Daily Fishing Report
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Trout Town - Current River Flows - River Flow Chart - Fishing Quality - Upper Delaware - Beaverkill/Willowemoc - E. Branch -
Please note: Baxter House has a new phone # 607-290-4022
NEW FEATURE!! - please note that we have added yesterday's flow rate along with the long term average to the table below. This was a good suggestion from one of our regular readers. This will give a small indication of the daily rate of change. This information should help anglers choose the waters they intend to fish during periods of steady weather.
|
RIVER |
Today's FLOW RATE in CFS. |
Yesterday's Flow / Long Term average. |
WATER TEMPERATURE (F) |
|
BEAVERKILL |
302cfs. |
324/ 659 cfs. |
49 |
|
WILLOWEMOC |
242 cfs. |
265/ 540 cfs. |
49 |
|
WEST BRANCH |
341 cfs. |
355/ 873 cfs. |
46 |
|
EAST BRANCH |
182cfs. |
188/ 320 cfs. |
47 |
|
LOWER EAST BRANCH |
634cfs. |
676/ 1240 cfs. |
49 |
|
MAIN STEM |
1600cfs. |
1700 / 3220 cfs. |
52 |
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Trout Town - Current River Flows - River Flow Chart - Fishing Quality - Upper Delaware - Beaverkill/Willowemoc - E. Branch - W. Branch Main Stem Delaware
The following Table has been added to help our customers interpret how Cubic Feet per. second effects Fishermen and the Trout in our rivers. The information contained in the following table represents our experience over several decades of fishing the Beaverkill and Willowemoc rivers. Please note: This table is only for use on the Beaverkill and Willowemoc. The East, West and Main Stem Delaware each have their own set of circumstances. These fish well at much higher flow rates than the Beamoc watershed.
|
River Flow (cfs.) |
Fishermen |
Trout |
|
0 - 250 cfs. |
LOW WATER - Much of the River bottom is exposed. Anglers have unlimited, safe wading. Fishing at these low flows is difficult and more technical. These conditions are normally found only in the winter months and July and August. These flows during mid summer always send fish to thermal refuge sites and shut down catch and release fishing. |
During flows in this range the Trout tend to group in the areas that have deeper water and plenty of cover. Predators have a much higher success rate during these times so the Trout's main concern becomes survival. During summer these flows mean warm water and stressed fish. It is best to leave the fish alone when they are at creek mouths and on spring heads. |
|
250 - 500 cfs. |
LOW /MEDIUM - Some river bank is still exposed. Anglers still have almost unlimited, safe wading opportunity but some riffles and sections of pocket water may become difficult for some. It is our opinion that the upper range of this category is where the river fishes the best. |
In this flow range Trout will find their comfort zone. With the additional water and cover available Trout will be able to concentrate more on feeding than eluding predators. At this flow fish can feed efficiently in all levels of the water column. (bottom, Mid and surface) |
|
500 - 750 cfs. |
MEDIUM / HIGH - The river is bank full. Most of the river remains wadable with a moderate level of difficulty. At the upper ranges of this category the riffles and pocket water become very difficult to wade safely. Fishing still remain good at these levels. Fish are easier to approach at these flows and casting accuracy and technique are not as important as during the low water situations. |
At these flows the Trout are still within their comfort zone. Trout will still be able to feed efficiently in all levels of the water column. (bottom, mid and surface ) In the upper ranges of this flow category fish may choose not to surface feed, especially if the insects available are on the small side. Trout know if the return in protein is worth the effort to get it. |
|
750 - 1000 cfs. |
HIGH- The river is bank full. While some of the larger pools will still have moderate to difficult wading most of the river will be difficult to wade. The riffles and pocket water sections become dangerous here and should be avoided. At this flow we recommend fishing from shore or just wading knee deep. |
In this flow range Trout start to place more importance on protection from current than on feeding. Trout will seek out areas where they can hold current without burning precious energy. Although they will still feed actively during a heavy hatch, surface feeding is usually not observed. One exception however is found along the banks where back water pockets form. At times large pods of fish will fill an area like this and feed on accumulated insects. |
|
1000 - 1250 cfs. |
VERY HIGH - The entire river is very difficult to wade. The pockets are very dangerous. Any fishing should only be attempted from the shoreline. The Delaware would be a better choice during this stage. |
At this flow most of the Trout's attention turns to conserving energy. Trout will normally only feed on items that almost bump them on the nose. |
|
1250 cfs. and above |
DANGEROUS WADING- This range usually indicates heavy rain / runoff. Turbid conditions are usually present. The Delaware would be a better choice during this stage. |
When the river floods most Trout retreat to the most protected areas. They will stay in these area's until water levels drop to a range where they can again feed efficiently. |
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Trout Town - Current River Flows - River Flow Chart - Fishing Quality - Upper Delaware - Beaverkill/Willowemoc - E. Branch - W. Branch Main Stem Delaware
|
RIVER |
FISHING QUALITY |
WATER QUALITY |
|
BEAVERKILL |
Good | Low Water, Clear |
|
WILLOWEMOC |
Good | Low Water, Clear |
|
WEST BRANCH |
Very Good | Low Water, Clear |
|
EAST BRANCH (UPPER) |
Good | Normal Flow |
|
EAST BRANCH (LOWER) |
Good | Low Water |
|
MAIN STEM DELAWARE |
Good | Low Water |
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Trout Town - Current River Flows - River Flow Chart - Fishing Quality - Upper Delaware - Beaverkill/Willowemoc - E. Branch -
For the last few days there has not been any major changes to the conditions on Upper Delaware rivers. Currently all rivers are fishing well. River conditions are good but low for the time of year. Insect hatches are fairly reliable. There are currently Blue Quills, Quill Gordons, and Hendricksons emerging on the Tailwaters. These insects are past their prime on the freestones and now the March Browns and various Caddisflies are your active hatches on the freestones.
Anglers planning on fishing in the coming days should note that the best activity has been from 2:00 in the afternoon through dark. On bright days the best action for both Trout and insects has been later in the day. The wind has still be very strong and steady most afternoons. Yesterdays forecast for rain was a bust. Not one drop of rain fell on the Upper Delaware region despite areas east of us getting substantial rainfall. There was however a big change in air temperatures throughout the day yesterday. Temps fell steadily through the day and this morning there was a heavy frost. This cold weather has been keeping water temperatures low and in a great range for Trout.
All of our trips over the last few days have been decent regardless of what section of river we've chosen to float! Although the dry fly activity has been limited to later in the day, we've had success with a variety of methods. Over our last few days we've brought fish to net on Streamers, Nymphs and surface flies! We've had a few really huge fish come to net on dry fly imitations each day.
All of our guests have been doing well on the Beaverkill and Willowemoc. The fish that were stocked earlier this season are now acclimated to the waters and feeding well on our abundant insects. Our guests have also been taking some nice sized post spawn Rainbows from all sections of the Beamoc rivers. Some of these Bows have been quite large. (16" to 18")
At this time anglers may soon find that the Dry Fly activity on the Freestone waters, (Beaverkill, Lower East and Main Stem) may become less reliable. This is a normal occurrence each year as the Hendrickson activity wanes and the March Browns have not yet hit their stride.
Below are a few pics. of a happy guest who did a walk wade with Guide Rich recently.
March Browns have been on the water. (Lower East, Main Stem, Lower Beaverkill)
Here are a few of the fish that came to net during this weeks fast action!
For those who have interest in Shad fishing we started to see some pods of Shad on the East Branch this week. We saw them up river as far as East Branch. During our recent floats we've seen a big increase in Shad numbers. We have been seeing much bigger pods of fish, several dozen at a time. In one pool on the lower East there were hundreds of these ocean fish cruising around.
Below are some Pics from this week.
The large photo was my best fish of the day. A big male that took a # 16 Blue Quill
Recent Guest Photo's
click to enlarge
Some Recent Photos
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Trout Town - Current River Flows - River Flow Chart - Fishing Quality - Upper Delaware - Beaverkill/Willowemoc - E. Branch -
The Beaverkill and Willowemoc are now in excellent condition. Anglers will now have good wading access to the entire river. Over the last few days daytime water temps have been climbing to a good range and this morning the river temperatures are at 49 degrees. This morning the Beaverkill is at 302 cfs and the Willow is at 242 cfs. Both rivers fish well at these flows.
The last few days have produced great hatches on the Beamoc waters. Fish are now looking up and there is good dry fly action up and down the river. All of our guests have reported good fishing. We had several guests that split days between the Beaverkill and Willow and had double digit catches on surface flies.
Anglers fishing these waters will now find good action with a variety of methods. Currently Dry Fly, Nymph and streamer fishing will produce good results. During the non hatch times blind fishing with a March Brown Dun has been productive.
Anglers looking for dry fly action only should remember that the waters on the Beaverkill and Willow are quite diverse as most freestone are. These rivers are also going through a change where the next major hatches will come from much faster water. It won't take the fish long to switch their attention to the source of their next meal.
Anglers should look for March Browns to be emerging from Fast water with large irregular shaped rocks. Pools below this type of river structure usually have a steady supply of these big duns floating through.
FLIES; Caddisflies, Blue Quills, Quill Gordon's, Streamers, Zonkers - Bait Fish Imitations, B.H.Nymphs, Large Bead Head Nymphs
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Trout Town - Current River Flows - River Flow Chart - Fishing Quality - Upper Delaware - Beaverkill/Willowemoc - E. Branch -
The East is now near it's normal flow and will not fluctuate much without rainfall. Today's flow on the Upper East is at 182 cfs. This flow has not fluctuated much over the last few weeks. The lower East is currently at 634 cfs. which is low water conditions. Insect hatches on both sections have been on par with past years. The Upper East is perfect environment for the early season hatches and the bugs have been heavy. Fish have been rising well in some areas but not in others. Currently the fish are not spread out still in the general vicinity of where they had spent the winter. (deeper Pools, Protected areas) Hendricksons and Blue Quills are still emerging well above Shinhopple while the waters below this point are past their prime on these hatches.
The Lower East is currently having excellent hatches. The warmer water here has this section well ahead of the tailwater section. March Browns are the main insect along with Apple Caddis. On overcast rainy days Tiny Olives have been blanketing the water. Yesterday I also saw 3-4 Sulfur Duns so these might arrive a bit early this season.
Over the last few days fishing has really picked up and the fish and insect are already falling into their normal routine.
Currently there is plenty of opportunity for wade fishermen in the upper river. At the current flow the Upper East will fish like a spring creek. Anglers should remember that surface feeding fish here need to be stalked and getting to the proper casting position is the key to success here. The East is currently gin clear so we recommend approaching fish from above so they do not see any line or leader.
Recently Guide Rich finished up his walk wade with his sport on the Upper East. He found steady risers in several places and ended the day with his client taking his best fish of the day, a nice 22.5" Brown.
Our guides have also been hitting a few spots on the Lower East during the non-hatch periods and finding improving nymph fishing in the riffle water.
FLIES; Streamers, Zonkers - Bait Fish Imitations, B.H.Nymphs, Blue Quills, Quill Gordons, Hendrickson,s, Caddisflies, March Browns.
GUEST PHOTO ALBUM
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Trout Town - Current River Flows - River Flow Chart - Fishing Quality - Upper Delaware - Beaverkill/Willowemoc - E. Branch -
The fishing on the West is excellent at this time. I have put a lot of time on the West recently as have our other guides, each day has been very good. I was on the West again yesterday and the amount of insects and fish rising is still tops in the area. We had a good emergence of Blue Wing Olives, Blue Quills and Hendricksons yesterday afternoon!
Over the last week the angler pressure has increased to near normal numbers. The no-kill and gameland areas are now lined with anglers on the weekends although yesterday we only saw 6 anglers fishing from Deposit to Hale Eddy. Yesterday there were strong winds again. The windy conditions shut down spinner activity last night. Tonight or the first night with fair conditions should see heavy spinner activity.
The easy non selective fish that we reported earlier in the season have now realized that anglers are once again working the water. The low water combined with increased angler pressure have the fish very jumpy. At this time anglers need to put effort into their approach. Any quick movement or misplaced casts are now sending fish for cover whenever the hatch is light.
Currently the river is low due to a small release. Wading access is unlimited at this time. We got a small increase in release on May 1, to 215 cfs. but this new release program is simply not enough water. With this low release the fish have become very spooky the last few days. Accurate casting and a stealthy approach are key at this time.
Hendrickson's, Quill Gordons and Blue Quills have been blanketing the water each afternoon and heavy spinner falls have been coming down each evening. The lower West is seeing some March Browns and Caddisflies have been heavy at times.
Below are a couple of recent fish.
Anglers should note that the conditions have been very windy and most of the pools have had broken water throughout the afternoon. The fish are very difficult to see unless you get very close to them. A few of the wading anglers we spoke to were having difficulty seeing the risers in the choppy water. During these conditions I always recommend moving around as a repositioning of only a few steps can often reveal a different view of the same water.
FLIES; Streamers, Zonkers - Bait Fish Imitations, B.H.Nymphs, Blue Quills, Quill Gordons, Hendrickson,s, Caddisflies.
Guest Photo Album
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Trout Town - Current River Flows - River Flow Chart - Fishing Quality - Upper Delaware - Beaverkill/Willowemoc - E. Branch -
The Main Stem is now fairly low as all area rivers are. Drift boat anglers can now expect to find a lot of exposed boulders while wade fishermen have full access to the river. For most guides the Main Stem is now the only option for drift boat fishing. Anglers can expect the popular run from either Fireman's park on the East and Shehawkin on the West down to Buckingham to be a flotilla until some rainfall or a heavier release occurs.
The lower Main is now in a good place both flow and temperature wise.. This morning the Callicoon gauge is at 50 degrees. There is now decent hatches of Stoneflies, March Brown's. The Apple Caddis hatch has been emerging and the fish have been feeding well on this insect. Like always these hatches are hard to predict and you really have to pay close attention to the water to see rising fish.
The recent windy weather has made for tough casting conditions but the fish are rising and the patient angler can have a great day at this time.
Some of our guides have been on the Main daily and have been having good fishing when they can get a break from the wind. Over the last 2 weeks we've covered all the stretches down to Callicoon. The straight scoop on most days is that it has either been on, (great fishing) or dead. There seems to be no in between on the Main at this time.
The only consistent thing about the Main Stem thus far has been fish size. We've seen few dinks feeding. Most of the Browns have been 18" or larger and the Bows have been 16"-19" mature fish.
A recent Main Stem Brown.
Below are some of our Main Stem Pic's from this week.
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Baxter House
Old Route 17
Roscoe, New York 12776
Phone: (607)-290-4022
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