Tailwaters
The reservoirs are in the 90th percentile going into March. The Cannonsville and Pepacton were both spilling until about two weeks ago. The state released a bunch of water and then stabilized flows to about 600 out of Cannonsville and 300 out of the Pepacton. Without much snowpack in the hills we could be in trouble coming into the season. It would be very beneficial to get a huge dumping of snow like we did last year in March. However the next 5 days will be in the 40/50’s. If the DEC/NYC fix the aqueduct this year (hold your breath year 3) we could see exceptional fishing due to dam releases in the summer. (after June 1). Whatever happens we will keep you up to date.
Freestones
The Beaverkill and Willowemoc are both gin clear and semi-low. The river is fishing pretty decent at this flow but location and steadiness is the key. Look for deep pools (winter homes) with a gradual run coming into it. Fish small flies and light tippet. Currently the Beaverkill is running at around 300cfs while the Willowemoc is around 85cfs. Both river temps skyrocketed with todays temperatures. They will continue to hold for the next few days warmspell. Olives, midges and winter stoneflys are the ticket.
Even though its fishing now we are worried about the season. Just like the reservoirs not having snow to fill them same goes the Freestones. The snow dumping downstate and CT NJ LI got didn’t hit us at all. The freestones need a big snowfall to help them out.