Posted on June 01 2025
We had about twenty four hours of "no spill" and now it will start all over again. Because it's the first of June instead of the first of May, this spill has the potential to be far more harmful to the fishery. Why? In May the surface water spill made the upper WB the warmest part of the system. A month later the surface water will be much warmer and could be harmful to both bug hatches and fish. Hopefully the DEC will use whatever influence they have to get the release increased to moderate the temperature of the water leaving the dam.
When I saw the USGS graphs heading straight up, I packed up and headed home. It was a big storm that had us right in its crosshairs. The Susquehanna and the Tioughnioga weren't hit nearly as hard. If the reservoirs weren't full, things would settle down quite quickly, but the spill will take some time to pass through the system.
The fishing - If you're here and wade fishing you will no doubt be above Oquaga's muddy waters. A drift boat sailed by the fishing camp about noon today with the water already muddy. Saw three boats below Hale Eddy and a row of them anchored from Cold Springs Brook all the way down to Oquaga. As a dry fly only guy, my decision was easy, A-119, he gone.
There have been very few questions this year, if you have any now would be a good time to ask them. Brought my log book home and will see if I can come up with any interesting data about the first two months of the season.
Do you think it’s getting close to the point where they have to put a daily limit on number of drift boats allowed on the river each day? It’s getting to be insanity. I know they do it on some rivers out west that got too crowded. Touchy subject, because obviously it deals with guys livelihoods. But I think at least on the West Branch it would be a good idea.
Do you think it’s getting close to the point where they have to put a daily limit on number of drift boats allowed on the river each day? It’s getting to be insanity. I know they do it on some rivers out west that got too crowded. Touchy subject, because obviously it deals with guys livelihoods. But I think at least on the West Branch it would be a good idea.
Always start my day reading your blog…it seems I fished/traveled more before I retired but like you I enjoy just getting on the water..my fly tying has certainly changed over the years as I tend to tie emergers and spent or crippled imitations.My question is do you fish the “traditional “Catskill” dry fly at all or are you in the same camp as me? Years ago I was known only to be a nymph caster but my enjoyment is now only dry fly. Enjoy a few days off up in Lafayette.
I have a question about blind casting. I presume when you are doing it that you move either up up- or down-stream. Which do you prefer and why?
Thanks
Dennis
With warm temps on the way mid-week will the rattlers become active around L-ville?
Dennis Boy sounds like a tough day .Yuck! Angler 119 Thanks for the nod to Paul and Art.Ed
I fished the upper west yesterday and saw no rises where I was fishing. I did see a modest hatch of sulfurs but no rises where I was fishing. I left for home at 4 and at the town bridge the fish were up and eating. There were guys fishing there so I couldn’t wade in. I saw 1 fish landed.
Jack-A “good day” to me is similar to yours. Fish, some fish, no fish I don’t really care. But seeing bugs and catching fish is definitely better than no fish. Fishing with friends, seeing the wildlife just adds to the experience.As they say” it sure beats working “ Ed
Angler119’- 2 questions. How do you think the warmer spill will impact the sulpher hatch? How did your granddaughters lacrosse team do?Enjoy the time at home. Ed