Spring Hatches of the Catskills

We’re about to be in one of the longest months to a fly fisherman… 1 month until the New York statewide opening day. April 1st will come soon enough and there are open rivers if you want to wet a line before the 1st! If you’re like me, you’ve been at the tying vice most evenings – filling boxes and a cold beer within reach. As you plan for your spring fly fishing – don’t forget some of these must have fly patterns…

1] Blue Winged Olives – a spring staple [all year staple,really!] Carry a variety of BWO’s in size 16-20. Some of my favorites include a simple parachute, Last Chance Cripple, and a Hares Foot Emerger.

2] Hendrickson – The most anticipated spring hatch! Carry an assortment of Hendrickson dry flies in size 12 and 14. My favorites include a Sparkle Dun, Para-merger on a curve shank hook, and a Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle. Don’t forget the Red Quill! Sometimes finicky trout will key in on the male version of the Hendrickson.

3] Quill Gordon – The namesake of Theodore Gordon, father of American Fly Fishing. My go to pattern is simply a Quill Gordon Wet Fly – winged or soft hackle. Tied on a size 12 or 14 wet fly or nymph hook, I use a blend of blue dun and Adam’s grey possum dubbing. Fish this fly just sub-surface, dead drift or on the swing both catch fish!

4] Blue Quill – The Blue Quill, or Little Mahogany Dun, can often fool anglers. This little mayfly doesn’t always hatch in numbers, but sometimes a rising trout can key in on them. Carry these is a size 16 or 18 and most often an Adams can do the trick!

5] Parachute Adams / Adams Wulff – Classics! Don’t leave home without them! Sizes 12-18

6] Floating nymphs – For those choosy risers! Carry some patterns such as the Hares Foot Emerger or Cloud Emerger tied in a natural brown or olive. Use Aussie Possum for a natural, buggy look! Sizes 12-20.

7] Caddis – I love fishing the Mother’s Day Caddis / Apple Caddis hatch! These green body caddis are easy on the eyes. Fish a Pupa or CDC winged adult in size 16. Don’t forget about the early Little Black Caddis, or Chimarra! These size 18 or 20 black caddis can often fool an angler. They are tough to see on the water and fish will key in on this fly. Tie a CDC Caddis and fish it as a trailer behind a larger dry fly. My favorite caddis patterns include the Sparkle Pupa and a CDC Caddis or Cornfed Caddis.

8] Nymphs – Don’t forget your standard nymphs! Caddis Larva, Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ear, Copper Johns, Stoneflies, and Midges. I often fish jig versions of these flies – weighted and unweighted. Keep your nymphs sparsely tied – simple often wins!

That’s my start of the season! That will get you through April and into the first half of May – Then we get ready for the bomber mayflies. Don’t overthink your fly selection & remember that presentation trumps what fly is tied on your leader. Match the size and shade of the fly and then dial in your drift.

Dates are filling in for guided trips – both wade and float! Be sure to email or call to talk about your trip this season!

Cheers to a great spring! -Tight Lines