catskill mountains

March 27, 2021January 6, 2023

River Report – Catskills Fly Fishing 3/27/2021

Catskills River Report

Today’s river report is for Saturday March 27th 2021. Opening Day is only 5 days away and the excitement is building. My phone has been a buzz all week. The warmer temps and bright sun only increases the itch.

This past week I drove all 5 rivers. I’ve seen fish rise on two and some winter anglers sprinkled around. A few of the gauges crept in on 50 degrees but don’t let this fool you. We have some cold nights still ahead.

River Report Weather

As you can see over the next ten days we will be in sap making weather. The warm days will pop bugs, but will the wind call it off? Also, don’t be surprised if we don’t get another snow storm. This is the Catskills.

Reservoir Levels for NYC/NYS Catskills

Currently the West Branches’ Cannonsville Reservoir is 97% full. The East Branches’ Pepacton Reservoir is closing in on 93% full. As of today the Cannonsville started the spring step up by releasing more water. The state delicate balances the flows and uses the dams to also control spring floods. The do this when there is more water entering the exiting the reservoirs.

As you see below, the state has began staging spring releases. Could this be the year we see some baitfish spill over the dam? We can only hope.

The Beaverkill is way to high to fish. It is very dangerous at this flow. Some try to pick off the edges but its to dangerous. I wouldn’t risk it. I could possibly see a washout on opening day for the smaller rivers. It all depends on how much the warmer days thaw the hills. It also depends on possible precipitation.

Don’t forget! The day before opening day its the big return dinner at the Rockland House in Roscoe. It is put on by the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum. Good people and great food put on by Tommy and crew.

March 5, 2021January 6, 2023

Upper Delaware River Pictures From Today

February 15, 2021January 6, 2023

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 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.

February 9, 2021January 6, 2023

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.

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 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.

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