Willowemoc Creek
Livingston Manor · Catskills
S New York, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Brook.
Stream gauge: 01364500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 07/31/26
Willowemoc is running at 1,670 cfs — well above its typical summer range of 40–200 cfs — and at 66.6°F it's pushing the upper edge of comfortable trout water. Trout Town Flies logged the creek at 1,150 cfs / 60.8°F just a day ago, so flow is climbing. With 2.15 inches of rain forecast for August 3rd, expect another pulse that could push this out of fishable shape by weekend. If you want to be on this water, go now and target the slower edges and seams where fish are tucked out of the current. At 66.6°F you're right at the stress threshold — fish are present but burning energy just holding position. Focus on the low-light windows: pre-dawn through 8am, and again once shadows hit the water in late evening. Trico and terrestrial patterns (ants, beetles, hoppers) are your play mid-morning and afternoon. Tan caddis #16 and small BWOs #18-20 have been active per local reports. Nymphs and small streamers remain the bread-and-butter when no rise is visible. Sulphurs are on the hatch calendar but temps need to back off before evening dry-fly fishing gets comfortable.
- Flow: 1,670 cfs — significantly elevated above the 40–200 cfs summer norm. High and rising; another 2+ inch rain event forecast Aug 3 could push it out.
- Hatches: Tan caddis, BWOs #18-20, and Tricos are active. Ants, beetles, and hoppers in the afternoon. Sulphurs on calendar but evening fishing depends on temps cooling.
- Water Temp: 66.6°F — at the stress ceiling for browns. Fish low-light hours only. Avoid prolonged fights; wet hands, quick releases are essential right now.
- Best Window: Dawn to 8am is your primary window. Late evening if air temps drop into the 60s. Midday is a rest period — scout, tie flies, find shade.
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 Willowemoc Creek joins the Beaverkill at Junction Pool in Roscoe, NY, forming the lower Beaverkill below. The Willowemoc itself is a smaller, more intimate stream — wild brown trout in pocket water and gravel runs through quintessential Catskill country. The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum sits on the river above Roscoe. Hendrickson and Sulphur hatches dominate the dry-fly calendar; the broad pools below Livingston Manor offer some of the most photographed Eastern dry-fly water in America.
The Willowemoc holds the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum — the institutional home of American fly fishing history — directly on its banks, a museum that anglers can fish from the casting pond between exhibits.
January Outlook
January on the Willowemoc — the smaller Catskill tributary is typically frozen or nearly so in winter. The freestone creek sleeps under Catskill winter. Planning season for the spring hatch season.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season
Tips
January fishing on the Willowemoc is not practical. The small Catskill creek freezes in cold winters. Plan the spring season and tie classic Catskill dry flies.
Water Notes
Low flows. Water 34–42°F. Likely frozen. Catskill winter.
February Outlook
February on the Willowemoc — deep Catskill winter. The small freestone creek is frozen or very cold. Not fishable. Planning and fly tying season.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — tie Catskill dries
Tips
February on the Willowemoc is the planning season. The creek is not fishable in winter. Prepare for the April Quill Gordon hatch.
Water Notes
Low flows. Water 34–42°F. Frozen. Winter.
March Outlook
March ice-out on the Willowemoc. Snowmelt raises flows and the creek comes back to life. Late March can produce early Baetis activity in the spring-fed sections near Livingston Manor.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Nymph
- Soft Hackle
- Midge
Tips
Late March brings the first signs of life to the Willowemoc. Baetis nymph activity begins in the slower sections above Livingston Manor. The creek can run high with snowmelt — fish the slack water behind large boulders.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 40–50°F. Ice-out and snowmelt. First Baetis possible.
April Outlook
April on the Willowemoc — Quill Gordon and early Hendrickson activity. The classic Catskill opening season on a smaller, more intimate tributary.
Productive Patterns
- Quill Gordon
- Hendrickson
- Blue Winged Olive
- Catskill Dry Fly
Tips
April on the Willowemoc is quieter than the Beaverkill and Esopus — fewer anglers, smaller water, and excellent Quill Gordon and Hendrickson fishing. The sections above Livingston Manor are the most productive in early spring.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 44–52°F. Opening season. Quill Gordon and Hendrickson activity.
May Outlook
The Willowemoc Creek joins the Beaverkill at the 'Junction Pool' in Roscoe. Classic Catskill dry fly fishing for brown trout.
Productive Patterns
- Hendrickson
- Sulphur
- Blue Winged Olive
- Catskill Dry Fly
Tips
The Willowemoc above Livingston Manor is a smaller stream with excellent brown trout. Less pressure than the main Beaverkill. Classic Catskill presentations required.
Water Notes
100–400 cfs. Water 48–56°F in May. Freestone Catskill creek character.
June Outlook
Sulphur and Caddis hatches on the Willowemoc. A charming smaller Catskill stream.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Green Drake
- PMD
Tips
The Willowemoc offers a more intimate experience than the main Beaverkill. Fish the pools between Livingston Manor and the junction carefully.
Water Notes
80–300 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Small freestone stream character.
July Outlook
July summer fishing on the Willowemoc — caddis and terrestrials. The small stream can warm significantly in July heat. Fish the cooler upper sections above Livingston Manor.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper
- Beetle
- PMD Cripple
Tips
July on the Willowemoc requires monitoring water temperatures. The smaller stream warms faster than the Beaverkill. Fish the earliest possible morning sessions in the upper sections above Livingston Manor. Evening caddis can be productive.
Water Notes
40–200 cfs. Water 62–72°F. Small stream warms quickly. Morning fishing essential.
August Outlook
August on the Willowemoc — the small stream can experience heat stress. Fish only the coolest early morning hours in the spring-influenced upper sections.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Beetle
- Elk Hair Caddis (early)
Tips
August fishing on the Willowemoc requires care. Check water temperatures before fishing — the small freestone stream can warm above safe levels in extreme heat. If temperatures exceed 68°F, give the fish a rest. Dawn fishing only in hot spells.
Water Notes
30–150 cfs. Water 62–74°F. Small stream heat risk. Check temperatures. Dawn only in hot weather.
September Outlook
September fall fishing on the Willowemoc — temperatures moderate and the creek is fishable all day. BWO hatches on overcast afternoons. The small Catskill stream in fall foliage.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Mahogany Dun
- Streamer
Tips
September on the Willowemoc is excellent. The creek recovers from summer heat and the brown trout become active. BWO hatches are reliable. The section below the Route 17 corridor is productive.
Water Notes
40–200 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Excellent fall conditions. Small stream intimacy.
October Outlook
October brown trout spawning on the Willowemoc. The smaller Catskill tributary is beautiful in fall color. Brown trout move to the gravel beds and streamers produce the largest fish.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer
- Egg Pattern
- BWO
- Soft Hackle
Tips
October on the Willowemoc combines spawning brown trout and Catskill fall foliage — one of the region's finest experiences. The creek above Livingston Manor is the best autumn section. Streamers along the deeper pools produce large fish.
Water Notes
40–200 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Brown trout spawning. Fall foliage peak.
November Outlook
November late-season fishing on the Willowemoc. Spawning activity concluding. The small Catskill stream is heading toward winter. A final outing before freeze-up.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer
- Soft Hackle
- Midge Nymph
Tips
November on the Willowemoc is the last fishing before winter. Spawning brown trout still active in early November. Check DNR season close dates for the section. The stream is beautiful in late autumn.
Water Notes
40–200 cfs. Water 42–50°F. Late season. Freeze-up approaching.
December Outlook
December closes the Willowemoc season as Catskill winter arrives. The small freestone stream may freeze. Plan the spring season and tie Catskill flies by the fire.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season
Tips
December is winter on the Willowemoc. The stream can freeze in cold Catskill winters. Plan the April Quill Gordon trip and rest the river until spring.
Water Notes
Low flows. Water 36–44°F. Winter. Stream may freeze. Season closed.
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
Livingston Manor and Roscoe, NY are the main bases. Public fishing rights along most of the lower river. New York fishing license required. The Catskill Fly Fishing Center sits adjacent to the river.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Dette Flies
- Trout Town Flies
- Beaverkill Angler
- Evening Sun Fly Shop
- West Branch Angler Resort
- Delaware River Club
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
Willowemoc 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.
Willowemoc Creek is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
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