Disclaimer: The following report is compiled using artificial intelligence from current available data. Accuracy is not guarenteed. Always check local laws and regulations before fishing.

River Description

• The Delaware River at Roscoe sits at the storied junction of the East and West Branches, Beaverkill, and Willowemoc, forming a premier Catskills tailwater with consistent cold flows from upstream reservoirs like Pepacton and Cannonsville.
• On 1/11/2026, conditions show moderate to elevated flows across key tributaries—Beaverkill at 585 cfs (51% above average), East Branch at Harvard 260 cfs (24% up), and West Branch at Walton 1140 cfs (90% above)—due to recent rain, creating deeper runs but some stain from yesterday's light precipitation.
• Water temps hover in the upper 30s°F (Beaverkill 36.7°F, East Branch 37.9°F), ideal for sluggish winter trout metabolism, with low pressure (29.74 inHg) and high humidity (96%) keeping things overcast and damp.
• Lunar phase is waning crescent (40% illumination, post-last quarter), which typically means subdued fish activity during daylight but potential evening upticks as tides pull from the bay influence.
• This is a technical nymphing and streamer river right now, with moderate flows favoring deep drifts in pools over shallow riffles, though wading could get tricky in faster sections.

3-Day Forecast

• Day 1 (1/12): High near 32°F, lows dipping to 25°F overnight; light snow flurries possible (under 1 inch), winds calming to NW 5-8 mph—expect clearer water by afternoon, but cold front may slow surface feeding.
• Day 2 (1/13): Partly cloudy with highs climbing to 35°F, minimal precip; steady barometric rise to 30.00 inHg will stabilize conditions, boosting trout movement in seams without major hatch triggers.
• Day 3 (1/14): Clearing skies, highs 38°F, light SW breeze 6-10 mph; warming trend could edge water temps up slightly, improving streamer retrieves in the evenings as illumination wanes further to 30%.

Fishing Outlook

• Fair overall for winter fly fishing, as elevated flows from recent rain provide cover for trout but limit dry fly windows, while cold temps (mid-30s°F) keep fish holding deep in slower water.
• Stable reservoir releases maintain consistent depths for nymphing success in the main stem near Roscoe, but yesterday's wind and rain have introduced minor turbidity, reducing visibility for finicky wild browns and rainbows.
• Low lunar illumination and overcast skies suppress aggressive rises, favoring subsurface tactics; pressure bottoming out today may spark brief feeding bursts tomorrow if flurries clear quickly.
• Target the East Branch and Beaverkill confluence for best odds, where above-average flows concentrate baitfish and dislodge nymphs, though expect selective fish requiring precise dead-drift presentations.

Recommendations

• Flies & Techniques: Go with size 14-16 Pheasant Tail or Hares Ear nymphs under an indicator for drifting in 3-5 ft depths—trout will key on drifting larvae in these flows; add Olive Woolly Buggers (size 8-10) on a sink-tip for swinging through tailouts to mimic sculpins; if any midges show, try a Griffiths Gnat dry in evenings, but focus 80% subsurface.
• Best Times & Tips: Fish 10 AM-2 PM for peak daylight activity under clouds, or late afternoon (3-5 PM) as light fades and moon influence kicks in; watch for icy banks and swift currents—use a wading staff, stay below knee-deep, and layer against the chill with wool base layers; avoid isolated pools if snow hits, as access roads could slick up.
• Gear Notes: 5-6 wt rods for handling moderate flows and potential wind; 9 ft leaders tapered to 4X with 3-5 ft droppers; bring floating line for nymphs, but pack a 200-grain sink-tip for streamers in deeper runs.