After the last storm

[FIN-ITE 34]

Well that last rainmaker really did a number on the uppers of my favorite river. Judging by the flora damage along the river banks it looks like the water had risen over six feet. Many of the deeper holes were now filled in with cobble and there was quite a bit of bank erosion in some sections, enough to where they had to bring in large quarry stones and rip-rap to shore up one of the bridge abutments.
The water temps were good at 59 degrees when I arrived at 8 am on Saturday and the levels were very good. I literally caught a pile of browns in the 10 inch range and did manage a handful of decent fish in the 17-19 range.



As I was fishing one stretch I heard what I thought was another fisherperson coming through the knotweed. However it turned out to be a pair of really nice bucks that crossed the river just downstream from me. I will divulge the location to Rusty however for a small sum.

 

[stokes]

Was at the East Branch below Downsville last week. Was watching the flow charts prior to our trip. On Aug 10 the height gauge went from around 3 ft to over 11 ft

 

[greg s]

Was at the East Branch below Downsville last week. Was watching the flow charts prior to our trip. On Aug 10 the height gauge went from around 3 ft to over 11 ft

I was there and witnessed that. It was really amazing to see all of the water in the area, and also to realize they didn't even get the main part of the storm through there. Nice fishing Finite! I will be going to the East Branch this weekend and am hoping for some good fishing.

 

[stokes]

Going to Pepacton Cabins again? That must have been quite a sight when the water went that high.

 

[greg s]

Yes, I like the setup for fishing. It is my go to these days for the Catskills. I prefer the East to the West because of Route 17 noise and the amount of traffic on the water at the West.

 

[dcabarle]

DreamCatcher pretty much destroyed the WB. Nice place but damn. The access points to launch a ship are terrible if you don't know someone. If you asked the WBA if you could launch there, they might say yes and charge you a few bucks which would be totally worth it.

 

[greg s]

I did not know that launching was a problem on the WB.

 

[dcabarle]

I did not know that launching was a problem on the WB.

If Hale Eddy were fixed, there would be plenty of access but they will not fix Hale Eddy therefore, the best access is with a guide. If you're floating from Deposit, Stylesville, or the Gentleman's Club area, you can't take out until Balls Eddy, unless you know someone who owns land.


They should fix the Hale Eddy boat ramp.

 

[greg s]

That stinks, that's a long haul and looks like all day float or forget it. If somebody would let you launch for $20-30, that is definitely worth it. Well I am leaving for the east branch now and I hope everyone that wants gets some fishing in this weekend and that it is good.

 

[stokes]

Best of luck on your weekend fishing excursion.

 

[greg s]

I had a slow weekend, just small fish. I think I saw 5 mayflies and 3 caddisflies all weekend, and saw maybe two good fish rise(they were both too far away to pursue and only came up once). I probably should have tried a different stretch, but did get some great exercise exploring upstream and finding some good holding water.

 

[stokes]

We will definately be going back. My 2 buddies arent fly fishers but enjoyed catching a few bass in the pond. We only had about an hour on the pond before the rain came and we headed back to the cabin. They didnt spend a lot of time on the river, weather being what it was, I stuck it out longer in the river and hope for better weather next trip. Lodging was excellent at Pepacton Cabins and prices were great. We plan to do a week next spring so I'll get to explore more of the river next time.