April 12, 2026
The Promise of Spring!
Conditions on our trout streams during this first half of April have been easier for fishing access than expected, especially after such a long, cold, and snowy winter. With water levels below the historic average and water temperatures flirting up toward 50 degrees Fahrenheit on the Beaverkill and Willowemoc this past week, anglers were seen on both streams. However easy for wading and fishing access, river levels, especially on the Willowemoc, are noticeably low - in fact, less than half the median average flow over the past 40 years; unusual for this early time in the season. The Beaverkill is also low, measured on Sunday afternoon at 527 cubic feet per second, as compared to the median average flow of 976 cfs over 112 years of record-keeping.
On Friday, despite a full schedule of events to come, the 70+degree afternoon beckoned and it was difficult to pass up a chance to sample the fishing even if just for an hour. The Willowemoc was looking very fishable and had warmed to an appealing 49 degrees, but after a few fruitless casts we headed up to the Mongaup, which offered similar temperatures. I was surprised to see a good number of what appeared to be Quill Gordons in the air! There were none to be seen on the surface, nor were there any rises, but it was encouraging to see these early mayflies out and about.
It’s the time of year when the major fly hatches have begun….we’ve already seen tiny (size #18 - #20) Blue Winged Olives in the air on Opening Day, and Quill Gordons (larger bluish-colored flies, about size #14) this past week. Early hatches include the small Black Caddis (size #16) and the larger Brown and Black Stoneflies, (both sizes #12 and #14) which are active along streambanks, especially on cool and overcast days. And now fly-fishers eagerly await the Hendrickson hatch, which usually begins at the end of the month, and is a hatch the Beaverkill is famous for. However, most successful anglers this past week were still fishing below the surface, using wet flies and nymphs.
With so many in the area, our towns were buzzing with activity, high spirits, and the camaraderie that comes with meeting old friends and new, sharing the spirit of good will, working together to protect our Catskill waters. We share in an appreciation for all that nature has gifted us with, as well as for those who have preserved these lands and waters for all to enjoy. It’s time to get out and experience all that our Catskills rivers and streams have to offer - hope to see you streamside!