Conditions on our trout streams during this first half of April have been easier for fishing access than expected, especially after such a long, cold, and snowy winter. With water levels below the historic average and water temperatures flirting up toward 50 degrees Fahrenheit on the Beaverkill and Willowemoc this past week, anglers were seen on both streams. However easy for wading and fishing access, river levels, especially on the Willowemoc, are noticeably low - in fact, less than half the median average flow over the past 40 years; unusual for this early time in the season. The Beaverkill is also low, measured on Sunday afternoon at 527 cubic feet per second, as compared to the median average flow of 976 cfs over 112 years of record-keeping. On Friday, despite a full schedule of events to come, the 70+degree afternoon beckoned, and it was difficult to pass up a chance to sample the fishing even if just for an hour. The Willowemoc was looking very fishable and had warmed to an appealing 49 degrees, but after a few fruitless casts we headed up to the Mongaup, which offered similar temperatures. 

I was surprised to see a good number of what appeared to be Quill Gordons in the air! There were none to be seen on the surface, nor were there any rises, but it was encouraging to see these early mayflies out and about. It’s the time of year when the major fly hatches have begun….we’ve already seen tiny (size #18 - #20) Blue Winged Olives in the air on Opening Day, and Quill Gordons (larger bluish-colored flies, about size #14) this past week. Early hatches include the small Black Caddis (size #16) and the larger Brown and Black Stoneflies, (both sizes #12 and #14) which are active along streambanks, especially on cool and overcast days. And now fly-fishers eagerly await the Hendrickson hatch, which usually begins at the end of the month, and is a hatch the Beaverkill is famous for. 

However, most successful anglers this past week were still fishing below the surface, using wet flies and nymphs. One angler who had a great day’s fishing was 12-year old Cole Reynolds of New Jersey who, along with his father, Hugh Reynolds, traveled up to the area to try their luck. Cole and Hugh were fishing with their guide George Glantzis, of Roscoe, at Cairns Pool on Thursday, April 9, using a Pheasant Tail jig and a nymph. Cole had some action, and lost two fish, but then hooked into and landed a beautiful Rainbow trout that measured  18” long. It was not the first time the Reynolds family fished with George, and there’s no doubt they will return and fish together again! And another young angler, Thomas Fox, of New Jersey and Livingston Manor, also did well last week fishing below the surface. Thomas had been fishing with his father, Brad, in several area streams: the Callicoon, Beaverkill and Willowemoc, and the pair had success in all three. Thomas, who is also an accomplished fly-tier, was rewarded with a sturdy brown trout in the Willowemoc that measured 21 inches in length! He caught the great fish using a size #10 Black Woolly Bugger.  It was a busy weekend as well for those who weren’t fishing. On Friday evening the Catskill Fly Fishing Center hosted their annual Fly Fisherman’s Film Festival to a sold-out crowd. 

It also marked the start of Trout Unlimited’s Northeast Regional Rendezvous, when some 150+ TU members from all across the Northeastern US came to the area for some fishing, sharing, learning, and hands-on experiences. Hosted at the Roscoe Mountain Club, the weekend was chock-full of informative talks, power point slide shows and interesting information. Saturday evening was the Beamoc TU Chapter’s official “ReLaunch Party”, held at the Rolling Beaver Lodge with live music, pizza and BBQ. And the Roscoe Chamber of Commerce held their annual Two-Headed Trout Dinner at the Rockland House that same night.  On Sunday morning, 45 enthusiastic members of Trout Unlimited gathered along the banks of the Willowemoc at Riverside Park for a tree-planting event. Jesse Vadala, TU’s Engagement Manager (NY/CT) organized the day’s activities. 

Lots of youngsters were on hand, eagerly choosing shovels and work gloves and anxious to start digging! Manny Zanger, past President and current Advisor to Beamoc TU, brought along buckets of sprouting acorns from his property to scatter around and hopefully grow to provide more shade for our trout streams. With so many in the area, our towns were buzzing with activity, high spirits, and the camaraderie that comes with meeting old friends and new, sharing the spirit of good will, working together to protect our Catskill waters. We share in an appreciation for all that nature has gifted us with, as well as for those who have preserved these lands and waters for all to enjoy. It’s time to get out and experience all that our Catskills rivers and streams have to offer - hope to see you streamside!