Posted on April 18 2026
Resigned to my designated driver role, I set out at 1:30 this afternoon, made cursory stops at the BE and the BK, not really expecting to see anything, and I didn't. Continued straight up 17 to the Neversink arriving at 2:30. Pulled up facing the river with the intent of giving the bugs until 3:30 to get going. They didn't wait. Saw a fish rise, then saw a Hendrickson lift off the water, when two more fish rose I suited up.
A car pulled in next to me and the driver said, "Hi Angler 119, do you prefer Dick or Richard? He knows three names to call me, and I had to ask him his name again, (which I once more forgot). I need to write down names instead of length of fish caught. He said there were Hendrickson's and caddis yesterday and he had gotten refused on both.
Waded into the river and had rising fish to throw at, (thought it would never happen). Some ignored my casts, some refused, some ate the fly and came unstuck, but enough ended up in the net to make it a very nice day. The fish ranged in size from the smallest at 11 inches to one 16 incher. Lost a better fish that I never got up from the bottom to look at.
The hatch was not a heavy one but there were both Hendrickson's and small black bodied, gray winged caddis and the fish were happy to eat them. The fish were going when I got there but the feeding quieted down when the sun came out. Was walking straight into the sun when I hit a shin high large rock mid-stride and went right over the top of it. I have never before and will never again take a more delightful midstream bath in mid April.
On the trip back to the fishing camp, I stopped at both the BK and the EB. Never saw a rise, (it was between 6:30 and 7:00), nor a bug on the water. What I did see at Jaws, was a huge flight of caddis egg layers moving up the BK to do their thing. When and where they hatched I haven't a clue. Never saw a caddis in the air while crossing the EB on the 97 bridge.
Have a fire going in the stove and all my fly boxes are on the stove drying.A
Angler119’- Hope all is well and you’re doing something enjoyable.From what I can gather, the good fishing really hasn’t started yet. Take care. Ed
Caught 3 keepers on monday night on a mix of crank baits and live minnows
I felt a bit like A119 yesterday!! I fished the beaverkill and the upper east and checked out the west in deposit. I saw one fish rise and practiced casting in the wind. I also ran into a group of students from Cobleskill at the 91 bridge and they landed 1 fish on nymphs. I did see some caddis around but not on the water.
Things have to get better!!!!!
👍👍👍
Jim D- I gave in to using a wading staff a few years ago. I don’t wade any deeper or take more chances but at least I’m staying dry— most of the time. I still slip and get wet on occasion. As I like to say – I’m not 25 years old anymore. Ed
Richard please tell us that you are using a wading staff…I relented and started using one …I don’t particularly like having another piece of gear on me but it has been useful on a few occasions…glad you had an enjoyable time!
Congrats on getting the season started and landing some fish. Sorry to hear about the mid day bath but glad you are ok. Thanks for keeping us posted. I am going to try my luck today and will report back.
Angler119’- What a fantastic day, your mid April swim aside. Bobby D would be smiling. Bugs, rising fish and fish in the net. Doesn’t get better than that. Congratulations. Ed