Fishing Report

Each year we donate a fundraiser night trip through the Friends of the Upper Delaware…. However this year we are also adding a dry fly trip for the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum!!!! Please go support both ends of the fly fishing Mecca!!!

The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of fly fishing in the Catskills and educating the next generation of anglers and conservationists. Situated in the birthplace of American dry fly fishing, our multifaceted museum and 50 acres of grounds on the banks of the famed Willowemoc provide a vibrant cultural hub with a global reach. The CFFCM is a place for the luminaries of fly fishing to engage anglers and naturalists of all ages and levels of experience, to enrich the future of fishing, and to ensure the sustainability of the delicate ecosystem on which it depends.”

For a half day dry fly trip please support below.

CFFCM AUCTION FOR DRY FLY TRIP

The FUDR’s mission is to protect and restore the Upper Delaware River watershed for the benefit of local economies, communities, people, and the environment.”

We have a night fishing trip up for auction at the link below. Please support if you can.

FUDR AUCTION FOR NIGHT FISHING TRIP

This year was a great year overall with rain coming in many needed times. We only really had one bad stretch in late June where the fishing was rough and the rivers were low and hot. (of course this is when my family came to visit – boo) August and September brought showers and provided some of the best ever isonychia fishing we’ve ever seen. The tailwater Hendricksons were heavy as ever but only in certain sections hatching in high water this year for maybe 5 days. All other hatches were decent as our guides know where to sneak around too to find the bugs!

The system is changing and we all have to cope. We have lots of new people in the sport and many new boots in the river. It’s good for the industry but let’s hope etiquette is part of many angler learning curves. Help new anglers! Don’t be a the “cool” guy. Lots of new faces and many great new friends met on the river this year. Pass along a fly that’s working, teach a knot or share a spot. The fish gods will reward you!

Many Catskill experts often say we have the best client list on the system. They are not wrong. I want to personally thank our fishing family who steps aboard our boats or straps on the waders each year. In a profession where Mother Nature is in control not every trip is a Lee Wulff documentary. Some days are brutal nasty boat rides and you all always keep the spirits high. Thank you all.

To the guides who crushed 2023 thank you for being the best in the craft. Chris, Steve, Rich, Tom, Scotty From the August group trips at the Dreamcatcher to the beginner walk wades on the Willowemoc (lol Steve) you all always showed up, educated and gave people lifetime memories.

Here are the CFS of the East, West and Mainstem from April 1 2023 to November 22 2023.

You have to love how the state will spike drop the releases right when the fish are about the spawn. It’s almost likes it planned!

Since the state turned the water off since October 1 the dams are barely pushing any water out. But don’t worry, Mother Nature is taking the wheel this weekend! Since the first week of August we have had epic conditions. With the rare sunny windy day where the fishing was difficult many days have been filled with wet nets and big smiles. With the rain coming this weekend definitely take a look at the FLOWS PAGE.

Also, its peak leaf season in the hills. Every day there will be added leaves to the river. They are pretty in the tree and we curse them in the river!!! Have a safe weekend out on the water. -Matt

Hatching now – Iso’s 12-14, BWOs 18-22, Caddis 12-18