July 5, 2026
The 4th of July has come and gone, and many of us have experienced wonderful time spent with family and friends celebrating the 250th Independence Day milestone of our nation. Undaunted by the tremendous downpours, thunder and lightning (could it be more dramatic?) we were, nonetheless, entertained by spectacular fireworks displays that lasted late into the night.
Despite frequent rain showers and storms, our free-flowing rivers and streams are still low and warm; at about 3:00 pm on Sunday afternoon the Beaverkill at Cooks Falls was just at the median average flow of 181 cubic feet per second for the first time in many days. Water temperatures all week have exceeded the 70s and even the 80s since last Wednesday. The Willowemoc followed suit, with the creek reaching the median average flow of 54 cfs before receding back down, and water temperatures also reaching 80 degrees.
Beaverkill anglers are reminded that fishing on the lower Beaverkill at Horton during the summer months, between July 1 and August 31, is strictly prohibited. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has instituted regulations to close the river to all angling from the Iron Bridge at Horton downstream to the first Route 17 overpass, to provide a thermal refuge for heat-stressed trout. But fishing on other streams where water temperatures were more conducive to trout fishing has been positive, with trout fishers reporting good catches of some excellent fish.
We’re expecting more rainstorms and showers by the end of this week, through the weekend and into next week, with somewhat cooler temperatures in the high 70s. Prospective trout fishers should limit their fishing to the cooler mornings and evenings, and be sure to use a thermometer to check water temperatures before deciding to fish.