Where are the best places to Fly Fish in New York?

New York is home to some of the best fly fishing destinations in the Northeastern United States. With over 7,500 lakes and ponds, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, and a variety of fish species, New York has a lot to offer for both novice and experienced anglers. Here are some of the top fly fishing destinations in New York:

The Beaverkill River

The Beaverkill River is one of the most famous trout streams in the United States and is often referred to as the birthplace of American fly fishing. This river flows for 44 miles through the Catskill Mountains and is home to wild brown, rainbow, and brook trout. The Beaverkill River is known for its impressive hatches, including the Hendrickson, March Brown, and Sulphur hatches. The river can be accessed from several public access points, including the Beaverkill State Park and the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum.

The Delaware River

The Delaware River is another popular destination for fly fishing in New York. This river flows for 330 miles through New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and is home to a variety of fish species, including brown and rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye. The river is known for its impressive hatches, including the Hendrickson, Sulphur, and Green Drake hatches. The river can be accessed from several public access points, including several boat launches and fishing access sites.

The Ausable River

The Ausable River is a top destination for fly fishing in the Adirondack Mountains. This river flows for 94 miles through the Adirondack Mountains and is home to wild brown and rainbow trout, as well as brook trout in its headwaters. The Ausable River is known for its impressive hatches, including the Blue-Winged Olive, Sulphur, and Isonychia hatches. The river can be accessed from several public access points, including several state-owned fishing easements.

The Salmon River

The Salmon River is one of the best steelhead and salmon fisheries in the Northeastern United States. This river flows for 44 miles through Oswego County and is home to steelhead, Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, and brown trout. The river is known for its impressive runs of steelhead and salmon, which draw anglers from all over the country. The river can be accessed from several public access points, including several parking areas and fishing access sites.

The West Branch of the Delaware River

The West Branch of the Delaware River is another popular destination for fly fishing in New York. This river flows for 90 miles through the Catskill Mountains and is home to wild brown and rainbow trout, as well as stocked fish. The West Branch of the Delaware River is known for its impressive hatches, including the Blue-Winged Olive, Hendrickson, and Sulphur hatches. The river can be accessed from several public access points, including several parking areas and fishing access sites.

The Esopus Creek

The Esopus Creek is a top destination for fly fishing in the Catskill Mountains. This creek flows for 65 miles through the Catskill Mountains and is home to wild brown and rainbow trout. The Esopus Creek is known for its impressive hatches, including the Blue-Winged Olive, Sulphur, and Isonychia hatches. The creek can be accessed from several public access points, including several parking areas and fishing access sites.