Fishing Report
May 13, 2010
Recent rains and cool temperatures have kept the Beaverkill in excellent condition for fishing. We are experiencing spring signs about a week or so ahead of what is the norm…the trees have already leafed out as of last weekend, and have made their draw on the river; usually this does not occur in the Beaverkill Valley until the 15th of May. The river is a bit lower than usual for this time of year, and as such should be easy to wade.
The cooler temperatures have slowed down the hatches somewhat; we’ve experienced heavy frosts this week. However, Beaverkill trout fishers should find numbers of caddis flies hatching, some yellow stoneflies and an occasional mayfly.
Lilacs and honeysuckles are blooming along the roadsides and adding their sweet perfume to the crisp country air; traditionally, along with the emergence of these fragrant blooms come the hatches of the March Brown and Gray Fox.
Good flies to use during the middle of May include imitations of the small yellow stonefly, in about size #16 if those flies are seen; Elk Hair Caddis, Chuck Caddis and the Adams in sizes #14 and #16. Olive patterns in those sizes may also provide success.
When fishing flies of size #14 and #16, use a size 5X tippet for a smoother presentation.