Catskills, New York
Beaverkill-Willowemoc Fishing Report: September 17, 2026
The Beaverkill is near 258 cfs and the Willowemoc near 51 cfs with fishable morning temperatures, but low flow, warming water, and thunderstorms favor an early session.
- Status
- fair
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Morning before thunderstorms and afternoon warming
- Best methods
- nymphs, wet flies, dry flies
Quick Summary
The Beaverkill is near 258 cfs at Cooks Falls and the Willowemoc near 51.4 cfs at Livingston Manor. Morning USGS temperatures were 61.0 F and 59.4 F, leaving a fishable early window, but both waters remain low and continue to fall. Fish nymphs or wet flies early and carry a thermometer. The National Weather Service expects thunderstorms this afternoon, so leave the river when thunder is heard and do not count on an evening session.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Fair. Fishable morning temperatures are offset by low flow, afternoon warming, and thunderstorms |
| Flow | 258 cfs at Beaverkill Cooks Falls; 51.4 cfs at Willowemoc Livingston Manor |
| Gauge Height | 1.91 feet at Cooks Falls; 1.99 feet at Livingston Manor |
| Water Temp | 61.0 F on the Beaverkill; 59.4 F on the Willowemoc |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Falling on both waters |
| Best Window | Morning before thunderstorms and afternoon warming |
| Best Method | Nymphs and wet flies in broken water; small dries only for established rises |
| Wadeability | Good, but low water calls for quiet approaches and limited disturbance |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecast for Roscoe calls for showers and thunderstorms, a high near 75 F, south wind from 1 to 5 mph, and an 80 percent chance of precipitation. Rainfall through tonight could total roughly one fifth to one half inch. No active New York weather alert covered Roscoe during the morning check, but lightning remains a direct hazard on open water.
River Notes
Both freestones continue to recede, with the Willowemoc now close to 50 cfs. The Beaverkill retains more depth at Cooks Falls, while the Willowemoc requires a low profile, soft landings, and care around shallow holding water. Morning temperatures are suitable for trout, though low volume and a forecast high in the mid-70s can push temperatures upward before storms arrive.
Begin at a riffle head or broken seam with an Isonychia nymph, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, or caddis pupa. Swing a soft hackle toward the bank at the end of the drift. The most recent local Catskills report is dated September 4, so its hatch list is useful seasonal context rather than a same-day observation. Check the water with a thermometer and stop targeting trout at 68 F.
Hatch Activity
Official gauges do not report hatches. The latest accessible local report supports Blue Winged Olives, sulphurs, tan caddis, Light Cahills, Isonychias, rusty spinners, and flying ants, but that report is stale as of September 4. Confirm insects and rise forms on the water before selecting a dry.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 16-22 | Possible under cloud cover; confirm adults or emergers before changing |
| Flying Ant | 16-20 | Carry for protected banks, but no same-day fall was reported |
| Tan Caddis | 16-18 | Pupa can search riffle margins and pool heads |
| Light Cahill | 14-16 | Use as a searching dry only where current activity supports it |
| Isonychia | 12-14 | Nymphs and wets 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 only for established rises in 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 entering. Keep the nymph rig compact and avoid repeated passes through shallow holding water. Carry a thermometer and stop at 68 F. With thunderstorms forecast, choose water with a short exit, watch the radar, and leave immediately when thunder is heard.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAVER KILL AT COOKS FALLS NY | 258 cfs | 61.0 F | USGS 01420500 |
| WILLOWEMOC CREEK NEAR LIVINGSTON MANOR NY | 51.4 cfs | 59.4 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. The September 4 local public report was reviewed separately as stale seasonal context for hatches and methods.