Category: Fishing Report

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Catskill Mountains First Snow Melt

Yesterday I has my first trip with three awesome guys. We had an uncle with nephews in town and they took advantage of the warm temps and sunny skies. This winter there were parts where it seemed the sun had a mask on. It was depressing and there was no hope. Yesterday was the hope lol and with daylight savings this weekend ahhhhh it feels good.

Catskill Snow Melt

Earlier this week when looking at the weather I thought the snow would release from the hills faster than it did. On yesterdays trip, the water was “perfect” looking. However, the temp was still winter cold. Every year since I was about four I always trick myself with optimism on that first warm day. Regardless of fish to hand it was nice to be in the sun.

It was a rewarding trip in the fact that the two younger nephews (who were smart as all hell) picked it up fast. We focused on the slow moving water with depths around 2-5”. The boys learned the indicator cast mend and cover water method. Before we made our first cast we checked the rocks to see what was active. I was proud of how they handled hooking and losing fish and the determination to keep going. We hooked 3 early on before we grasped the line management. If those boys hooked them in the end of the day when their skills were peaking it would have been a wet net day.

After we wrapped up I drove past the upper west branch. It was just after 5pm and Quagua Creek and the Deposit spiller were both shooting mud. I realized then that the first thaw was upon us. After checking the charts it was true. See the graphs below. This is the next day March 12 at 4:30pm.

As you can see all of the rivers both freestones and tail waters shot up. The Beaverkill and Willowemoc are chocolate. This should slow down as the cold nights come back upon us. As for the tail waters the melt hasn’t even really begun.

Today I drove around Walton, Margerettville and Andes. The snow pack is still thick in the hills above the reservoir. THIS is the snow you should be planning on during the warm spring days. The state dropped the Pepacton and Cannonsville reservoirs about a month ago. This should catch the estimated snow pack in the hills and allow for a safe release downstream of the Downsville Dam.

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Catskills Fly Fishing

Catskills Fly Fishing Overview

The Catskill Mountains have some of the worlds best trout fishing rivers. Just two hours north of New York City can put you in some primes fly fishing areas. The Beaverkill, Willowemoc, Delaware and Esopus rivers all have ample Catskill Fly Fishing opportunities. Overlooked by many because of the proximety to the tri-state region the Catskills is the home of American Dry Fly Fishing.

Where in the Catskills?

Simply put if you want to fully experience Catskills fly fishing you’re going to have to head to the western Catskills. Livingston Manor, Roscoe, East Branch, Hancock and Deposit are the towns that run through trout county. Many clients choose Air BNB’s around these towns or rent riverfront or mountainside cabins or lodges. We also offer our own lodging as well.

The only river not in the Western Catskills on our list is the Esopus. The Esopus is a small short river that has murky water and small fish. It is a pretty river but the state put a portal in that messed up the water flow and clarity. This ultimately hurt the bug hatches. If you really want to experience Catskill Fly Fishing you’ll have to head more west. Many anglers stay away from the Esopus.

The Beaverkill and Willowemoc are the best rivers to learn on in the Catskill Mountains. We offer guided wade fly fishing trips and beginner lessons on these famous rivers. It is not uncommon for us to fish 4-5 spots in a single day on a guide trip.

The Catskills also contains the “Upper Delaware” which consists of 3 rivers all connected that originate in the Catskills. They flow 390 miles south and empty into the Atlantic Ocean. We fish and guide the headwaters of this system in the Catskills. The Upper Delaware System is comprised of the East Branch, West Branch, and Mainstem.

Catskills Fly Fishing Map

Catskills Fly Fishing Gear

In the Catskills if you are targeting trout fish nymphs or dry flies you can’t go wrong with a 9 foot 5 weight rod. Make sure the line is newer without any kinks.

We rent waders, boots, rods and reels, nets if needed. Please contact us to learn more.

Catskills Species of Trout

In the Catskills the most common is Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.

Catskills Trout Species

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Best Winter Nymphs for Fly Fishing

Winter Nymphs Overview

When you finally make it past the half way point of winter your mind turns to warmer days with fly rod in hand. You then realize you have another two months before the Hendricksons arrive but you really want to wet a line. Get out the winter nymphs. Shake the winter blues on the Beaverkill or Willowemoc. Perhaps find a warm day and winter nymph border water on the West Branch of the Delaware.

Let us tell you our three favorite winter nymph patterns that are tried and true.

Zebra Midge

First and foremost the Zebra Midge might be the easiest fly pattern there is. It legit like two materials and perhaps a weighted head if you’d like. Midges hatch all year round and trout can easily digest these small insects.

The Zebra midge can be tied as big as a 16 but more commonly is created in size 20 and 22. The zebra midge is a simple pattern using just black thread and silver body wire.

Winter nymphs zebra midge

Pheasant Tail

The pheasant tail is always a good option for fishing sub surface. Anytime of year the pheasant tail works and winter is not any different. The pheasant tail is a simple pattern that is highly effective in on the Beaverkill and Willowemoc.

Winter Pheasant Tail Pattern

Winter Stone Fly

The small winter stones start popping in late February as soon as there is snow melt. You will find them in sizes 16 and 18. When walking the banks find patches of snow and you will see the winter stoneflies on the white snow contrast.

Small winter stonefly pattern

How to fish winter nymphs

In the wintertime you should fish using an indicator in slow moving deep water. Try to find the 2-6 foot areas where the water is not totally still but has slight movement. Change your distances to your fly often to figure out the correct depth. Use an indicator that is not “clunky”. The winter conditions usually have gin clear water.

Conclusion

Fish slow water with a lite indicator. Move slow and fish below the trout. Do not cast and slap the water. Make every cast count.

Pro Tip: Use 6x fluorocarbon tippet in the winter time. Fish upstream and move very slow. The bright snow can make you pop out and spook the fish.

For more information contact us here

Information on Beaverkill winter river access click here