Posted on September 11 2026
Bright sun and warm temps may work for summer sulfurs but they sure don't help the olive and iso hatches. I don't think it got as hot temperature wise today as the weatherman predicted but the bright sun heated up the water well past where the olives and isos are comfortable hatching. I saw one iso and considered myself lucky after talking with guides and fishermen calling it quits between six and seven tonight.
If you're thinking about coming, think again, and wait for cooler temps, (especially at night). Nighttime temps in the low forties will get bugs popping. Hot sunny days for fall fishing are not the fisherman's friend. Look for an extended forecast of cloudy, cold, rainy days and book a room. If you're here now, talk to whoever you're renting a room from and get the name and directions of a "fisherman's bar", there will be both guides and fishermen there that feel your pain, (it's important not to be alone).
The bugs - Just will not hatch on days like this.
The fish - Are obviously fasting after six weeks of gorging on sulfurs, and are not to be seen risking skin cancer by rising for knotweed blossoms in the bright sun.
The fishing - (Thought you'd never ask.) Was, for me, beyond my wildest expectations. Was it good? Never saw a fish rish except to my fly. Saw one iso, and maybe a half dozen other mayflies while I was on the river. In two hours, I rose 8 fish, two refused my offering, six ate, one came unstuck at the net, (I actually lunged for the fish when the hook popped out, silly me), landed five of the biggest six fish that I have caught in September. Three of the fish measured between 13 and 14 inches, as did the one that "got away", the other two were a 17 inch rainbow and an 18 inch brown. Back in July and August it would have been a "meh" day. Ten days into September it would have justified buying the bar a round of drinks, ( I'm so old that I remember my Uncle buying a round of drinks, (all draft beers), at a bar, paying for it with a dollar and getting change back.
The outlook - I know when I'm ahead and I'm going home tomorrow morning. Had some work done on the bass pond and need to get the roto-tiller fired up, grade the area and plant grass seed. I can't think of a better time to do it.
In my previous message. “All catch and release” proposed reg change is just for trout.
Have a good rest of season.
Hacklehouse, that’s obvious this is the premier fishery in the East. However, it needs better protection at this point.
Ed Smith, well said. You are certainly an old timer, like myself, that has seen the drastic change over the years.
Sorry to say there most likely will be no changes.NYDEC now even has plans to enlarge the NY access at the junction pool area. That is not needed, but, here we go.
What do I suggest?NO floating (for fishing) on the UEB and Beaverkill.
REGULATED floating (for fishing) , includes pontoons, kayaks, driftboats on EB, WB and MS. Floaters have become the BIGGEST problem on these waters. I think us all would like to see them regulated, but, most likely will not ever happen.
Also, NO creel limits. It’s time for that. All catch and release. You might be surprised how many fish are actually killed each year!
Anyway, I wish all here good fishing , safety and good health.
Ed Jones…uncut gibberish!
Regardless of the rivers problems, real or perceived, it still is the premier trout river in the North East
Ed Jones- Unfortunately, places are more crowded than ever. The Beaverkill ,I fished 60+ years ago Montana of the mid-80’s when the ranchers would they up their horses on the hitching posts, etc. And the yes the Delaware system that was relatively unknown before the dams were built. Things change. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not so much.And yes , fisheries can be loved to death. But the popularity of certain watersheds has unleashed the economic and political power that has kept towns like Roscoe alive, brought fishermen spending money in Deposit and other upper Delaware communities, prevented 1970’s development along the hills overlooking the Beaverkill that would have badly polluted the river. So what’s the answer- I don’t know. Maybe odd /even license plates regulations for people to wade or float on certain days. ?Maybe the NYDEC can purchase more easements so wade fishermen can be more spread out? What do you suggest All My Best Ed Smith
LOL. Got you Jim once again.Thanks for your kind words. A psychologist, hmmmm, maybe I will consider lol. No, they charge too much…..
Ok. I am done wasting time here. Yes, you can all celebrate lined up in the No Kill Zone waiting for olives. Stressed out system. Stressed out fish loved to death. Many more fish I landed this year with hook marks. Some, felt sorry for with hinges ripped off. Couple still bleeding.
But, all of you here know that. I have no anger and hate.
Just stating the facts how things have changed for the worst. As Will Blair in Kamchatka says, humans tend to change and ruin things. And as I say, everyone wants to be a “star”.
Enjoy YOUR site.
Yep there he is again.
Ed “Our little Ray of Sunshine” Jones.
Blessing all of us with his infinite wisdom and positivity…or lack there of.
Hey Ray of Sunshine..please just stop. Nobody appreciates your commentary. You offer nothing of use to any of us that enjoy this site. If your goal is to keep people from fishing this system with your pessimistic commentary, it’s not gonna happen.
Find another outlet for your anger and hate. Maybe try knitting or some tai chi or find a good psychologist to help you deal with whatever you are going through. Just leave us alone.
Ed Jones— Huh?What are you talking about Ed
$$$$ propaganda, propaganda,propaganda, propaganda $$$$…..this “star” is slowly ruining his own fishing. Think. Think .Yep. Pretty soon this “star” won’t be able to fish a pool ALL BY HIMSELF. “I’ll tell ya all where it’s at!”…..ohhhh…“the sulfur big 18” browns!"……ohhh man. This same thing has happened out West and now the mimic “star” brings it East….$$$$ propaganda, propaganda. propaganda. propaganda $$$$.
I enjoyed my three days on the river. No fish this time around though.
I think I had some presentation issues, just not used to the longer leaders.
Dennis -Good luck this weekend. Ed
Congrats Ed on landing a couple of fish!!!!! I am going to fish over the weekend and will report.
Angler119’- Hot, hot , hot. Not the fishing , of course, the weather. Fished the Willow /BK from 11:00 until 7:30. No bugs or rising fish. Did see quite a few ISO shucks on the Willow. Managed to avoid the “skunk”blindcasting a September peach. An 11”er and a nice 15” brown. You did great, especially considering the conditions. Nice fish. Congratulations. Ed