Catskills, New York
Beaverkill-Willowemoc Fishing Report: October 19, 2026
The Beaverkill is falling through 289 cfs at Cooks Falls with 46 F water, while the Willowemoc is near 74 cfs and calls for a careful low-water approach.
- 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 289 cfs at Cooks Falls with 46 F water, providing practical wading conditions after the recent rise. The Willowemoc is much lower near 74 cfs, so the Beaverkill offers the better depth and holding water. Let the cold morning warm, then look for small olives, caddis, and occasional larger mayflies from midday through late afternoon.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good on the Beaverkill; low on the Willowemoc |
| Flow | 289 cfs at Cooks Falls at 7:00 a.m. EDT |
| Water Temp | 46 F at Cooks Falls at 7:00 a.m. EDT |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Falling |
| Best Window | Midday through late afternoon |
| Best Method | Nymphs and wet flies, with dries if fish rise |
| Wadeability | Good on the Beaverkill; use a careful low-water approach on the Willowemoc |
Weather
Livingston Manor should be sunny with a high near 64 F and north wind around 3 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low near 38 F. Tuesday remains sunny with a high near 63 F, followed by a colder night near freezing.
River Notes
Cooks Falls has dropped from 356 cfs yesterday morning to 289 cfs, continuing the recession from the recent 553 cfs peak. The Beaverkill remains within a useful autumn wading range, though crossings still deserve care on slick rock. The Willowemoc was near 74 cfs with 45 F water during the morning local gauge check, making deeper pools and shaded runs more useful than broad riffles. Keep a low profile and avoid walking through likely holding water or clean spawning gravel.
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 around riffles and pool heads |
| Light Cahill | 14-16 | Late-season naturals may appear during 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 where 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
Start on the Beaverkill's deeper runs and pool heads with a small nymph rig. As the day warms, a swung soft hackle can cover riffle tails without requiring a heavy setup. On the Willowemoc, stay back from low, clear pools and use fewer casts from farther away. If trout rise steadily, change to a small olive dry on a longer leader. Stay off visible redds and clean gravel depressions.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver Kill at Cooks Falls (01420500) | 289 cfs | 46 F | USGS |
| Willowemoc Creek at Livingston Manor | 74 cfs | 45 F | USGS |
Sources
Official sources checked were the United States Geological Survey gauges at Cooks Falls and Livingston Manor 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.