Fishing Report - River Conditions May 30th

Greetings Compleat Anglers! Here is your fishing report for May 30th:

Catskill and Connecticut rivers are in prime condition and are experiencing robust hatching activity. Recent and current rains have, in a few cases, caused temporary bumps in the flows but certainly not enough to blow the rivers out. Currently all Catskill and Connecticut rivers are clear and wadeable - although a few are still high and anglers are advised to wade carefully.

In the Catskills, the Delaware System, Beaverkill and Willowemoc are all is prime shape. On the Delaware West Branch, there are good hatches of March Browns (#10-#14), BWO's (#16-#22), evening Sulphurs (#16), Tan Caddis (#16-#18), and a few Hendricksons left over, as well as rusty spinners through the day and evening. You can't really say there is one "Main" hatch at the moment, but nice spurts of all of the above. There have also been sightings of a Green Drake here and there - so keep your eyes open!

On the Delaware East Branch there are good flushes of March Browns (#12-#14), Olives (#16-#22), Tan & Olive Caddis (#14-#22), and even an occasional Light Cahill (#14) as well as a sporadic Green Drake here and there. When the fish aren't on the surface, try nymphing with Pheasant Tails, Caddis Larva and Pupa, Hendricksons and Stoneflies - or try swinging wets such as Dark Cahills, Leadwing Coachman, and other soft-hackle patterns. (Last week I swung a #14 Dark Cahill wet on both the Main Stem and East Branch riffs and took some lovely Rainbows.)

The Delaware Main Stem is currently at a perfect wading level and there are good hatches of afternoon and evening Sulphurs, Caddis (brown & olive) Light Cahills, March Browns, and BWO's (#16-#22). You can find spinners drifting in the flows throughout the day so keep your eyes out for those "soft" rises that may indicate spinner sipping. All three of the Delaware Branches are currently clear and water temperatures are in the mid-40's to the mid-50's - perfect for healthy, active trout. 

The Beaverkill and Willowemoc are also in great shape - clear and cold with great hatches of March Browns, Sulphurs (#14), Tan Caddis (#16), Paraleps (#18), and spinners up and down river. Both rivers are clear and wadeable.

In Connecticut, Both West Branch of the Farmington River and Housatonic River are in great shape. On the West Branch of the Farmington, the fish are on Caddis with a tan wing and olive body (#16-#18). There are also BWO's (#18-#22) as well as a straggling Hendrickson and some rusty spinners as well. Effective nymph patterns are both Caddis Larva and Pupa patterns (#14-#18), Hendrickson nymphs, Pheasant Tails, as well as streamer and Mop patterns and the usual Zonker and Woolly Buggers. The Farmington is currently clear and beautifully wadeable.

The Housatonic is still a bit high but dropping, and nicely clear. Wading is good in spots but keep your eye on the levels, wade carefully and remember to bring a staff and wear those felt soles on your boots!  There are March Browns, Light Cahills, Olives and Caddis (tan and olive.) Sal Renzuella fished the Housatonic last week and reported dense fly hatches but interestingly, not many fish on them. Instead, Sal had a banner day fishing nymphs and took some beautiful fish. Effective nymph patterns are Pheasant Tails, Prince, Hare's Ear, Stoneflies, and Caddis larva and pupa patterns. Also, streamer patterns are still very effective as well as San Juan Worms, Mops, and egg imitations.

Here are your flow levels for today, May 30th:

Delaware East Branch at Fishes Eddy:  1060cfs at 56 degrees;

Delaware West Branch at Hale Eddy:  423cfs at 47 degrees;

Delaware Main Stem at Lordville:  1590cfs at 57 degrees;

Beaverkill at Cooks Falls:  555cfs at 54 degrees

Farmington River West Branch at Riverton:  331 cfs at 51 degrees;

Still River at Robertsville:  138cfs

Farmington West Branch through the TMA:  469cfs in the mid-50's degrees

Housatonic River at Falls Village:  1410cfs at 58 degrees

Hope your time on the river is great!  Keep your eyes out for our upcoming "Guides" section on this blog in the next week or two. 

And be sure to stop by the shop for all your fishing needs - flies, accessories, rods, reels, waders, boots, clothing, nets - we're fully stocked with ALL major brands. And if you're in need of some casting instruction or need some info and updates as to where to fish, river conditions, or tackle suggestions, give us a call or come on  in!

Tight Lines!