We have been VERY busy this year. The scares in the economy has not stopped Hackett Fly Fishing and our guides. We are extremely busy and wish we had more guides! So far the streamer fishing has been pretty steady with some big fish coming to net. We thank all of our customers and happy for their success. The coming week is going to get warm up here and provide us with more dry fly action. Let’s get it!
This winter has been a roller coaster for weather. We had some snowfall earlier in the winter but each storm passing was faded away by a warm spell or rain. Up until last week we haven’t had any snowpack here in the Catskill Mountains. As we all know a good snowpack can contribute to a year full of water in our trout streams.
Last week we got hit by 2 substantial east coast snow storms. The local Catskill Mountain ski resorts have all dubbed it the Miracle of March. As much for them as it is for us fisherman we should be just as happy. Up at Plattekill Mountain for the past week skiing has led to 18″ inches last week and potentially 20″-30″ today into tomorrow. This will not only bring our snow total to our yearly average but it will provide great spring snow pack.
The West Branch starts in Stamford NY while the East Branch begins in Grand Gorge-Roxbury. Each valley and connecting valleys are currently under 10″-12″ inches in the valley and over 30″ in the high peaks.
The reservoirs have also filled out nicely after a drought 2022 year. Expect there to be a reservoir or two that spill this year possibly providing an ale wife April. See below for your rivers current source level.
I predict that we will have a great spring with both rivers being floatable through May. We hope to have a gradual melt with no big long stretches of warm weather. Big rains can also hurt us as well. If you have a camp along the river make sure your insurance bill is paid. Although it’s lining up to be a drift boaters dream that also brings the possibility of big spring floods.
We have a few prime days left on the books. Feel free to shoot me a text anytime regarding conditions or questions about the system. 8452248650
Have a safe snowy week -Matt
West Alewives are spilling. Here’s a few from today.
Brad makes this fish look small. He played o line for Army and is 6’6” tough to back row with 30mph gusts but strip set was on point. He took many big fish not pictured. We thank him for his service and how he still helps. Learn more at the link below.
https://linktr.ee/GodsBreacher
Mr. Saturday did his normal job and threw “dimes” his words. Fun to see my friends/family/clients after all winter. Also most have been stuck down in New York City or around. I love and missed floating through these hills! There is a reason that Woodstock ended up on west side of the Catskills haha. Because it’s better!
Also, we did see Hendricksons on the tail waters. About 100 but they were quick to get blown away. No they weren’t quills lol. Still like at least a week off. This storm coming Tuesday can also hinder things.
I think that we are in for a very rough time in the next week or so. Many highway departments disassembled the plows already as they should have. If we get 8” we can also expect wild floods potentially later in the week. We will have upper 60s later this week with spilling reservoirs, snow melt and already high rivers. Be careful.
