This year was a great year overall with rain coming in many needed times. We only really had one bad stretch in late June where the fishing was rough and the rivers were low and hot. (of course this is when my family came to visit – boo) August and September brought showers and provided some of the best ever isonychia fishing we’ve ever seen. The tailwater Hendricksons were heavy as ever but only in certain sections hatching in high water this year for maybe 5 days. All other hatches were decent as our guides know where to sneak around too to find the bugs!
The system is changing and we all have to cope. We have lots of new people in the sport and many new boots in the river. It’s good for the industry but let’s hope etiquette is part of many angler learning curves. Help new anglers! Don’t be a the “cool” guy. Lots of new faces and many great new friends met on the river this year. Pass along a fly that’s working, teach a knot or share a spot. The fish gods will reward you!
Many Catskill experts often say we have the best client list on the system. They are not wrong. I want to personally thank our fishing family who steps aboard our boats or straps on the waders each year. In a profession where Mother Nature is in control not every trip is a Lee Wulff documentary. Some days are brutal nasty boat rides and you all always keep the spirits high. Thank you all.
To the guides who crushed 2023 thank you for being the best in the craft. Chris, Steve, Rich, Tom, Scotty From the August group trips at the Dreamcatcher to the beginner walk wades on the Willowemoc (lol Steve) you all always showed up, educated and gave people lifetime memories.
Here are the CFS of the East, West and Mainstem from April 1 2023 to November 22 2023.
You have to love how the state will spike drop the releases right when the fish are about the spawn. It’s almost likes it planned!
