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.
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
Roscoe and Surrounding Area Weather
Winter Storm Warning
There is currently a storm warning for Roscoe and surrounding counties for a SNOW WARNING until 7pm Tuesday.
Heavy snow will fall over the next day and a half in all of the trout towns up and down the Catskill rivers.
Snow Possibilities
Total snow accumulations are to be anywhere from 14” to 24” and winds could reach 40 MPH.
Snow could reach 3” per hour mark in some locations.
Heavy winds will impact travel and snow removal from snow drifts in the Catskills.
Please be safe and enjoy the storm!