So far its been a high water season here in the Catskills. The consistent rains have not broken for long and sunny days have been few and far between. The higher water has kept temperatures down and caused a later than normal emergence of our Hendrickson mayflies. But now is the time to find these large afternoon insects breaking the film and teasing trout to the surface. The higher flows have pushed much of this feeding activity towards the flooded banks and protected areas along our tailwater sections. We’ve seen lots of Apple Caddis hatching as well along most of our freestone sections that has continued well towards dark — giving the trout another surface bug to consider.

The boat fishing has been excellent under these flows. The fish tend to eat better with less vulnerability within the high water and also seem to be less likely to spook upon anchor drop — meaning closer shots and some of the “easiest” dry fly fishing of the year. Although the fish have been taken larger Catskill traditional style dries — our guides have been having most of our success on snowshoe emergers.

The Streamer fishing has been productive between the dry fly shots — especially on the nastier weather days. Avoid the fastest water and fish areas with the slowest water possible. This is a great time of the year to target large Brown trout in the late evening hours with big streamers.

The West Branch has been fishing well and the upper reaches have benefited from the spilling Cannonsville Reservoir — pouring warmer surface water into the river below the dam. This spring feature has created ideal conditions for Blue Quills #16-18 and Hendricksons #12-14 to hatch in mass.

The shad festivals along the mainstream have also began to creep upriver. The guides floated south of Callicoon on Monday and had great early season Smallmouth and Walleye action — while still a little early for the Shad. But soon!

With May weather patterns beginning to set — expect some of the best fishing of the year to take place over the next 5 weeks! Call 203-554-5853 or Beaverkill Angler to book trips.

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