06/05/2026
The Catskill Fly Fishing Report
June 5, 2026
Beaverkill River, Willowemoc Creek, and the Delaware River System
STORE HOURS:
Monday 9am to 5pm
Tuesday 9am to 5pm
Wednesday 9am to 5pm
Thursday 9am to 5pm
Friday 8am to 6pm
Saturday 8am to 6pm
Sunday 8am to 5pm
Today will be a high of 79 degrees with sun in the morning and clouds coming in the late afternoon; but no rain expected throughout the day. There’s a chance we might see some rain over the next couple days but it’s unlikely this will have much of an effect on river conditions. On the whole, the weekend is shaping up to be scattered between sunny and cloudy conditions with warm air temperatures.
We’re quickly approaching the season on the Beaverkill when it’s particularly important to pay close attention to water temperatures. Conditions are still cool enough and should stay that way in the next few days, but we’re looking at some pretty hot weather next week. Be aware that trout mortality dramatically increases when water temperatures reach 68 degrees, so make sure you have a thermometer and be taking temps everywhere you fish as the weather gets warmer.
Flows on the Beaverkill are just over 200 CFS as this is being written which sets up for ample wading opportunities throughout the river’s course. Caddis have continued to come off in large numbers, especially the blue sedge. For caddis imitation and beyond, size and color are key factors especially for unique hatches. There are a lot of different species of caddis moving around right now, but you’ll want to make sure you have a few solid patterns in tan, black and green ranging from size 12-18. Action at the surface on caddis patterns is somewhat limited, however, we’ve received reports that drowned caddis and pupa patterns have been particularly successful in converting on these hatches. If you’re fishing late, keep your eyes sharply peeled for the presence of spent caddis on the water’s surface and plan to have a couple such patterns in the box if you find the opportunity to convert on them. March browns are limited if present at all lower down on the Beaverkill but reports indicate targetable activity from them higher up in the watershed. Sulphurs are here to stay which is historically a time when the fishing really turns on, so keep your eyes peeled for them. Sulphur patterns mimicking failed emergers with bodies that sit low in the film seem to particularly effective right now. The green drakes (and subsequently coffin flies) are still around and reports indicate that these hatches and spinner falls are eliciting more attention than they previously were. This being said, be wary of forcing the issue in imitation of green drakes, a relatively fickle hatch which tends to not last long. Isos have started to crop up as well, often a hatch that fish key in on intensely when they are moving, so make sure to have a few of those patterns in the box as well. In the presence of bugs and absence of risers, you can’t go wrong with a dry dropper rig which will often let you clue in on the specific forage that fish are keyed into. Change droppers and adjust depth as necessary until you lock in on what they’re eating.
The Willowemoc is low, running under 50 CFS as this is being written. Fish become particularly wary in lower flows as they are more vulnerable to both anglers and predators, so tread carefully when fishing on the Willow. Like the Beaverkill and especially considering the flow conditions, be wary of water temperatures and make sure to have a thermometer on you. If flows keep dropping, there may come a point at which the Willowemoc should be avoided entirely. In terms of hatch, the low flows will likely have an effect on bug activity, but you can probaby expect continued movement from caddis, March browns, sulphurs, and maybe the odd drake or iso.
The West Branch is running at a very manageable 570 CFS at the moment, allowing for plenty of wading opportunities, and solid flows for fishing from a boat. Reports indicate solid bug activity in the way of caddis, drakes, sulphurs, and isos. Reports have indicated increasingly good fishing on the West Branch with some major windows of rising fish being reported. In any case, keep in mind that dry fly fishing on the West Branch can be pretty tricky; long leaders and downstream services can be mandatory in plenty of instances so come prepared. Much the same can be said about the East Branch which is also fishing well. Flows out that way are running just under 200 CFS as this is being written, we’ll see how much that changes in the coming days. Expect that hatch on the East Branch will be similar to what’s already been laid out above. We are open 7 days a week going forward, see above for exact hours. We wish you all a pleasant and safe weekend, good luck out there and we hope to see you soon!
