New York

Beaverkill Fishing Forecast

The Beaverkill anchors New York trout culture for anglers who want a forecast that respects real hydrology—not a generic “fish today” badge. Species mix centers on brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout, with tactics shifting from weighted nymphs in cold water to dries and terrestrials as afternoons warm during April through October. Because it is not a manicured park stretch, the Beaverkill rewards map work, respectful access, and leaders sized for the clarity you will actually see. USGS gauge 01423500 tracks live flow and temperature for planning wade or float days.

Constant 65°F water flows through the Beaverkill at low CFS — 4/10 today. Top pick: a X-Caddis.

In SeasonHigh confidence

Open Apr 1 — Oct 15

Inland trout stream season. Oct 16 - Mar 31 is catch-and-release (no live bait). Catskill classic

Limit: 5 trout (season); 0 (C&R off-season)Gear: C&R season: no live bait
View full regulations

Forecast and on-page guide updated September 9, 2026 (UTC). Open the app for hourly conditions.

Today's Fishing Conditions

4/10

Fair

Updated 2:06 PM

Water Temp

65°F

Flow Rate

--

Best Time

5 AM - 7 AM

Top Fly

X-Caddis

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What Makes the Beaverkill Unique?

Signature hatch or window

BWO (Mayfly) is a headline hatch to watch in September. Peak activity often tracks 42–55°F water temps.

Distinctive access

Junction Pool: Where Willowemoc meets Beaverkill - legendary water.

Rules anglers miss

No-kill sections protect wild trout.

Optimal Fishing Conditions

Optimal Flow

150 - 400 CFS

Best fishing conditions

Optimal Water Temperature

50° - 65°F

Ideal for active trout

Quick Facts

Species

Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and Rainbow Trout

River Type

freestone

September Water Temp

58°F - 66°F

September Hatches

BWO

Mayfly

Primary
42-55°FPeak: 1PM

Spring and fall on overcast days

Isonychia

Mayfly

Primary
60-70°FPeak: 6PM

Slate Drake, evening hatches summer into fall

Trico

Mayfly

60-75°FPeak: 8AM

Morning spinner falls, tiny flies

Hopper

Terrestrial

65-85°FPeak: 2PM

Meadow hoppers effective in summer

September Fishing Tactics

Primary Targets

Brown TroutBrook TroutRainbow Trout

Recommended Tactics

BWOsStreamersOctober Caddis

Fall fishing improves. BWOs return, browns become aggressive.

Year-Round Fishing Guide

MonthWater TempTactics
January32-38°FNymphing, Midges, Limited
February32-40°FNymphing, Midges, Limited
March38-48°FDry Flies, Hendricksons, Quill Gordons
April46-54°FDry Flies, Hendricksons, Quill Gordons
May52-62°FDry Flies, Hendricksons, Quill Gordons
June58-68°FTricos, Terrestrials, BWOs
July64-72°FTricos, Terrestrials, BWOs
August66-74°FTricos, Terrestrials, BWOs
September(Now)58-66°FBWOs, Streamers, October Caddis
October50-58°FBWOs, Streamers, October Caddis
November42-50°FBWOs, Streamers, October Caddis
December34-42°FNymphing, Midges, Limited

Recommended Equipment for Beaverkill

Rod

8.5 to 9-foot, 4 or 5-weight.

Line

Floating line for dry flies.

Leader & Tippet

9-12 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet.

Waders

Breathable waders. The Beaverkill is wadeable.

Essential Flies

HendricksonMarch BrownSulphurComparadunCatskill Dry

How to Fish Beaverkill: Tips & Tactics

The Beaverkill is the birthplace of American fly fishing, offering technical fishing for wild brown trout in historic Catskill waters.

Best Times of Day

The Hendrickson hatch in late April is legendary. March Browns and Sulphurs follow. Evening hatches are most productive.

Recommended Techniques

Classic Catskill dry fly fishing is the tradition. Match the prolific hatches. Light tippets and perfect drifts.

Water Conditions

Clear water and educated fish demand precision. The river has tremendous history. Hatches are prolific.

Fly Selection

Catskill-style dry flies are traditional. Hendrickson, March Brown, and Sulphur patterns. Comparaduns and emergers.

When is the Best Time to Fish Beaverkill?

Spring

Hendrickson hatch is legendary. March Browns follow.

Summer

Sulphurs and caddis. Fish early and late.

Fall

Isonychia and Octber caddis. Browns aggressive.

Winter

Limited - some mild day fishing.

Access Points & Parking for Beaverkill

Junction Pool

Where Willowemoc meets Beaverkill - legendary water.

Facilities:Parking
Best for:Historic fishing

Roscoe

Town access - Trout Town USA.

Facilities:Parking, Town Services
Best for:Full-service destination

Cairn's Pool

Famous pool with quality fishing.

Facilities:Parking
Best for:Classic Catskill fishing

Covered Bridge

Scenic access to productive water.

Facilities:Parking
Best for:Photography and fishing

Spawning Seasons

Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.

Brown Trout

Spawn months: October, November

Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.

Rainbow Trout

Spawn months: March, April

Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.

Brook Trout

Spawn months: September, October

Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.

Beaverkill Fishing Regulations

Season

Check New York DEC for current regulations.

Limits

Wild trout limits apply. Catch-and-release sections.

Special Regulations

No-kill sections protect wild trout.

Bait Restrictions

Artificial only in many sections.

Notes

The birthplace of American fly fishing - fish respectfully.

Always verify current regulations with New York fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.

Fly Shops & Guides Near Beaverkill

Local Fly Shops

  • Catskill Flies - Roscoe
  • Dette Flies
  • Beaverkill Angler

Guide Services

  • Catskill Guide Service
  • Beaverkill Guides
  • Roscoe Fly Fishing

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Beaverkill — frequently asked questions

When is the best time to fish the Beaverkill?

Fall fishing improves. BWOs return, browns become aggressive.

What flies should I bring to the Beaverkill?

For the Beaverkill (freestone), carry: Hendrickson, March Brown, Sulphur, Comparadun, Catskill Dry.

What water temperature is best for trout on the Beaverkill?

On the Beaverkill, trout hold between 50° and 65°F. In summer, expect temps to swing with air temperature — fish early.

Do I need a fishing license for the Beaverkill?

Yes — you need a valid New York fishing license to fish the Beaverkill. Local season: Check New York DEC for current regulations.. Daily limit: Wild trout limits apply. Catch-and-release sections..

What hatches should I watch for on the Beaverkill in September?

BWO is the signature hatch on the Beaverkill in September. Match size and adjust leader size to 5X-6X. The fish key in on the emergence during low-light hours, so plan to be on the water at first light.

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