New York ·
Neversink River Fly Fishing Report - January 1/4/2026
NEVERSINK RIVER FLY FISHING REPORT
Catskills — Early January (Tailwater Focus)
Report Date: January 4, 2026 | Next Update: January 11, 2026
Current River Conditions
Winter tailwater fishing is the ticket. With the reservoir controlling releases, the lower Neversink is holding consistent cold water and fish—expect most action in the tailwater pools and deeper runs. Surface hatches are minimal; midges and subsurface presentations will be the productive choices through early January.
Flows & Clarity
Typical tailwater release: low-to-moderate and steady (check USGS/DEC before you go).
Water Clarity: Generally clear—very sight-fishable in many pools.
Where to look: deep, slow tails of riffles, woody structure and undercut banks below the dam.
Typical tailwater release: low-to-moderate and steady (check USGS/DEC before you go).
Water Clarity: Generally clear—very sight-fishable in many pools.
Where to look: deep, slow tails of riffles, woody structure and undercut banks below the dam.
Water Temperature
Tailwater: cold and stable ~50–55°F (trout hold tight in deeper runs).
Freestone upper reaches can be colder and will show slower fish in mid-winter.
Tailwater: cold and stable ~50–55°F (trout hold tight in deeper runs).
Freestone upper reaches can be colder and will show slower fish in mid-winter.
Weather & Forecast
Expect cold mornings with daytime thaw—calm to light winds are common. Carry warm layers and waterproof waders for long winter sessions.
Expect cold mornings with daytime thaw—calm to light winds are common. Carry warm layers and waterproof waders for long winter sessions.
Access & Public Lands
Most standard access points to the lower Neversink are usable; watch for icy parking areas and closed gates on side roads. Respect private property—use marked public access and trailheads.
Most standard access points to the lower Neversink are usable; watch for icy parking areas and closed gates on side roads. Respect private property—use marked public access and trailheads.
Hatch Chart & Insect Activity (January)
| Insect | Importance | Size / Imitation | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midges | Primary (dominant winter food) | #18–24 — emergers, pupa & zebra-style nymphs | All day—focus on slow seams and tails |
| Baetids / BWO | Occasional | #18–22 — emerger/cripple patterns | If mild day, midday surface activity |
| Caddis | Low | #16–20 — pupae and soft-hackle jig styles | Rare, evening on milder days |
| Streamers / Sculpin / Leeches | Key for targeting larger trout | #2–8 — streamers, sculpin and leech forms | Low light, into the middle of the day along structure |
Recommended Flies — Tailwater Winter Kit
Below are patterns matched to the types you'll want in your box. Each pattern links to a proven tied version so you can order or inspect details. Higher-ranked patterns in the supplier match list are listed first where appropriate.
Nymphs & Jigs (go deep, stay subtle)
- Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig — Olive — a confident tailwater jig for euro/indicator rigs; fish tight to the bottom.
- Tungsten Dart — Red — compact, high-density dart for deep sprints past fish.
- Pheasant Tail Tungsten — classic mayfly nymph profile in tungsten for a low, natural drift.
- Egan's Frenchie — excellent as a trailer or anchor on tight indicator rigs.
- Spanish / Perdigon-style Nymphs — pick olive/pearl tones for slick, deep water presentations.
Midges & Winter Tiny Flies (the backbone of January fishing)
- Black Zebra Midge (TBH) — small, with just enough profile; fish under an indicator or tight-line.
- Redneck Midge — a tiny midge for slack seams and pocket water.
- Top Secret Midge — great as a cluster or trailer behind a larger nymph.
- Jujubee Midge — Zebra — excellent for ultra-fine presentations in tight clear water.
Streamers & Sculpin Imitations (targeting bigger browns)
- Egan's Poacher — Olive — works as a sculpin/leech profile on a short strip in deep runs.
- Egan's Poacher — Black — darker profile for low-light or tannic pockets.
- Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow — Sculpin — excellent articulated sculpin imitation for structure fishing.
- Sculpzilla — Olive — punchy profile for short, aggressive strips near submerged rocks.
- Mini Jig Leech — Black — small jigged leech for short, targeted presentations.
Dry Flies & Emergers (if you see surface activity)
- Parachute — Blue Wing Olive — good standby for any BWO/baetis activity on mild winter days.
- Stealth Link Mercer — PMD — emergers and dun profiles when fish rise in small, sporadic windows.
- Corn‑fed Caddis (CDC) — Tan — small caddis foam/CDC as a precision dry when evening pops occur.
- Parachute Adams (poly) — universal dry for opportunistic rises.
Specials — Eggs, Worms & Attractors
- Slush Egg — Apricot — helpful as a trailer or in tailouts where trout key on egg-like blobs.
- EZ Egg — Fl. Peach (barbless) — bright anchor for dropper rigs.
- Squirmy Wormie Jig — utility jig for high, dirty water or tempting sluggish fish.
- Perdigon-style Nymph — Dark / Pearl — when you need a dense, slide-through-the-current fly.
Tactics & Quick Tips
Rigging & Tackle
- Rod: 4–6 wt for nimble control; use stiffer 6 wt if you plan to swing heavy streamers.
- Nymph rigs: long leaders (9–12 ft) with a tungsten jig or a large beadhead point fly and midge/baetis trailer. 6–9 ft of tippet beyond a 7–9 ft leader works well in tight winter water.
- Indicators: short, subtle indicators for tailwater pockets; keep slack elimination gentle to avoid drag.
- Streamers: fast tip lines and short 2–3 ft leaders (20–30 lb flouro leader butt to 2–4 lb tippet) for big-strike hookups.
Approach
- Fish the tailwater pockets: long, slow tails of riffles, undercut banks and heavy woody structure hold trout in winter.
- Start deep: midges and nymphs are the staple—work the bottom first before trying subsurface attractors.
- Watch for subtle takes—winter trout often sip small midges; set gently but decisively.
- If you see an occasional rise, switch to a small parachute or emerger and shorten leader/ tippet profile for presentation.
- Rod: 4–6 wt for nimble control; use stiffer 6 wt if you plan to swing heavy streamers.
- Nymph rigs: long leaders (9–12 ft) with a tungsten jig or a large beadhead point fly and midge/baetis trailer. 6–9 ft of tippet beyond a 7–9 ft leader works well in tight winter water.
- Indicators: short, subtle indicators for tailwater pockets; keep slack elimination gentle to avoid drag.
- Streamers: fast tip lines and short 2–3 ft leaders (20–30 lb flouro leader butt to 2–4 lb tippet) for big-strike hookups.
Approach
- Fish the tailwater pockets: long, slow tails of riffles, undercut banks and heavy woody structure hold trout in winter.
- Start deep: midges and nymphs are the staple—work the bottom first before trying subsurface attractors.
- Watch for subtle takes—winter trout often sip small midges; set gently but decisively.
- If you see an occasional rise, switch to a small parachute or emerger and shorten leader/ tippet profile for presentation.
Safety, Licenses & Local Rules
Always carry a valid NYS fishing license. Check New York State DEC and local USGS flow pages for live release and access alerts before you go. Winter parking and road conditions can change rapidly—dress for ice and cold water immersion and fish with a partner when possible.
