Esopus

[frankm]

This stream really got hammered last year during hurricane Irene. Hundreds were devestated, homes were destroyed and the future of this stream looked dismal. I decided to go by there and see what kind of condition it was in and was I pleasantly suprised! Yes the stream bed was different. Where there once were riffles there are now pools. You can see the damaged trees still there as a reminder of what happened. The water flow was on the low side around 400 normal is around 600 or so. The clarity however was pretty good around 3 1/2 feet. I took numerous wild browns and rainbows, and even had a double ( which I lost both at the net) the largest was 16 inches. It was nice to see this stream in decent shape and can only hope that it continues to improve. I hope to return there next week, I'll take photos.

[catskill flyman]

I spent nearly all of my spring break on the espous and a couple of nights over the week. The stream seems to b in pretty good condition on Saturday my father, a friend and I picked up a couple wild rainbows and browns. The hurricane really did a number on the structure of the stream but it's no worse or better than it was its just different now

[frankm]

Catskill flyman
Yes, it's kind of llike fishing a new stream. There are still pleanty of beautiful wild fish still in there. I was there on Saturday also, did the DEC officer come visit you guys?

[catskill flyman]

no not on saturday but a week before a creel manager did ask me what i was cathing and how big the fish where. i fished tonight as well with my father and i picked up 2 wild browns and a wild rainbow nd my father also picked up 2 wild browns there was a really nice hatch tonight with plenty of rising fish and no stockies

[frankm]

I know, they didn't stock it yet ...but soon

[Patrick]

After a great start to the season the Esopus has suffered from the weather and from murky flows from the Portal.

In late June, on Hudler's Flats in Boiceville, I noticed a lot of clay silt on the rocks, a lack of bugs and skinny trout that chased damn near anything. The releases at that time were so-so in terms of clarity. Nothing like what I saw Sunday, July 29.

I was there this past weekend. These photos were taken at the Portal itself and across the street where the flow enters the river on Sunday, July 29, 10:30 a.m.

There are other factors involved — exposed clay banks being the major one. But I don't think this helps.

Click on thumbnails for larger image

[DyberryBrookies]

I was planning on heading to the Esopus for the first time this weekend. Any info on current flows and whether or not I should take the trip, would help...(it was 250cfs today.) I was also considering the West Branch of the Delaware as a second option.

[AaronJasper]

After looking at that mess, I would go somewhere else!

[Patrick]

^ Esopus temps are up too, low 70s the other day. I would definitely go somewhere else at the moment.

[northcountryman]

Was there again yesterday am. Water was more discolored than I have EVER seen it below the portal. Fishing was terrible! Fished about 3 hrs and only caught 1 brown, on a bitch creek pattern. NO other hits , nothing. My partner caught only 1 bow, very bad. Myfeeling was the fish simply could not see our flies due to the discoloration. Thought maybe should've tied on a brightly colored streamer w/ a trailer or something; what say you?


Thanks,


NCMan