Fishing Report
May 20, 2010
The Beaverkill remains in excellent condition for fishing. Water levels are at an easy level for wading, and cool evening temperatures have kept the river at a temperature favorable for trout.
We’ve been seeing good numbers of caddis flies hatching; main hatches are in the afternoons from after lunchtime on through the evening. At times the caddis flies will hatch in waves, with numbers of flies in the air above the water. And during these next couple of weeks, trout fishers should watch for the March Brown and Gray Fox mayflies to make their appearance. The March Brown is a very large mayfly (about size #10) that hatches somewhat sporadically during the day. It is similar to the Gray Fox (about a size #14) in that both are tannish, lighter brown colored mayflies that usually hatch in our watershed in mid-May.
Good flies to use during this mid-May period include imitations of the March Brown (size #10) and Gray Fox (size #14); as well as the Elk Hair Caddis or the Adams in sizes #14 and #16. During the hatch of the March Brown, some success may be had using a March Brown nymph as well. When deciding on a fly to use, try to match the size, color and shape of the flies you may observe on the water or in the air above. A fly with an upright wing is a Mayfly; a tent-shaped wing is found on a Caddis fly, and wings folded over the back indicate a Stonefly. Remember to make each cast your best, with a smooth presentation for the best results.