Tag: upperdelaware

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Current River Update Catskill Mountains

Ladies and gentleman, we are almost there!

The past two weeks I have been in the big apple helping a family member after surgery. It went a little longer than expected but they are healthy and we are back!

East and West Branch of the Delaware River

Today I drove around the reservoirs to see what we have coming our way. The number of the day is 100.7. Both reservoirs are currently spilling and almost a full point higher than capacity. This is a great thing looking forward. Without any snow pack this year, our river levels will depend on rain and the dam releases. Please see current levels below. The Cannonsville starts the West Branch of the Delaware and the Pepacton Reservoir begins the East Branch of the Delaware River.

Beaverkill and Willowemoc

The freestone Catskill blue chip rivers the Willowemoc and Beaverkill are also pretty high as well. If you are looking to wade this weekend the Willowemoc appears to be the safest choice. Still be careful and fish with a parter. The air might be warming up but the water is still very cold.

Current Hatches

Black Winter Stones Size, Midges, BWO’s and Blue Quills have been spotted as well

Streamers out of a boat is still the best option right now for larger fish.

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Catskills Fly Fishing Rivers Update

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.

CLICK HERE TO SEE UP TO DATE FLOW CHARTS

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Summer Guided Fly Fishing Trips in the Catskill Mountains

The recent rains have brought a wave of excitement to fly fishing enthusiasts in the Catskill Mountains. The increased water flow has made fishing conditions exceptionally good, and anglers are reaping the rewards. 

Currently, the rivers are teeming with a variety of hatches, including sulfurs, blue wing olives, and isonychias. These hatches have brought up some big brown and rainbow trout, when sometimes they disappear in July. The sight of big noses breaking the surface in summer gets you tingly.

Not only are the trout fishing opportunities solid for summer, but the lower river smallmouth fishing is also on fire. Chris Dever and myself had a family out one day with over 50 smallmouth to net. Another day me and Delhi John did about 40 in four hours. The smallmouth bass put up crazy fights on fly and light tackle.

I took a quick drive around the reservoirs today. They look healthy as can be. Maybe the state will let some water out??? (bad joke)

Lefty Kreh once said, “The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.” With the recent rains, solid hatches, and overcast conditions in the Catskill Mountains, there is no shortage of hope and excitement for anglers seeking their next memorable trout. So, grab your fly rod and get in a river.

We have limited days left for August, September and October. Please CALL or TEXT the number on the contact page.

-Matt