The Catskill Fly Fishing Report 2024
September 28, 2024
Beaverkill River, Willowemoc Creek, and the Delaware River System

The Beaverkill and the Willowemoc are going to stay consistently cool for the rest of the year, hopefully this will lead to a great increase of bug activity and in turn cause more trout to be out feeding in preparation for winter. The flows are still low at about a quarter of the average flow rates we typically see so the best spots to find trout are going to be in faster water where there is more oxygen and the bugs are brought to the trout so they can expend as little energy as possible. I did see a decent Cahill hatch last night and the trout were rising selectively, there where also caddis pupa staging to emerge hopefully they will all come out in force today. 

The Delaware river system is fishing well across is three rivers, on the West Branch we are starting to see an increase of bug activity but with the water being stained streamer fishing has been better then usual, yesterdays guided float trip on the West Branch had lots of luck on streamers with the biggest fish being 24 inches. The East Branch is fishing best in its lower sections that are below where it meets the Beaverkill. The Main Stem is still diverse as ever if you can hit it at the right time you will be treated to good dry fly hatches as well as some very good smallmouth fishing. 

Mousing has been effective recently, I have found the best time to be two to three hours after sun set and the best patterns being the Morrish mouse and the Mast splinter. Slow swings work best in fast water while a aggressive retrieve works best for slack water. Dark color streamers fished lower in the water column than mice patterns can also be effective. 

The bugs to be on the look out for are BWO (18-22), Isonychia (10-14), Flying Ants (16-22), Light Cahills (12-16), October Caddis (12-16), and lastly Rusty Spinners (12-20). Small Pheasant tail nymphs are my preferred dropper for this time of the year, attractor patterns I've had luck on when searching for fish are Grey Fox's, Light Cahills, and White Wulff's.


TROUT UNLIMITED PROJECTS: TU is conducting habitat repair in the Roscoe park as well as Monagaup creek, don't be alarmed if you see equipment next to either rivers if you have any questions please stop by the shop and I can elaborate more or contact the Catskills TU engagement coordinator at (845)-549-0064 

SPECIAL REPORT:
​In preparation for the Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project, DEP has begun ramping up discharge mitigation releases (pursuant to the Flexible Flow Management Program) from the Cannonsville, Pepacton and Neversink reservoirs this week at the respective rates of 400, 452 and 123 million gallons per day to position the Delaware system for next month’s aqueduct shutdown. DEP will continue to make adjustments to its standard release rates based on multiple variables such as storage, forecasts, and other conditions. For more information on the project please visit this link https://www.nyc.gov/.../delaware-aqueduct-shutdown-impact


FLOWS AND TEMPERATURES REPORTED IN REAL TIME