Catskills, New York
Beaverkill and Willowemoc Fishing Report: May 19, 2026
Beaverkill and Willowemoc is in a useful fishing window today.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Late morning through evening
- Best methods
- dry flies, nymphs, streamers
Quick Summary
Beaverkill and Willowemoc is in a useful fishing window today. USGS showed 548 cfs and 2.78 feet at 6:30 AM, with the flow trend falling. Water temperature was 61 F. Start with dry flies, then adjust to nymphs or streamers if fish begin feeding higher in the column. With warm air in the forecast, carry a thermometer and stop targeting trout if afternoon water approaches 68 F.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good |
| Flow | 548 cfs at 6:30 AM |
| Gauge Height | 2.78 feet |
| Water Temp | 61 F |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Falling |
| Best Window | Late morning through evening |
| Best Method | dry flies; nymphs; streamers |
| Wadeability | Good |
Weather
For Roscoe, NY, the National Weather Service forecast says: Today: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. West wind 3 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Plan around wind, changing light, and any showers or storms rather than assuming a full-day dry fly window.
River Notes
The best starting point is water that matches the current gauge: inside seams, protected banks, riffle drop-offs, and slower buckets rather than the heaviest current. A falling trend is worth watching through the day; if the hydrograph turns sharply upward, clarity and wade safety can change before hatch timing does. Missing field values are left as Not reported rather than filled from guesswork.
Hatch Activity
Current hatch guidance is based on seasonal May patterns for this river system, current public report context where available, and today’s official gauge/weather check.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur | 14-16 | Look for better dry fly shots in broken riffles and softer flats |
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-22 | Best under clouds or brief showers |
| Caddis | 14-18 | Fish pupa before adults show |
| March Brown | 10-12 | Carry a few larger mayflies for pockets and banks |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | Sulphur Sparkle Dun | 14-16 | Match late-day risers |
| Dry | Elk Hair Caddis | 14-18 | Skate or dead drift around riffles |
| Nymph | Pheasant Tail | 14-18 | Use before mayfly activity |
| Nymph | Caddis Pupa | 14-18 | Good searching pattern |
| Streamer | Black Woolly Bugger | 6-10 | Use in low light or stained pockets |
Tactics
Start with dry flies in defined lanes and adjust weight, depth, or leader length before changing flies. If fish begin rising, simplify to a single dry or dry with an emerger/dropper and lengthen the leader. In bright or windy periods, return to subsurface presentations along protected banks and broken water. Re-check the gauge before wading new crossings, especially if the trend changes from stable or falling to rising.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAVER KILL AT COOKS FALLS NY | 548 cfs | 61 F | USGS 01420500 |
Sources
Official sources checked: USGS station 01420500 and the National Weather Service forecast for the Roscoe, NY area. This report is an original Custom FlyBox summary based on current official gauge and weather data, with local public conditions reports reviewed separately for hatch, access, and method context.