The Beaver Kill River in Central New York State is one of the most famous rivers in the Northeastern USA. The Beaver Kill rises in the 3800 foot mountains of the Beaver Kill Range and flows through Roscoe, NY, and then is joined by the Willowemoc, before it empties into the East Branch of the Delaware River. This fourty mile long freestone stream is known as a classic dry fly stream. The name of “Kill” is from the early Dutch settlers in the Catskills and it means “river”; it has nothing to do with killing beavers.
The uppermost two miles of the Beaver Kill River have public access because they are in a public forest. The entire upper section has a lot of tree cover and springs that help keep the water cool. The brook trout in this section are small but often willing to take the dry flies. Also there is some public access where Rt. 206 crosses the Beaver Kill down to Junction Pool where the willowemoc joins the Beaver Kill downstream from Roscoe, NY.
The 15 mile portion of the Beaver Kill River from Roscoe to the confluence of the East Branch Delaware River is much larger since the waters of the Willowemoc have entered the Beaver Kill. This lower section consisting of water with a lot of riffles has two no-kill zones where you must release the trout. It is this portion that is one of the most celebrated waters in all America.
Upstream of the confluence of the Willowemoc much of the land is owned by private fishing clubs and other private owners.
Route 17 from a little below Hancock, NY follows the Beaver Kill downstream for several miles providing easy access to the many pools most of which are named. Route 17 is the major Freeway from Binghamton, NY (my hometown) to New York City and as such the Beaver Kill sees a good deal of anglers especially on opening day. The Beaver Kill is a great resource for the state and it is stocked heavily.
Seasons:
Spring is the best time, especially in the month of April when the Blue Winged Olives start to hatch followed by the Quill Gordons. In May the Hendrickson and the Green Drakes are hatching. These hatches provide good action for the browns that average 10 to 12 inches in length.
Summer:
If there has been sufficient rainfall, the summer fishing remains good with hatches of the Sulphurs and Tricos. Also the terrestrials will provide adequate action for most anglers. However, if it a dry year, the water will heat up stressing the trout so caution is in order. The angler should move along to the East Branch of the Delaware River tailrace for cooler waters.
Fall:
This is a very pretty time of the year with the maples providing plenty of color. The fishing remains good and there are still some hatches of the Blue Winged Olives.
Be sure to check out our Beaverkill hatch chart before you hit the stream!
Access to the upper part of the stream can be from the Covered Bridge Campground. There is a lot of public accessible water on the Beaver Kill, especially in the lower section where all the famous pools are located. As stated above, Rt 17, a major freeway winds along the Beaver Kill for miles providing easy pull offs.
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