The rivers are slowly coming back down. The clarity is improving and both the EB and WB began to fish better yesterday. There were lots of caddis on the water yesterday, and a surprisingly heavy hatch of Hendricksons and “X’s” on the West Branch starting around 2 pm It just took the fish a while to realize they were there, but when they did quite a few fish were found feeding on the surface. As water levels continue to drop the fish should just keep getting better and better. Although this flow is too high wade, drift boats make for a great method of transportation. This high water event may be a blessing in disguise, giving us a great outlook for flows and fishing for the next 2-3+ weeks. As soon as the Main Stem drops to a fishable level expect to see the start of the big bugs. (March Browns, Gray Foxes, Sulphurs etc.)
Pat working the high water. photo by Bob Lewis
Hatching:
Light Hendrickson #12 – E. subvaria
Dark Hendrickson #14 – E. Subvaria
Blue Quill #16 – Paralep sp.
Apple Caddis #16 – Lt Brachycentrus sp.
Charcoal Caddis #16-18 – Dk Brachycentrus sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans
Quill Gordon #14 -Epeorus pluralis
Little Black Caddis #18-20 – Chimarra sp.
| FLOWS AS OF 8:00 AM: | |
| West Branch at Stilesville, NY | 3,060 cfs @ 54º |
| West Branch at Hale Eddy, NY | 3,860 cfs @ 53º |
| East Branch at Harvard, NY | 2,490 cfs @ 49º |
| East Branch at Fish’s Eddy, NY | 4,000 cfs @ 49º |
| Mainstem at Lordville, NY | 10,300 cfs @ 53º |
| Beaverkill at Cooks Falls, NY | 1,300 cfs @ N/A |
