Beamoc Watershed Chart

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.

Beamoc Watershed

(Beaverkill / Willowemoc)

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.