Catskills, New York
Beaverkill-Willowemoc Fishing Report: September 5, 2026
The Beaverkill has fallen to about 1,080 cfs but remains high and off-color, while the Willowemoc near 144 cfs offers the more practical section-by-section check.
- Status
- tough
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Wait for more Beaverkill runoff to pass; inspect the Willowemoc first
- Best methods
- streamers, nymphs, wet flies
Quick Summary
The Beaverkill-Willowemoc system is falling after the storm, but it has not returned to normal freestone fishing. USGS showed the Beaverkill at Cooks Falls near 1,080 cfs, 3.73 feet, and 61.3 F during the morning check, less than half yesterday's flow but still well above comfortable general wading. The Willowemoc near Livingston Manor was about 144 cfs, 2.45 feet, and 60.3 F. Current local context still describes the Beaverkill as high and off-color, making the Willowemoc the better place to inspect before committing to a Catskills outing.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Tough. Both gauges are falling, but Beaverkill flow and remaining stain limit access and presentation |
| Flow | 1,080 cfs at Beaverkill Cooks Falls; 144 cfs at Willowemoc Livingston Manor |
| Gauge Height | 3.73 feet at Cooks Falls; 2.45 feet at Livingston Manor |
| Water Temp | 61.3 F on the Beaverkill; 60.3 F on the Willowemoc |
| Clarity | Beaverkill remains off-color in current local reporting; inspect the Willowemoc from shore |
| Trend | Falling on both streams |
| Best Window | Wait for more Beaverkill runoff to pass; inspect the Willowemoc first |
| Best Method | Streamers, larger nymphs, or wet flies in soft edges after confirming safe access and usable visibility |
| Wadeability | Limited. Avoid Beaverkill crossings and treat unfamiliar banks cautiously |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecast for Roscoe calls for mostly sunny skies, a high near 73 F, and north wind around 6 mph. Tonight should be partly cloudy near 50 F with patchy fog after 1 AM. No active NWS alerts were present during the morning check. Dry, cool weather favors continued recession, but it does not remove the current and debris hazards left by the storm.
River Notes
Cooks Falls has dropped more than 1,200 cfs since yesterday's 9 AM refresh. That is meaningful improvement, but 1,080 cfs still leaves fast crossings, submerged bank edges, and limited holding water for anglers on foot. Give the Beaverkill more time and judge color before fishing even from familiar access points.
The Willowemoc has fallen into a more recognizable flow range and is the better scouting choice. Begin from shore, check whether runoff stain remains, and fish the closest soft edge before entering. Streamers can cover colored pools and bank cushions; larger nymphs or wet flies suit improving riffles and seams. Small dries are a secondary plan until visibility returns and fish establish a repeatable rise.
Hatch Activity
Official gauges do not report hatches. Recent Catskills context supports Blue Winged Olives, tan caddis, Light Cahills, Isonychias, rusty spinners, and flying ants. Remaining stain and elevated Beaverkill flow can suppress visible surface feeding even when insects are present.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 16-22 | Look in sheltered margins after clarity improves |
| Tan Caddis | 16-18 | Fish pupa and soft hackles through broken edge water |
| Light Cahill | 14-16 | Carry for the evening if the water clears |
| Isonychia | 10-14 | A useful nymph, wet fly, or larger searching dry |
| Flying Ant | 16-22 | Check quiet banks and foam lines for concentrated activity |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streamer | Black, olive, or white Woolly Bugger or sculpin | 4-8 | Cover soft banks and inside seams after confirming safe footing |
| Nymph | Isonychia Nymph, Pheasant Tail, or caddis pupa | 10-18 | Keep the drift close and controlled in slower water |
| Wet | Isonychia Wet or partridge soft hackle | 10-18 | Swing through improving riffle margins |
| Dry | BWO Comparadun or CDC Olive | 16-22 | Use only for fish rising consistently in sheltered water |
| Dry | Flying Ant, Light Cahill, or Isonychia Parachute | 10-22 | Carry for quiet banks and the evening window |
Tactics
Recheck both gauges and inspect water color before leaving the bank. On the Willowemoc, fish the near edge first and avoid stepping into a lane that is deeper or faster than expected. On the Beaverkill, postpone crossings and focus only on accessible soft margins if clarity is usable. Keep leaders short enough to control a streamer or nymph rig around debris. Carry a thermometer later in the day and stop targeting trout if shallow water approaches 68 F.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAVER KILL AT COOKS FALLS NY | 1,080 cfs | 61.3 F | USGS 01420500 |
| WILLOWEMOC CREEK NEAR LIVINGSTON MANOR NY | 144 cfs | 60.3 F | USGS 01419500 |
Sources
Official sources checked: USGS stations 01420500 and 01419500, plus the National Weather Service forecast for the Livingston Manor and 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 clarity, hatch, method, and safety context.