Esopus Creek
Phoenicia · Catskills
S New York, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 01362500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 10/02/26
The Esopus is running at 422 cfs with water temps sitting at 59.7°F — right at the threshold where October caddis and cinnamon caddis activity overlaps with solid BWO emergence. That temp is just above the typical Catskill fall BWO range, so expect olives to come off midday as skies cool and cloud over through the weekend. Catskill Outfitters has confirmed large olive hatches around 2:30 pm with fish rising, and browns are reportedly moving up from the Ashokan (currently at 83.4% capacity). The upper natural section from Woodland Valley upstream is your primary target. Trout Town Flies lists BWOs #18-20, tan and cinnamon caddis, and Isonychia as the active menu — carry classic wet fly droppers and pheasant tail nymphs for subsurface work between hatches. Friday's warmth (78°F high) may push midday surface activity early, but the cool-down into Saturday and Sunday should tighten the hatch window nicely. Streamers are worth a swing in the afternoon tail-outs as staging browns get territorial.
- Flow: 422 cfs — wade-able and clear on the upper natural section. Reservoir levels elevated (Ashokan 83.4%), but no runoff threat in the 4-day forecast.
- Hatches: BWOs #18-20 midday as temps cool Fri-Sun. Cinnamon/tan caddis active throughout the day. Isonychia subsurface. October caddis typically picks up late month.
- Water Temp: 59.7°F — right at the caddis/PMD crossover. Expect temp to ease toward mid-50s by weekend, tightening BWO emergence timing toward 11am-2pm windows.
- Best Window: 11am-2:30pm for rising fish on olives and caddis. Early mornings with classic wet fly droppers and pheasant tails. Late afternoon streamers for staging browns.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: Apr–Oct, peak May–June
The Esopus Creek in the Catskills runs from the Schoharie tunnel outflow down through Phoenicia to the Ashokan Reservoir. The unusual hydrology — cold water released from the Schoharie tunnel into the upper Esopus — creates a tailwater-like character in a freestone setting. The river holds wild brown trout, rainbows, and stocked fish. Below the Portal at Allaben the river warms and broadens, fishing well through Phoenicia. The Esopus is famous for its rainbow trout — believed to be the original strain that founded the wild rainbow populations in many Eastern rivers.
The Esopus's rainbow trout are believed to be descendants of California rainbows stocked in the late 1800s — a strain that escaped the original stocking program and established wild populations that ultimately seeded rainbow fisheries across the Eastern US.
January Outlook
January on the Esopus Creek — the Catskill freestone stream is in winter mode. Cold temperatures and possible ice in the upper sections. The Shandaken Tunnel Portal release may keep some lower sections ice-free.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — possible midge near Portal
Tips
January fishing on the Esopus is marginal. The upper natural sections may be frozen. The sections below the Shandaken Tunnel Portal may remain open from the Schoharie Reservoir release. Midge nymphing is possible near the Portal in open water sections.
Water Notes
Variable flows. Water 36–44°F. Possible ice in upper sections. Portal release may keep lower sections open.
February Outlook
February on the Esopus — Catskill winter continues. The Portal below Shandaken delivers flows from the Schoharie Reservoir, potentially keeping sections fishable. Upper sections frozen.
Productive Patterns
- Midge Nymph
- Soft Hackle
- RS2
Tips
February fishing on the Esopus is limited to the sections below the Portal near Phoenicia. The Schoharie Reservoir release keeps these sections open. Midge nymphing in the deeper pools on mild afternoons.
Water Notes
Variable. Water 36–44°F. Portal sections may be fishable. Upper sections frozen.
March Outlook
March ice-out on the Esopus. The river comes back to life with spring snowmelt. Late March sees first Baetis activity in the upper natural sections above the Portal.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Nymph
- Blue Winged Olive
- Midge Dry
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
Late March brings the first dry fly activity to the Esopus above Phoenicia. Baetis hatches begin on warm afternoons. The upper sections above the Portal provide the most natural fishing experience — the Portal significantly changes the river character below.
Water Notes
500–2,000 cfs. Water 40–50°F. Ice-out and snowmelt. First Baetis in upper sections.
April Outlook
April on the Esopus — Quill Gordon and early Hendrickson hatches in the upper natural sections. The classic Catskill opening season on a stream with a unique character from the Shandaken Tunnel.
Productive Patterns
- Quill Gordon
- Hendrickson
- Blue Winged Olive
- Catskill Dry Fly
Tips
April fishing on the Esopus is best in the upper sections above Woodland Valley where the natural stream character is preserved. The Portal below Shandaken significantly increases flow and temperature — fish the natural upper section for the finest Catskill experience.
Water Notes
600–2,000 cfs. Water 44–52°F. Spring season opening. Upper sections best for dry fly fishing.
May Outlook
The Esopus Creek in New York's Catskills produces excellent spring fishing with Hendrickson and Sulphur hatches.
Productive Patterns
- Hendrickson
- Sulphur Sparkle Dun
- Catskill Dry Fly
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
The Esopus above Phoenicia fishes best in spring. The Portal below the Shandaken Tunnel changes the river character dramatically downstream. Fish the natural upper sections for the finest trout fishing.
Water Notes
400–1,500 cfs. Water 48–56°F. The Portal increases flow significantly — the natural section above is preferred for dry fly fishing.
June Outlook
June on the Esopus — Sulphur and Caddis hatches in the upper natural sections. The stream above Phoenicia fishes well before summer heat arrives.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Green Drake
- PMD
Tips
June fishing on the Esopus upper sections is excellent. The Sulphur hatch from the natural headwater sections above Woodland Valley is the highlight. The Portal-influenced lower sections see more pressure but can fish well early morning.
Water Notes
300–900 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Good early summer conditions.
July Outlook
July summer fishing on the Esopus. The upper sections above Woodland Valley stay coolest. Caddis and terrestrials. The Portal sections below Phoenicia can warm significantly.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper
- Beetle
- PMD Cripple
Tips
July fishing on the Esopus is best in the upper natural sections away from the Portal. The Woodland Valley section is the most scenic and coolest. Fish the earliest morning sessions. The Portal-influenced sections below Phoenicia can warm unacceptably in hot years.
Water Notes
200–700 cfs. Water 60–70°F. Summer warmth. Upper sections coolest. Morning fishing best.
August Outlook
August on the Esopus — monitor water temperatures carefully in the upper sections. The natural headwaters stay coolest. Dawn fishing recommended in hot weather.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Beetle
- Ant
- Elk Hair Caddis (early morning)
Tips
August fishing on the Esopus requires temperature monitoring. The upper natural sections above Woodland Valley retain the coolest temperatures. Fish dawn to 9am. The Portal sections can warm above safe temperatures in extreme heat years.
Water Notes
150–500 cfs. Water 62–72°F. Summer heat. Upper sections only. Check temperatures before fishing.
September Outlook
Fall BWO fishing on the Esopus. The upper sections near Woodland Valley are productive.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Mahogany Dun
- Soft Hackle
Tips
September on the Esopus is good with BWO hatches on overcast afternoons. The upper sections above the Portal are the most productive for dry fly fishing.
Water Notes
300–1,000 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Good fall Catskill conditions.
October Outlook
October fall fishing on the Esopus — BWO hatches and brown trout pre-spawn activity. The Catskill foliage is world-class in October. Upper natural sections are the primary destination.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Mahogany Dun
- Streamer
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
October on the Esopus combines excellent fall fishing and spectacular Catskill foliage. Brown trout spawning activity makes fish aggressive. The upper section from Woodland Valley upstream is the finest fall destination.
Water Notes
300–900 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Excellent fall conditions. Brown trout spawning.
November Outlook
November late-season fishing on the Esopus. Brown trout spawning in the upper gravel runs. BWO activity possible on mild afternoons. Season winding down.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer
- Egg Pattern
- BWO (early month)
- Soft Hackle
Tips
November fishing on the Esopus is productive through mid-month. Spawning brown trout in the upper sections. Streamers in the deeper pools produce large fish. The Woodland Valley section is the best late-season access point.
Water Notes
300–900 cfs. Water 42–50°F. Late season. Spawning activity. Season winding down.
December Outlook
December closes the Esopus season as Catskill winter arrives. The upper natural sections may freeze. The Portal-influenced lower sections may stay open but cold. Planning season.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — possible midge below Portal
Tips
December on the Esopus is mostly the planning season. The Portal sections below Shandaken may remain fishable in mild Decembers but conditions are challenging. Plan the spring season and tie Catskill dry flies.
Water Notes
Variable. Water 36–44°F. Partial freeze possible in upper sections. Winter conditions.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrickson Ephemerella subvaria |
Apr | Apr, May | #12–14 |
|
| Green Drake Ephemera guttulata |
May, Jun | May, Jun | #6–10 |
|
| Sulphur Ephemerella dorothea |
May, Jun | May, Jun, Jul | #16–18 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
Access & Approach
Phoenicia, NY is the primary base. Public fishing access along Route 28. New York fishing license required. Special regulations on portions — check NYDEC current rules.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Catskill Outfitters
- Dette Flies
- Trout Town Flies
- Evening Sun Fly Shop
- Beaverkill Angler
- West Branch Angler Resort
Regulations & License
Fishing in New York requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
New York fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Esopus Creek conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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