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
Beaverkill Winter Fishing Regulations
Overview
Winter Beaverkill fishing is open in certain sections of the river in the winter months. The opportunity to get outside and fly fish for trout is still there. However, it may be a little tougher.
Beaverkill Winter Fishing Access
The Beaverkill River from the Sullivan County/Delaware County line downstream is open. From the county border west for 2.5 miles down river is one Beaverkill River Section open for winter fishing. If you take a left at the blinking light in Roscoe and continue down old 17 you will reach the county border about a mile or so past Roscoe Campsite Park. From the county line the river is open for 2.5 miles for catch and release winter fishing.
The second location to fish in winter on the Beaverkill is around Iron Bridge in Horton, just upstream from Horton Brook. Fishing access is available all year and in winter from 1 mile upstream of Horton’s Iron bridge to 1.6 miles downstream.
Safe Winter Fishing Practices
In the winter time when fishing the Beaverkill River please do not take the fish out of the water when air temperatures fall below freezing. This could freeze the gill plates of the trout and harm the fish.
Winter Obstacles
During the snowy months businesses in the Roscoe area shorten their hours. When headed to the river make sure to check hours of local businesses. If you’re looking to spend the night, also make sure to reserve a room. Some towns are more active than others in the cold months.
If you would like to book a winter guided fishing trip click here to learn more.
For the best winter nymphs click here.