Beaverkill River Key
River Report:
Water Flow Key:
I am using the USGS gauge at
Less than 100 cubic feet per second
This is a summertime flow. The river can really heat up at these flows. The best thing to do is stay home and leave the trout alone. When the river is at these flows, it is best to try one of the regions tailwaters.
100-200 cubic feet per second.
These are flows that usually happen during the summer months. You can have decent fishing during these flows during periods of low light. The best fishing occurs before 9 am and after 8 pm. The mid day fishing can be really tough with the lower water if the sun is out. You can have good fishing all day during cloudy and stormy weather. The dry fly fishing can be really good, but long fine leaders and a stealthy approach is what’s needed to catch these wary trout.
200-400 cubic feet per second
During these flows dry fly fishing can be awesome. You will find many fish rising. It does not take much of a hatch to bring fish up to the surface during this flow. Fish will distribute themselves well. You will find fish in the riffles as well as the pools. This is a really nice flow for wading the river.
400-800 cubic feet per second
This is a great water flow. At these flows any tactic will catch fish. There is enough water for everyone. Fish will rise in these flows. Nymph fishing can be spectacular as well. Streamers, when fished properly will take fish. When the flows fall into this range, it is the time to be there. I have had days where I have caught some larger fish on streamers fished aggressively.
800-1,400 cubic feet per second
These are higher water flows. There is still good fishing to be had. The wading can be tricky so make sure to be careful about where you are waling. Streamers will account for a lot of fish. Also, fish the edges of the major pools with nymphs. The trout will move to the edges of the stream seeking refuge from the faster current.
1,400 and higher cubic feet per second
At these high flows your best bet is to fish streamers. You might be able to lure out that true monster brown trout that has spent the majority of time hiding behind a rock. Make sure to be extremely cautious about wading. Don’t wade too far into the stream because it can be out right dangerous.
2,000 cubic feet per second and higher
Stay home and tie flies