Catskills, New York
Beaverkill-Willowemoc Fishing Report: September 19, 2026
The Beaverkill is near 232 cfs and the Willowemoc near 45.7 cfs with fishable morning temperatures, but low water and sun favor an early session.
- Status
- fair
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Morning before bright sun and afternoon warming
- Best methods
- nymphs, wet flies, dry flies
Quick Summary
The Beaverkill is near 232 cfs at Cooks Falls and the Willowemoc near 45.7 cfs at Livingston Manor. Morning USGS temperatures were 60.4 F and 57.9 F, but both waters remain low and are falling. Fish nymphs or wet flies through broken water early and use small dries only where trout rise consistently. Carry a thermometer and stop targeting trout at 68 F. Sunday's forecast rain could raise and stain both streams quickly.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Fair. Fishable morning temperatures are offset by low flow and sunny conditions |
| Flow | 232 cfs at Beaverkill Cooks Falls; 45.7 cfs at Willowemoc Livingston Manor |
| Gauge Height | 1.80 feet at Cooks Falls; 1.95 feet at Livingston Manor |
| Water Temp | 60.4 F on the Beaverkill; 57.9 F on the Willowemoc |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Falling at both gauges |
| 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 67 F, and light southeast wind. Rain becomes likely late tonight, followed by a 100 percent chance of rain Sunday and forecast accumulation of one to two inches. Recheck gauges and avoid committing to a crossing if water begins to rise.
River Notes
The Beaverkill has fallen about 21 cfs since Friday morning, while the Willowemoc is down roughly 6 cfs. Cooks Falls retains more depth and current than the Willowemoc. On either water, approach from downstream, fish the closest seam first, and avoid walking through shallow holding water.
The latest accessible dedicated Catskills report remains dated September 4, so no hatch or method is presented as a same-day local observation. Start with an Isonychia nymph, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, or caddis pupa in broken water. Swing a soft hackle toward the bank at the end of the drift. Sunday's rain may improve flow later, but rising or stained water requires a fresh gauge and clarity check.
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 water |
| Dry | Flying Ant or Rusty Spinner | 16-20 | Match the observed insect and rise form |
Tactics
Use a low profile and fish upstream from below the trout's window. Keep the nymph rig compact and avoid repeated passes through shallow water. Check temperatures as sun reaches the pool and stop targeting trout at 68 F. Heavy rain is forecast Sunday; leave a crossing immediately if depth, color, or current begins changing.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAVER KILL AT COOKS FALLS NY | 232 cfs | 60.4 F | USGS 01420500 |
| WILLOWEMOC CREEK NEAR LIVINGSTON MANOR NY | 45.7 cfs | 57.9 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.