Catskills, New York
Beaverkill-Willowemoc Fishing Report: September 12, 2026
The Beaverkill and Willowemoc are cool but still falling, with careful approaches today and a substantial overnight rain forecast that could change Sunday flows.
- Status
- fair
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Morning and cloudier late-afternoon water
- Best methods
- nymphs, wet flies, dry flies
Quick Summary
The Beaverkill and Willowemoc remain cool but continue to fall. USGS showed the Beaverkill at Cooks Falls near 306 cfs, 2.09 feet, and 59.9 F. The Willowemoc near Livingston Manor was about 51.4 cfs, 1.99 feet, and 56.7 F. Fish broken water with nymphs or wet flies, and use small dries only after locating consistent rises. Heavy overnight rain could change both rivers by Sunday morning.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Fair. Cool water is offset by falling freestone flows and cautious fish |
| Flow | 306 cfs at Beaverkill Cooks Falls; 51.4 cfs at Willowemoc Livingston Manor |
| Gauge Height | 2.09 feet at Cooks Falls; 1.99 feet at Livingston Manor |
| Water Temp | 59.9 F on the Beaverkill; 56.7 F on the Willowemoc |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Falling on both waters |
| Best Window | Morning and cloudier late-afternoon water |
| Best Method | Nymphs and wet flies in broken water; small dries for visible feeders |
| Wadeability | Limited. Avoid walking through shallow holding water and reassess after rain |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecast for Roscoe calls for partly sunny skies, a high near 73 F, and south wind at 2 to 7 mph. Showers and thunderstorms begin after 11 PM, with three quarters to one inch of rain possible before Sunday morning. Leave the river if thunder develops and check gauges before any Sunday trip.
River Notes
Cooks Falls has dropped 47 cfs since Friday morning, while the Willowemoc is down 7.6 cfs. The Beaverkill retains more depth in established pools, inside bends, and riffle margins. The lower Willowemoc calls for a longer leader, restrained wading, and deliberate presentations because trout have less cover in shallow water.
Begin with Isonychia nymphs, caddis pupa, and wet flies through broken transitions. Small olives are useful after finding repeat feeders, especially if clouds increase. A larger Isonychia or Light Cahill can carry a light dropper through riffles where depth permits.
Hatch Activity
Official gauges do not report hatches. No fresh September 12 local Catskills update was available during the morning check. Recent useful context supports Blue Winged Olives, Hebes, flying ants, Isonychias, Light Cahills, rusty spinners, sulphurs, and caddis, but anglers should verify the insect and rise form before selecting a dry.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-22 | Use when fish establish a repeatable rise |
| Tan Caddis | 16-18 | Fish pupa and soft hackles through riffle edges |
| Light Cahill | 14-16 | A searching dry for deeper riffles and pockets |
| Isonychia | 12-14 | Use a nymph or wet fly through broken water |
| Flying Ant or rusty spinner | 12-20 | Inspect quiet banks and foam lines before selecting size |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nymph | Isonychia Nymph, Pheasant Tail, or caddis pupa | 12-18 | Control the drift in riffle margins |
| Wet | Isonychia Wet or partridge soft hackle | 12-18 | Swing through broken transitions |
| Dry | BWO Comparadun or CDC Olive | 18-22 | Use only for consistent rises |
| Dry | Flying Ant, Light Cahill, or rusty spinner | 12-20 | Match the observed insect in quiet water |
Tactics
Approach from downstream and fish the near water first. Use a compact nymph or wet-fly rig in riffle margins and deeper slots. If fish begin rising, lengthen the leader and present one dry to a specific trout. Avoid crossing during thunderstorms, and reassess depth and current after tonight's forecast rain.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAVER KILL AT COOKS FALLS NY | 306 cfs | 59.9 F | USGS 01420500 |
| WILLOWEMOC CREEK NEAR LIVINGSTON MANOR NY | 51.4 cfs | 56.7 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 recent local public conditions information reviewed separately for hatch and method context.