Esopus Fishing Forecast
Catskill reservoir tailwater
Open Apr 1 — Oct 15
Inland trout stream. Oct 16 - Mar 31 C&R no bait. Heavily stocked
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 11:16 AM
52°F
283 CFS
4 PM - 6 PM
Scud
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
tailwater
46°F - 54°F
April Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Hatches increase. Good dry fly opportunities develop.
April Hatches
Quill Gordon
Mayfly
First major hatch of spring, early to mid-April
Hendrickson
Mayfly
Classic Catskill hatch, late April to mid-May
BWO
Mayfly
Spring and fall on overcast days
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round tailwater food source
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Midges, Limited |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Limited |
| March | 38-48°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Quill Gordons |
| April(Now) | 46-54°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Quill Gordons |
| May | 52-62°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Quill Gordons |
| June | 58-68°F | Tricos, Terrestrials, BWOs |
| July | 64-72°F | Tricos, Terrestrials, BWOs |
| August | 66-74°F | Tricos, Terrestrials, BWOs |
| September | 58-66°F | BWOs, Streamers, October Caddis |
| October | 50-58°F | BWOs, Streamers, October Caddis |
| November | 42-50°F | BWOs, Streamers, October Caddis |
| December | 34-42°F | Nymphing, Midges, Limited |
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.
Access Points & Parking for Esopus
Portal
Where Shandaken Tunnel releases cold water.
Phoenicia
Town access with services.
Mt. Tremper
Quality fishing access.
Five Arches
Scenic bridge access.
How to Fish Esopus: Tips & Tactics
The Esopus is a classic Catskill stream transformed into a quality tailwater by Shandaken Tunnel releases. Rainbow and brown trout thrive in these cold waters.
Best Times of Day
Portal releases create excellent fishing below the tunnel. Summer fishing can be challenging with turbidity. Spring and fall are most consistent.
Recommended Techniques
Match the hatches when water clarity allows. Nymphing is effective during high flows. Streamers produce larger fish.
Water Conditions
Tunnel releases bring cold, oxygenated water but can cause turbidity. Check release schedules. The Esopus is a classic Catskill freestone.
Fly Selection
Isonychia patterns work well. Caddis and stoneflies throughout season. Woolly Buggers when water is off-color.
Local Knowledge
Check tunnel release schedules for best fishing. Phoenicia is a vibrant mountain town. Water clarity varies with releases.
Local Tips
Phoenicia is a vibrant mountain town. Check tunnel release schedules. The Esopus is a classic Catskill stream.
When is the Best Time to Fish Esopus?
Spring
Good fishing with increasing hatches.
Summer
Portal releases keep water cool. Check clarity.
Fall
Excellent conditions. Isonychia hatches.
Winter
Limited - some open water fishing.
Recommended Equipment for Esopus
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight.
Line
Floating for dries. Sink-tip for streamers.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Wade carefully.
Essential Flies
Esopus Fishing Regulations
Season
Check New York DEC for current regulations.
Limits
Trout limits apply.
Special Regulations
Some special regulation areas.
Bait Restrictions
Check by section.
Notes
Tunnel releases affect fishing conditions.
Always verify current regulations with New York fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Esopus
Local Fly Shops
- Esopus Creel - Phoenicia
- Catskill Flies - Roscoe
- Ulster County Outfitters
Guide Services
- Esopus Creek Guides
- Catskill Guide Service
- Ulster County Anglers
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
200 - 500 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 65°F
Ideal for active trout
Other New York Trout Rivers
Beaverkill
Delaware (Main)
Willowemoc Creek
Neversink River
West Branch Delaware River
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