Catskills, New York
Beaverkill-Willowemoc Fishing Report: September 15, 2026
The Beaverkill is near 320 cfs and the Willowemoc near 64 cfs with cool morning water, but low Willowemoc flow and afternoon warming make an early start important.
- Status
- fair
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Morning through midday, then the final shaded hours
- Best methods
- nymphs, wet flies, dry flies
Quick Summary
The Beaverkill remains at a useful 320 cfs at Cooks Falls, while the Willowemoc has fallen to about 64 cfs near Livingston Manor. Morning USGS temperatures were 57.6 F on the Beaverkill and 54.5 F on the Willowemoc. Current local information warns that the freestones are low and may warm later, especially the Beaverkill below Cooks Falls. Fish nymphs and wet flies early, carry a thermometer, and reserve dry-fly work for shade near the end of the day.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Fair. Cool morning water is fishable, but low flow and afternoon warming require care |
| Flow | 320 cfs at Beaverkill Cooks Falls; 63.9 cfs at Willowemoc Livingston Manor |
| Gauge Height | 2.13 feet at Cooks Falls; 2.10 feet at Livingston Manor |
| Water Temp | 57.6 F on the Beaverkill; 54.5 F on the Willowemoc |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Falling on both waters |
| Best Window | Morning through midday, then the final shaded hours if water remains cool |
| Best Method | Nymphs and wet flies in broken water; small dries for established evening rises |
| Wadeability | Good, but low water requires quiet approaches and care around holding trout |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecast for Roscoe calls for morning fog followed by sunshine, a high near 69 F, and southeast wind around 1 to 6 mph. No active weather alerts were posted during the morning check. The light wind helps presentation, while sunshine and low flow can warm shallow freestone reaches during the afternoon.
River Notes
Both gauges have receded from Monday's rain bump. The Beaverkill still has useful depth at Cooks Falls, but the Willowemoc is back below 70 cfs and requires a careful approach. Morning temperatures are suitable for trout; that reading does not guarantee safe water late in a sunny day.
Begin with an Isonychia nymph, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, or caddis pupa through riffle margins and pool heads. Swing a soft hackle toward the bank at the end of the drift. Avoid repeatedly walking through shallow holding water, and move to a colder reach if a handheld thermometer approaches 68 F.
Hatch Activity
Official gauges do not report hatches. The September 15 Catskills update supports Blue Winged Olives, Hebes, flying ants, Isonychias, Light Cahills, rusty spinners, sulphurs, and caddis. Low water and sun are pushing most dependable dry-fly activity toward evening shade.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-22 | Watch shaded foam lines late in the day |
| Hebe | 18-20 | Match only after confirming small mayflies on the water |
| Flying Ant | 16-20 | Carry for quiet banks and protected flats |
| Light Cahill | 14-16 | A searching dry in riffles and pocket water |
| Isonychia | 12-14 | Nymphs, wets, and searching dries suit broken water |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nymph | Isonychia Nymph, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, or caddis pupa | 12-18 | Fish a compact rig through riffle margins and pool heads |
| Wet | Isonychia Wet or soft hackle | 12-18 | Let the fly lift toward the bank at the end of the drift |
| Dry | BWO Comparadun or CDC Olive | 18-22 | Use for established rises in shaded, protected water |
| Dry | Flying Ant, Light Cahill, or rusty spinner | 14-20 | Match the observed insect and rise form |
Tactics
Approach from downstream and fish the nearest seam before wading. Keep the nymph rig short enough to control in modest flow, and swing the last portion of each drift toward the bank. If trout rise after shade reaches the pool, lengthen the leader and use one small dry. Carry a thermometer and stop targeting trout at 68 F; low sunny freestones can warm substantially from their cool morning readings.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAVER KILL AT COOKS FALLS NY | 320 cfs | 57.6 F | USGS 01420500 |
| WILLOWEMOC CREEK NEAR LIVINGSTON MANOR NY | 63.9 cfs | 54.5 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 15 local public conditions report reviewed separately for hatch, method, low-flow, and trout-temperature context.