Catskills, New York
Beaverkill-Willowemoc Fishing Report: September 18, 2026
The Beaverkill is near 253 cfs and the Willowemoc near 51 cfs with fishable morning temperatures, but low flow and a sunny afternoon favor an early session.
- Status
- fair
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- Morning before bright sun and afternoon warming
- Best methods
- nymphs, wet flies, dry flies
Quick Summary
The Beaverkill is near 253 cfs at Cooks Falls and the Willowemoc near 51.4 cfs at Livingston Manor. Morning USGS temperatures were 61.2 F and 59.5 F, providing a fishable early window, but both waters remain low. Fish nymphs or wet flies through broken water and use small dries only where trout rise consistently. Mostly sunny skies and a high near 72 F make a thermometer important after midday; stop targeting trout at 68 F.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Fair. Fishable morning temperatures are offset by low flow and afternoon sun |
| Flow | 253 cfs at Beaverkill Cooks Falls; 51.4 cfs at Willowemoc Livingston Manor |
| Gauge Height | 1.89 feet at Cooks Falls; 1.99 feet at Livingston Manor |
| Water Temp | 61.2 F on the Beaverkill; 59.5 F on the Willowemoc |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Nearly steady at both gauges after Thursday's rain |
| Best Window | Morning before bright sun 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 mostly sunny skies, a high near 72 F, and north wind from 5 to 10 mph. No active weather alert covered Roscoe during the morning check. Tonight should fall near 41 F, followed by a cooler Saturday near 66 F.
River Notes
The Beaverkill eased about 5 cfs since Thursday morning while the Willowemoc held near 51 cfs. Thursday's rain did not produce a meaningful increase at either gauge. Cooks Falls retains more depth, while the Willowemoc requires a low profile, soft casts, and care around shallow holding water.
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 latest accessible local Catskills report remains dated September 4, so no hatch is presented as a same-day observation. Use the morning gauge temperatures as a starting point and check the water again as sun reaches the pools.
Hatch Activity
Official gauges do not report hatches, and the local Catskills source has not posted a current update. Blue Winged Olives, caddis, Isonychias, and flying ants remain reasonable September patterns to carry, but confirm insects or rise forms on the water before selecting a dry.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-22 | Check shaded margins early; no same-day activity was reported |
| Flying Ant | 16-20 | Carry for protected banks, but fish only after seeing rises or ants |
| Tan Caddis | 16-18 | Pupa can search riffle margins and pool heads |
| 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 shaded or protected water |
| Dry | Flying Ant or Rusty Spinner | 16-20 | 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. A reach cast or downstream presentation helps when a trout rises in flat water. Carry a thermometer, check it as the sun warms the pool, and stop targeting trout at 68 F.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAVER KILL AT COOKS FALLS NY | 253 cfs | 61.2 F | USGS 01420500 |
| WILLOWEMOC CREEK NEAR LIVINGSTON MANOR NY | 51.4 cfs | 59.5 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. The local public report was checked separately but was too stale to support same-day hatch or method claims.