New York

Neversink River Fishing Forecast

Classic Catskill freestone with wild brook trout above reservoir and browns in the gorge

Season ClosedMedium confidence

Opens Apr 1

Inland trout stream. C&R Oct 16 - Mar 31

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

Today's Fishing Conditions

3/10

Challenging

Updated 7:57 AM

Water Temp

41°F

Flow Rate

57 CFS

Best Time

3 AM - 5 AM

Top Fly

WD-40

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Quick Facts

Species

Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and Rainbow Trout

River Type

freestone

March Water Temp

36°F - 45°F

March Fishing Tactics

Primary Targets

Brown TroutRainbow Trout

Recommended Tactics

Early BWOsQuill Gordon nymphs

Season opens. Early BWO activity begins.

March Hatches

Quill Gordon

Mayfly

Primary
42-52°FPeak: 1PM

Early season hatch. First dry fly action.

BWO

Mayfly

Primary
45-55°FPeak: 1PM

Spring and fall. Overcast days best.

Midge

Midge

32-45°FPeak: 12PM

Winter fishing option.

Year-Round Fishing Guide

MonthWater TempTactics
January32-38°FMidges, Deep nymphs
February32-40°FMidges, Small nymphs
March(Now)36-45°FEarly BWOs, Quill Gordon nymphs
April42-52°FHendrickson, BWOs, Quill Gordon
May50-60°FSulphurs, March Browns, Caddis
June55-68°FGreen Drakes, Sulphurs, Slate Drakes
July60-72°FTricos, Terrestrials, Light Cahills
August60-74°FTricos, Terrestrials, White Fly
September55-65°FBWOs, Slate Drakes, Terrestrials
October48-58°FBWOs, Slate Drakes, Streamers
November40-48°FBWOs, Streamers, Egg patterns
December32-40°FMidges, Deep nymphs

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.

Access Points & Parking for Neversink River

Claryville

Upper river access to quality water.

Facilities:Parking
Best for:Remote fishing

Neversink Gorge

Spectacular gorge fishing.

Facilities:Parking, Trail Access
Best for:Scenic fishing

Bridgeville

Mid-river access.

Facilities:Parking
Best for:Wade fishing

Cuddebackville

Lower river access.

Facilities:Parking
Best for:Diverse fishing

How to Fish Neversink River: Tips & Tactics

The Neversink is a classic Catskill freestone known for wild brown trout and challenging fishing. Theodore Gordon fished these waters.

Best Times of Day

Spring hatches bring fish to the surface. The Hendrickson and Sulphur hatches are excellent. Fall brown trout fishing is productive.

Recommended Techniques

Classic Catskill techniques work well. Match the hatches carefully. Stealth is essential in clear water.

Water Conditions

The Neversink flows through beautiful country. Water clarity is excellent. Wild brown trout are the primary target.

Fly Selection

Hendrickson, Sulphur, and caddis patterns. Classic Catskill dry flies. Comparaduns and emergers.

Local Knowledge

Theodore Gordon fished the Neversink. This is historic Catskill water. The Gorge section is particularly scenic.

Local Tips

The Neversink has tremendous fly fishing history. The Gorge is spectacular but challenging. Classic Catskill fishing.

When is the Best Time to Fish Neversink River?

Spring

Hendrickson and March Browns emerge. Prime season.

Summer

Sulphurs and caddis. Fish early and late.

Fall

Brown trout become aggressive. Excellent.

Winter

Limited - some mild weather fishing.

Recommended Equipment for Neversink River

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. Careful wading in gorge.

Essential Flies

HendricksonSulphurMarch BrownCatskill DryPheasant Tail

Neversink River Fishing Regulations

Season

Check New York DEC for current regulations.

Limits

Wild trout limits apply.

Special Regulations

Catch-and-release sections.

Bait Restrictions

Artificial only in special regulation areas.

Notes

Theodore Gordon fished here - this is historic water.

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

Fly Shops & Guides Near Neversink River

Local Fly Shops

  • Catskill Flies - Roscoe
  • Dette Flies
  • West Branch Angler

Guide Services

  • Neversink Guides
  • Catskill Guide Service
  • Historic Catskill Anglers

Optimal Fishing Conditions

Optimal Flow

100 - 300 CFS

Best fishing conditions

Optimal Water Temperature

50° - 65°F

Ideal for active trout

Other New York Trout Rivers

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