willowemoc creek

April 14, 2021January 6, 2023

4/14/2021 Update – Spring Weather Front Expected Thursday and Friday

Currently the Upper Delaware, Beaverkill and Willowemoc all are about to get a early spring weather front. What does this mean for the system?

The spring storms that happen every year are what keep the fish happy throughout spring and early summer. Low water can create less hatching bug habitat, warmer temps and alert fish. This year so far has been a low water late winter and the fishing pressure is high. When this weeks water comes down the boats will be back around the system. The wade anglers will have big water but if all plans out will still have great spots to access. As of right now the east is predicted to push the 1,000 cfs mark. The west branch is suppose to hit 1,200 cfs over the weekend.

The rivers will settle down throughout next week as the air temp bounces daily from the 60’s to the 30’s. We will need more front like the one expected throughout the season. The reservoirs remain in the upper 90 percentile.

Currently Hatching

Blue Wing Olives – Size 16-18

Tiny Black Stone – Size 18

Early Stone – Size 12-14

Hatching Soon

Blue Quill – Size 16

Quill Gordon – Size 14

Hendrickson – Size 12-16

Upper Delaware 10 Day Forecast

Conclusion

I think the good blanket hatches are still 2 weeks away. I see the possibility of an afternoon hatch happening assuming it doesn’t get to cold. We have a scare of snow Friday. Streamers and nymphs still the way to go when the rivers come up over the next few days. Until then keep pounding the soft edges in the warmest times of the day with nymphs.

If you haven’t booked a trip yet we have limited spots left. Please call fill out this form today to book your trip. Dry fly season is ALMOST HERE!!!

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

January 21, 2021January 6, 2023

Cold Front About to Grip Catskills

Over the next few days the Catskill Region and Upper Delaware River System will see extreme winter temperatures. What will this mean for the Delaware River System? Let’s see…

Seven Day Forecast

Over the next seven days we will be lucky to get the mercury over the freezing mark. It feels like the sun has had its mask on for about a month now. The sky is gray and the ground is hard and icy.

As the winter temperatures fall you will see the rivers “lock up” a bit. The edges will freeze and runoff melt will seize. As you will see looking at the flows charts, any new runoff that was destined for the river will freeze. Shelf ice is inevitable with these extreme winter temperatures. .

What does this mean for fishing?

Fishing will get very very tough for the angler. The ice on the tip of the rod will make it tough to fish for a long time. The fish will drop into the deepest holes and be glued to the bottom. Indicator nymphing deep slow holes with an indicator is your best bet.