Posted on June 06 2026
Make no mistake about it, the river system needs rain and cooler temps RIGHT NOW. Unfortunately, the forecast for the next ten days shows temps 10 to 20 degrees above the 70 degree high, 50 degree low which is normal for this time of year. The BE water was into the mid 70s today, and is both too low to float and too warm to fish. The BK went above 70 briefly today and will hit 70 on a regular basis in the coming ten days. The WB is getting the 500 cfs release but the tribs have all but dried up. With the big bugs all but done on the BR, and the UEB and the EB too low to float, the number of boats attempting to get down the WB at less than 600cfs will be a sight NOT TO BEHOLD. At 600cfs the WB is easily wadeable and there are also sure to be hoards of wade fishermen adding to the problem.
What to do? Fishermen leave your weapons at home, if you are coming bring your quaaludes. If you can come anytime, (retirees, trust babies and the super rich), wait for rain and cooler temps. Guides, if you've got a gig out west, leave now, they haven't got any water either and their season may well be over before you even get there. Everyone, be on your best behavior, don't make this another war. Give people room, and have patience for those who don't know what they should be doing. As for the me, me, me people, I'll leave it up to you to handle them.
The bugs - The afternoon hatches are evolving on the WB. There are still Hendricksons hatching on a surprisingly large part of the WB. The Invaria, (spring sulfurs), (Jim N. tie some 16s, for DM he needs them bad), are all the way up past the Red Barn, (in limited numbers), and caddis continue to hatch, lay eggs, and be eaten by trout. Because of the recent, (geologically speaking), increase in cold water releases from Cannonsville, Green Drakes, March Browns and Gray Foxes are no longer major hatches on the WB, say above Balls Eddy, (the water upriver is too cold for them to mature). As fort the Isos, they simply don't exist anymore. If anyone anywhere on the system has seen an Iso hatch that's gotten fish up, please tell us about it.
The fishing - The afternoon fishing has been consistent and good, (challenging for sure), but of short duration. Have managed about five fish a day in the hour to hour and a half we seem to be allotted. Today was no exception, caddis, Hendricksons and Invaria hatched with the fish feeding in spurts from three 'til not quite four. The evening fishing has been for me, a total crap shoot. Had one very good night one fair and two stinkers this week. Hooked two 'bows tonight on blind casts and lost them both. If you want bugs and rising fish go where the boats are, (the guides are on the river every day, they know where the action is). Me? I'll roll the dice.
Angler 119, I laughed out loud when I read your quaalude remark, but I sure could have used one when a buddy from Boston and I fished the upper and lower West Branch on Saturday.
What a zoo, as crowded as I’ve ever seen it, with a flotilla of driftboats full of sports chucking bobbers and hordes of wade fishermen left, right and in your face on the opposite bank. More Pulaski than Deposit.
On top of that, the hatches were pretty sparse, as were the risers. Hope we get enough rain this week to disperse the madding crowds.
Dennis- Sounds like You had a good day, especially given how difficult the conditions have been . Congratulations. Ed
I fished the upperWB yesterday and for me had a pretty good day. There were caddis and a very short sulfur hatch. I also saw some Hendricksons but very few. I netted 3 fish and one broke me off. I stayed till 8 and there was nothing happening.
Love this report even though it is discouraging
What is the “BR” ?
thanks
Can you tell what insect is hatching without seeing it up close?
I just have to call out the Mary Chapin Carpenter reference. What a great talent.
A-119, health issues have kept me off the water this spring, but I am enjoying riding along on the blog.
BE is the Big East Branch. Below where it meets the Beaverkill.
What is the BE?
Fished the BE last night, dud. Black caddis seem to be waning, only a handful of mayflies.
The last 2 mornings I have seen sparse hatches of sulphers and caddis, fish have been somewhat rising but man are they spooky.
I am now back in NH after fishing the system 30 of the last 44 days. It was a down year for both bugs and quantity of fish, but the size of the trout was good. Early season Hendrickson’s and caddis were very good, other than that bugs and rising trout were hard to find.
Thank you A119 for writing these reports, they are by far the best l have seen, east or west.
Good luck to everyone still fishing the system, I hope the bugs turn around and you have a great summer and fall. I miss the place already.
A119,
Dreadful report…let’s hope the rain totals go up for next weeks weather.
Tied DM a bunch of sulphurs this week and they will be in the mail ASAP.
Two spots on WB yesterday: dud. One spot on EB: dud. BK: looked, too warm, low, no bugs. Willow: no bugs. Neversink: one fish at dark, no bugs. Back home to Jersey $50 poorer from gas. Enjoyed the scenery but som bugs and fish would be nice.