Catskills, New York
Beaverkill-Willowemoc Fishing Report: October 18, 2026
The Beaverkill is falling through 356 cfs at Cooks Falls with 46 F water, light wind, and a better midday-to-afternoon window after a cold start.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Midday through late afternoon
- Best methods
- nymphs, wet flies, dry flies
Quick Summary
The Beaverkill has fallen to 356 cfs at Cooks Falls after the recent runoff, putting the river back into a practical wading range. Water was 46 F during the morning check, so the better window should come after the sun raises air temperatures through midday. Start with nymphs or wet flies, then watch for small olives and caddis in protected pool margins during the afternoon.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good |
| Flow | 356 cfs at Cooks Falls at 6:00 a.m. |
| Water Temp | 46 F at Cooks Falls at 6:00 a.m. |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Falling |
| Best Window | Midday through late afternoon |
| Best Method | Nymphs and wet flies, with dries if fish rise |
| Wadeability | Good, with caution at deeper crossings |
Weather
The Livingston Manor forecast is sunny with a high near 57 F and northwest wind around 3 mph. Air temperatures begin near 30 F and climb into the low 50s around noon. Tonight will be clear with a low near 31 F. Monday is expected to be warmer, sunny, and near 64 F.
River Notes
The Cooks Falls gauge has dropped from a recent peak near 553 cfs to 356 cfs. The falling flow and light wind are favorable, but the cold morning will slow insect and trout activity. Concentrate on deeper runs, pool heads, and the softer seams behind structure until the water warms. Current Willowemoc flow and temperature were not available from an official real-time gauge, so check conditions at the river before committing to a crossing.
Hatch Activity
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 16-22 | Best chance during the warmer afternoon window |
| Tan Caddis | 16-18 | Pupa and wet flies can cover sparse activity |
| Slate Drake (Isonychia) | 12-14 | Occasional larger mayfly in riffles and pool heads |
| Light Cahill | 14-16 | Late-season naturals may appear in the afternoon |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nymphs | Pheasant Tail Nymph | 16-18 | Fish near the bottom through the cold morning |
| Wet Flies | Partridge and Orange | 14-16 | Swing through riffle tails and pool heads |
| Nymphs | Caddis Pupa | 16-18 | Use as a dropper when caddis are present |
| Dries | Dun Olive | 16-20 | Reserve for steady afternoon rises |
| Streamers | Olive Bugger | 6-8 | Work slowly near cover before the hatch window |
Tactics
Let the day warm before expecting much surface activity. Early, use enough weight to reach the bottom of the deeper runs without dragging through every drift. A swung soft hackle can cover pool tails once the water reaches its daytime high. If trout begin rising, switch to a longer leader and a small olive dry. Stay off visible spawning gravel and avoid walking through clean depressions that may hold trout eggs.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver Kill at Cooks Falls (01420500) | 356 cfs | 46 F | USGS |
| Willowemoc Creek | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
Sources
Official sources checked were the United States Geological Survey gauge at Cooks Falls and the National Weather Service point forecast for Livingston Manor, New York. Gauge values are provisional and were checked at 8:01 a.m. Eastern.