Posted on April 23 2026
Today the weatherman made choosing where to fish more complicated than it should have been. The predicted high was 60 degrees. All the rivers should have had water temps over 50 degrees today, (Hendrickson hatching water). The day dawned with a heavy overcast and a few drops of rain. When, by 11:00 o'clock, neither the clouds nor the temperature had risen, I took a look at the satellite view of the area. There was a cloud front east of us that was reluctant to move off. The clear skies and sun were between Binghamton and Deposit, and moving slowly eastward.
What to do? If the sun came out by noon, it would warm the water and you could fish anywhere. If, however, the clouds didn't clear on time, the water would be too cold for the Hendricksons to hatch. Yesterday the Neversink was the only river to hit 50 degrees, (it was also farther east and unlikely to see any sunshine).
I stopped at the EB at 1:40, saw no bugs and drove straight to the Neversink. Assoc. Editor Ed S. was there on my arrival, and while we were chatting, fish started to rise. Left Ed the pool, and drove up stream where I saw "old what's his name", (KEVAN), watching still more fish rising. (He wrote his name on my hand while we were talking). Kevan had his eye on a good fish that he saw yesterday sipping duns on the far bank. Left Kevan, and drove upstream to a place where I had a very good day six or eight years ago, (been skunked there several times since).
The fishing - Was very good. Not a great hatch, but enough paraleps and Hendricksons hatched to get the fish up and feeding. The path had been well trampled, got many refusals, felt five fish that came unstuck, some of which may have refused and got hooked as they swam by the fly, and netted enough fish to win the day. A seventeen incher was fish of the day. Was in the water at 3:30 and back in the car at 5:15 with but a few flies still on the water and almost no fish rising.
If you chose a different river, tell us what hatched, and how you did, (just asking for a friend).
Angler119’- As always I really enjoyed meeting up with you and catching up. Thanks for getting me out of my car ( it was very cold) and pointing out some rising fish. I saw my first hatches of the year and managed to land three fish including two very nice , fat browns. A wonderful day, Thanks again . Ed
Fished down low on the BR and found Hendos by 3PM, lots of Hendos! Many trailers at Long Eddy. Buddy fished Stock to Buck and had Blue Quills and Quill Gordons, no Hendos there. Warmer water will bring’em on.
Sounds like a solid day of fishing and meeting up with a fishing buddy can’t be beat. I am glad you guys had good bugs. I’ll be down over the weekend. I hope the rain Saturday won’t blow out the rivers!!