The Catskill Fly Fishing Report
May 22, 2026
Beaverkill River, Willowemoc Creek, and the Delaware River System
STORE HOURS:
Monday 9am to 5pm
Tuesday 9am to 5pm
Wednesday 9am to 5pm
Thursday 9am to 5pm
Friday 8am to 6pm
Saturday 8am to 6pm
Sunday 9am to 5pm
Today will be a high of 62 with clouds but no rain expected throughout the day. It looks like we’re in for a good amount of rain in the next few days as well as cooler air temperatures: perhaps not the most ideal conditions for the holiday weekend but likely a needed respite from high temperatures earlier in the week. Flows on the Beaverkill are just below 600 CFS as this is being written which sets up for solid wading conditions. This being said, we’ll likely see a spike in flows with the rain in the forecast, so keep a close eye on the gauges. Caddis have continued to come off but a bit more sporadically than what we were seeing a week or so ago. For caddis imitation and beyond, size and color are key factors especially for unique hatches like the bright green apple caddis. Action at the surface on caddis patterns has been limited, however, we’ve received reports that drowned caddis patterns have been particularly successful in converting on these hatches. Hendricksons have largely gone though you might still see a couple here and there. It’s likely that there will also be some olives around in the coming days so make sure to have some of those patterns in the box. March browns are kind of the main hatch of the moment but reports indicate very sporadic success in imitating them. Reports indicate increased sulphur activity with the meat of that hatch certainly not far off; historically a time when the fishing really turns on, so keep your eyes peeled for them. In the presence of bugs and absence of risers, you can’t go wrong with a dry dropper rig which will often let you clue in on the specific forage that fish are keyed into. Change droppers and adjust depth as necessary until you lock in on what they’re eating.
The Willowemoc will also likely spike with incoming rain but is running at a modest 100 CFS as this is being written. Like the Beaverkill, reports have indicated that fishing on the Willow is tough at the moment, despite the presence of hatching forage. Expect various caddis, March browns, sulphurs and olives and be ready to drop a nymph off that dry because there are not a ton of heads poking up at the moment. As flows spike on the Beaverkill and the Willow, consider throwing a streamer, especially as water clarity diminishes. We’ve received reports of solid action on swung streamer patterns, especially those in visible colors.
The West Branch is running at a very manageable 600 CFS at the moment, allowing for plenty of wading opportunities, and solid flows for fishing from a boat. Again, we’ll see what impact the incoming rain has on the situation. That said, reports indicate solid bug activity in the way of caddis, March browns, and sulphurs. Reports have indicated relatively tough fishing on the West Branch with most success stories coming late in the day, often a dusk and even beyond. This weekend’s weather will likely shake that pattern up so stay on your toes. In any case, keep in mind that dry fly fishing on the West Branch can be pretty tricky; long leaders and downstream services can be mandatory in plenty of instances so come prepared. Much the same can be said about the East Branch which is also fishing decently. Flows out that way are running at over 340 CFS as this is being written, we’ll see how much that changes in the coming days. Expect that hatch on the East Branch will be similar to what’s already been laid out above. We are open 7 days a week going forward, see above for exact hours. We wish you all a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend, good luck out there and we hope to see you soon!
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FLOWS AND TEMPERATURES REPORTED IN REAL TIME
