Willowemoc Creek Fishing Report

Information
Undammed, pristine, freestone rivers tend to be rare these days, and may help account for the Willowemoc’s increasing popularity. Located in the southern Catskills and a tributary of the better known Beaverkill River, the Willowemoc is now often favored for its easier access, numerous cold water tributaries and less educated, easier to catch fish. A large stream that runs over 26 miles, this creek has continuously been a fly fishing destination since the 1870’s.

Anglers divide the river into three distinct sections. Similar to many other rivers, its upper section from Fir Brook to the village of Willowemoc, is narrow (15-20 feet wide) and is characterized by clear pools and a silted bottom. Wild brook trout can be found here in large numbers but the fish are typically rather small, from 6 to 12 inches. Its tributaries are slow and gentle, providing scores of wade worthy pools. Spring fed tributaries contribute to keeping the water cold throughout most of the year. Public access in the upper stretch is good although some tributaries are restricted.

From the Village of Willowemoc to Livingston Manor, the river opens up, reaching 50 feet across at many points. The bottom becomes rockier and boulders begin to rise out of the water. In the faster moving water and larger pools, brown trout start appearing in large numbers and soon equal the number of brook trout. Both fish remain small, staying in the 8-10 inch range. There is one, six-mile private segment and a catch-and-release-only section.

Beginning at Bascom Brook, the lower section grows even wider, opening at some points to over 100 feet. Riffles and deep pools are common and here the creek begins to mirror the larger Catskill rivers in the region. Stocked brown trout, ranging from 10-15 inches, inhabit this section.
 
Additional Information
Tributaries:
Beaverkill, Little Beaverkill, Fir Brook, Butternut Brook, Hunter Brook, Bascom Brook, Hazel Brook, Stewart Brook, Fall Brook, Cattail Brook
Source:
South Flank of Beaverkill Mt. Range
Mouth:
Beaverkill River
Length:
26.7 miles
Seasonal Conditions
Season
Hatches
SpringBWO, brown stone, black caddis, green caddis, blue quill, Hendrickson
SummerSlate drake, blue quill, terrestrials
FallTerrestrials, slate drake, stoneflies
Game Fish Opportunities
Current Forecast
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Fishing Quality
Scenery
Access
Water quality

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