainer and an all-around outdoorsman that loves teaching newcomers how to cast a fly rod or running his Shorthair, Hugo, for hunters in the grouse woods. He truly enjoys sharing his experience with folks on the river and in the uplands. In Jeff’s free time he enjoys new outdoor adventures, drawing and painting, and working gun dogs.
Jeff is a member of the Ruffed Grouse Society, Trout Unlimited, and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association.
Josh DuBois – Guide, Fly Fishing & Wingshooting:
NYS Guide License #7210
Growing up in the eastern Catskills, Josh was raised in a family whose traditions revolved around the outdoors. Learning to fly fish as a teenager after finding his grandfather’s old fly rods in the basement, he quickly developed a passion for the sport and in particular, native Brook Trout. When not on the river, Josh can be found in the grouse woods with his Flushing Lab, Boone and his English Setter, Colter. He enjoys sharing his love for the outdoors with others, both teaching those new to the sport and also with those who are seasoned veterans.
In his free time, Josh is usually in his workshop, hand-crafting wooden fishing nets, tying flies, or working with his dogs.
Josh is a member of the Ruffed Grouse Society, American Woodcock Society, and Trout Unlimited.
Joe Gattuso – Guide, Fly Fishing:
NYS Guide License #9991
Joe is a newly licensed guide joining CCO. Joe lives just outside the Capital Region of NYS. He has been connected to fly fishing since childhood, first learning to tie flies at his grandfather’s tying bench and crafted his first pattern—a simple foam beetle. An early start shaped a lifelong respect for fly fishing and his local waters. Joe is also an avid grouse and woodcock hunter. He spends free time in the woods working his English Pointer, Gunther, and training a young English Setter, Lincoln. When not in the field or on the water, Joe is usually at the vise tying flies or experimenting with new home-brews.
William Gipe – Guide, Fly Fishing:
NYS Guide License #9849
William is a newer guide, but long time friend of CCO. William has been fly fishing for over a decade in both the Hudson Valley and Catskills. His passion in fly fishing is wild trout in wild places! When not working his full time job, he is typically found [or not found!] miles up a creek with fly rod in hand. William is the General Manager at ‘Old Souls’, an outdoor shop servicing the Hudson Valley and Catskills regions. I specialize in walking and wade trips on the Willowemoc Creek and Neversink River, as well as their tributaries throughout Sullivan County.
Paul Chinnelli – Guide, Fly Fishing:
NYS Guide License #9429
Are you a NYS Licensed Fly Fishing or Hunting Guide? Interested in guiding with Covert Creek Outfitting? Connect with us for more information!
*In Search of an Upper Delaware Drift Boat Guide – Contact Joe for More Information*