Well, we made it! Spring is here – The Hendrickson hatch has begun in the Catskills and fish are starting to look up! We see hatches roughly ten days before the Catskills where I live in the Hudson Valley – I’ve been enjoying evenings on local creeks fishing the egg layers and spinner-fall at dusk. The hatch has been consistent on those mild, sunny days – be on the river by 2 pm! Of course, you can expect to see stoneflies and caddis about! Deep and slow nymphing has still been most productive, using larger stonefly patterns and also attractors such as the rainbow warrior. Don’t be afraid to fish ‘junk flies’ either [I won’t tell anyone]… San Juan worms, eggs, mops, etc.
I’m itching to get back on the oars and floating the West Branch of the Delaware! Just before the shutdown we started getting fish on streamers and seeing fish starting to cruise the flats. Enjoy some time tying flies, drinking your favorite beer or scotch, getting out on the local creek, or just spending time with your better half so you can fish more later [pro tip!]…
I hope everyone is doing well, staying healthy, and taking care of themselves! A friendly reminder, please don’t travel to fish during this time. I know, it’s tough when our favorite hatches are going to be starting. The rivers won’t go anywhere, though. We’ll be fishing together and cracking a cold beer at the end of a long day soon!
We’re currently offering $50 off any trip booked through May 9th. Email or call for more information or to set up a trip! Some river and hatch updates below…
Hatches: Stoneflies 12-14, Midges 20-24, Hendrickson 12-14, Quill Gordon 14, Olives 16-18, Caddis 16-18
Esopus Creek: Stocked 4/23 [Brown Trout]. Fishing has been good, weather dependent. Nymphing or streamers. Stoneflies mid day have been successful, attractors, Rumor is fish are starting to take dries. Don’t overlook the tributaries as they can provide excellent fishing! 498CFS @ Cold Brook, 4/24 11:15am.
West Branch of the Delaware: I’ve seen fish being taken on top! Quill Gordons, Blue Quills, Hendricksons, Olives… Take your time, plan your presentation. Nymph and throw streamers when nothing is looking up. 1930CFS @ Hale Eddy, 4/24 10:45am – Float, may be wadeable in spots – use caution.
Hudson Valley area: Wappinger creek, 310CFS – Wade. Hendricksons have been consistent, 2-3pm with a spinner-fall at dusk. Olives, stoneflies, caddis. Standard nymphs under an indicator or tight line method.
Stay safe, get out and fish local! Talk Soon – Joe
Joe Heusinger(http://ccoutfitting.com)