Catskills, New York
Beaverkill-Willowemoc Fishing Report: September 16, 2026
The Beaverkill is near 271 cfs and the Willowemoc near 54 cfs with cool morning water, but falling flow and a warm afternoon call for an early start and a thermometer.
- Status
- fair
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Morning through midday, then evening shade if water remains cool
- Best methods
- nymphs, wet flies, dry flies
Quick Summary
The Beaverkill is down to 271 cfs at Cooks Falls, and the Willowemoc has fallen to 54.4 cfs near Livingston Manor. Morning USGS temperatures were 58.5 F on the Beaverkill and 56.5 F on the Willowemoc. A current Catskills report places most dry-fly activity near dark and warns that the low freestones can warm later, especially below Cooks Falls. Fish nymphs and wet flies early, approach the Willowemoc carefully, and check water temperature before an evening dry-fly session.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Fair. Cool morning water is fishable, but low and falling flow increases afternoon temperature risk |
| Flow | 271 cfs at Beaverkill Cooks Falls; 54.4 cfs at Willowemoc Livingston Manor |
| Gauge Height | 1.96 feet at Cooks Falls; 2.01 feet at Livingston Manor |
| Water Temp | 58.5 F on the Beaverkill; 56.5 F on the Willowemoc |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Falling on both waters |
| Best Window | Morning through midday, then evening shade if water remains below 68 F |
| 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 partly sunny skies, a high near 76 F, southwest wind around 3 mph, and a 20 percent chance of a brief shower around midday. No active New York weather alerts were posted during the morning check. Thursday has a greater chance of showers and thunderstorms, which may change flow and access conditions.
River Notes
Both freestones continue to recede. The Beaverkill retains useful depth at Cooks Falls, while the Willowemoc below 55 cfs calls for a low profile, lighter landings, and minimal wading through holding water. Morning temperatures are suitable for trout, but the warm forecast and limited volume can raise temperatures substantially by late afternoon.
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. Carry a thermometer, move to colder water if readings climb, and stop targeting trout at 68 F.
Hatch Activity
Official gauges do not report hatches. The September 16 Catskills report supports Blue Winged Olives, Hebes, flying ants, Isonychias, Light Cahills, rusty spinners, and caddis. Low water and warm daytime conditions continue to push dependable surface activity toward shaded evening water.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-22 | Watch shaded foam lines late in the day |
| Hebe | 18-20 | Match 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 end of each drift toward the bank. If trout rise after shade reaches the pool, confirm that the water remains below 68 F, lengthen the leader, and use one small dry. Avoid repeated passes through shallow holding water.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAVER KILL AT COOKS FALLS NY | 271 cfs | 58.5 F | USGS 01420500 |
| WILLOWEMOC CREEK NEAR LIVINGSTON MANOR NY | 54.4 cfs | 56.5 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 16 local public conditions report reviewed separately for hatch, method, low-flow, and trout-temperature context.