Catskills, New York
Beaverkill-Willowemoc Fishing Report: September 13, 2026
The Beaverkill and Willowemoc received a modest rain bump, but afternoon warming and morning thunderstorms call for thermometer checks and cautious wading.
- Status
- fair
- Flow trend
- rising
- Best window
- After morning storms clear and again late afternoon
- Best methods
- nymphs, wet flies, dry flies
Quick Summary
The Beaverkill and Willowemoc received a modest overnight rain bump. USGS showed the Beaverkill at Cooks Falls near 311 cfs, 2.11 feet, and 62.2 F; the Willowemoc near Livingston Manor was 63.9 cfs, 2.07 feet, and 60.3 F. Morning thunderstorms and later warming are the main constraints. Fish nymphs or wet flies after storms clear, then look for small olives and Isonychias in shaded late-afternoon water.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Fair. A modest flow bump helps, but thunderstorms and afternoon temperature require care |
| Flow | 311 cfs at Beaverkill Cooks Falls; 63.9 cfs at Willowemoc Livingston Manor |
| Gauge Height | 2.11 feet at Cooks Falls; 2.07 feet at Livingston Manor |
| Water Temp | 62.2 F on the Beaverkill; 60.3 F on the Willowemoc |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Rising modestly on both waters |
| Best Window | After morning storms clear and again late afternoon |
| Best Method | Nymphs and wet flies in broken water; small dries for repeat feeders |
| Wadeability | Limited. Reassess crossings after rain and avoid shallow holding water |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecast for Roscoe calls for showers and thunderstorms likely before 2 PM, then partly sunny skies and a high near 73 F. Southwest wind should stay near 5 mph. Leave the river at the first sound of thunder. More showers are possible tonight before cooler weather arrives Monday.
River Notes
The Beaverkill is nearly steady from Saturday morning, while the Willowemoc gained about 12 cfs. The rain bump adds some depth without producing high water at the morning check. Current local guidance still describes the freestones as needing rain and warns that the Beaverkill below Cooks Falls can warm later in the day.
Start in riffle margins, pool heads, and shaded seams with Isonychia nymphs, caddis pupa, or wet flies. Avoid long fights and check the actual water temperature during the afternoon. Stop targeting trout if it reaches 68 F.
Hatch Activity
Official gauges do not report hatches. A current September 13 Catskills update supports Blue Winged Olives, Hebes, flying ants, Isonychias, Light Cahills, rusty spinners, sulphurs, and caddis. Surface activity is expected later in the day, especially where a ridge shades the river early.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-22 | Watch shaded foam lines after storms clear |
| Hebe | 18-20 | Match the smaller mayfly only after confirming rises |
| Flying Ant | 16-20 | Carry for quiet banks and shaded flats |
| Light Cahill | 14-16 | A searching dry in riffles and pocket water |
| Isonychia | 12-14 | Fish nymphs and wets through broken water |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nymph | Isonychia Nymph, Pheasant Tail, or caddis pupa | 12-18 | Use a compact rig through riffle margins |
| Wet | Isonychia Wet or soft hackle | 12-18 | Swing toward the bank through broken transitions |
| Dry | BWO Comparadun or CDC Olive | 18-22 | Use for established rises in shaded water |
| Dry | Flying Ant, Light Cahill, or rusty spinner | 14-20 | Match the observed insect and rise form |
Tactics
Wait for thunderstorms to clear before entering the river. Approach from downstream and fish the near edge first. Use a compact nymph or wet-fly rig in broken water, then lengthen the leader for one small dry when a trout establishes a repeatable rise. Carry a thermometer and end trout fishing at 68 F.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAVER KILL AT COOKS FALLS NY | 311 cfs | 62.2 F | USGS 01420500 |
| WILLOWEMOC CREEK NEAR LIVINGSTON MANOR NY | 63.9 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 the September 13 local public conditions report reviewed separately for hatch, method, and trout-temperature context.