Genesee River (Upper)
Fly fishing in New York · Intermediate · Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
About This Water
Above Letchworth Gorge with wild brown trout. Scenic canyon fishing.
Fishing Recommendations
The Upper Genesee River in Allegany County, New York, is one of the state's best-kept secrets. While many anglers flock to the Catskills or the Finger Lakes tributaries, the Genesee offers a classic freestone experience that feels more like a Western river than a typical Eastern stream.
Here is your guide to mastering the "Genny."
🎣 Location Overview
The "Upper" Genesee generally refers to the stretch from the Pennsylvania border north through Wellsville, Scio, and Belmont. Unlike the lower river which becomes turbid and warm, the Upper Genesee is a fertile, medium-to-large freestone river characterized by long, deep pools, expansive riffles, and significant woody debris.
What makes it special is its productivity. The limestone-rich geology of the region provides a high pH level, supporting a massive biomass of aquatic insects and baitfish. It is a river of "big water" character, offering plenty of room for backcasts and a sense of solitude that is hard to find elsewhere in the Northeast.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
- Brown Trout: The river is famous for its holdover and wild Brown Trout. They are the "kings" of the Genesee. They are highly structure-oriented; look for them under overhanging banks, behind downed timber, and in the deep "buckets" at the tail-ends of pools.
- Rainbow Trout: These are frequently stocked and tend to congregate in the faster, oxygenated water. You’ll find them in the "skinny" water at the heads of riffles and in the pocket water behind mid-stream boulders.
- Behavior: During the day, larger fish stay deep or tucked into wood. However, the Genesee is famous for its evening rises. As the sun dips, fish move from the depths into the shallow tail-outs to feed on emerging insects.
📅 Best Times to Fish
- Spring (Mid-April – June): This is the prime window. The spring runoff usually subsides by late April, ushering in the most significant hatches of the year.
- Summer (July – August): The Genesee is temperature-sensitive. During hot spells, fishing is best at dawn and dusk. Pro Tip: Focus on areas near cold-water tributaries or where springs bubble up from the riverbed. If water temps exceed 68°F, give the fish a break.
- Fall (September – October): A spectacular time to fish. Brown trout become aggressive and territorial as they prepare for the spawn. Streamer fishing is at its peak during these months.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Dry Flies
The Genesee has legendary hatches. You must be prepared for:
- Hendricksons (Late April/May): #12-14 Red Quill or Light Hendrickson.
- Caddis (May - June): #14-16 Tan or Olive Elk Hair Caddis.
- Isonychia (June - September): One of the most important flies here. Use a #10-12 Slate Drake or Iso Parachute.
- Blue Winged Olives (BWO): Essential for overcast or rainy days.
Nymphs
Nymphing accounts for 80% of the fish caught here.
- Patterns: #12-16 Pheasant Tail, #14-18 Zebra Midge, and #10-12 Pat’s Rubber Legs (Stonefly imitation) in black or brown.
- Technique: "Tight-line" or European nymphing is incredibly effective in the riffle sections. If using an indicator, ensure you are hitting the bottom—the Genesee runs deeper than it looks.
Streamers
If you want a trophy Brown, go big.
- Patterns: Wooly Buggers (Olive/Black), Sculpzilla, or Sparkle Minnows.
- Technique: Swing streamers through deep pools or "strip and twitch" them along the undercut banks and log jams.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The "Scio" Stretch: The water between Wellsville and Scio is widely considered the "Holy Water" of the Genesee. It has excellent public access and the perfect mix of habitat.
- The Evening Spinner Fall: Some of the best dry fly fishing happens in the last 30 minutes of light. Don't leave the water early; wait for the "Coffin Flies" (large spinners) to hit the water.
- Wading Caution: The Genesee has a "slippery" reputation. The rocks are often coated in a fine layer of silt or algae. Use felt soles or studs, and a wading staff is highly recommended, especially in the deeper sections around Belmont.
- Stealth Matters: Despite its size, the river is clear in the summer. Long leaders (9–12 feet) and light tippet (5X or 6X) are necessary for technical dry fly fishing.
⚠️ Important Information
- Access: New York State has been excellent about securing Public Fishing Rights (PFR). Look for the yellow "Public Fishing" signs. Use the NYSDEC "DECinfo Locator" map online to find specific access points and parking lots.
- Regulations: The Upper Genesee has specific sections with different rules. Some stretches are "Catch and Release Only" year-round, while others allow harvest during the standard season. Always check the current NYS Freshwater Fishing Regulations guide before casting.
- License: A valid New York State fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older.
- Respect the Land: Much of the river runs through private farmland. Stay within the PFR boundaries and never litter.
The Genesee is a river that rewards patience and observation. Spend five minutes watching a pool before you step in, and you’ll likely see the ghost-like shadow of a big Brown Trout waiting for your fly. Tight lines!
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrickson Ephemerella subvaria | mayfly | April, May | Afternoon | #12-14 | Red Quill #12-14, Hendrickson Emerger #14, Pheasant Tail #12-14 |
| Blue-Winged Olive Baetis | mayfly | April, May, September, October | Midday | #18-22 | BWO Sparkle Dun #18-22, RS2 #20-22, WD-40 #18-20 |
| Sulphur Ephemerella invaria/dorothea | mayfly | May, June | Evening | #14-18 | Sulphur Parachute #14-18, Snowshoe Rabbit Foot Emerger #16, Sulphur Nymph #14-18 |
| March Brown Maccaffertium vicarium | mayfly | May, June | Midday | #10-12 | March Brown Dry #10-12, March Brown Wet #10-12, Hare's Ear Nymph #10-12 |
| Grannom Caddis Brachycentrus | caddis | April, May | Midday/Afternoon | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis (Olive) #14-16, Pupa-can-do #14-16, Peacock Caddis Larva #14-16 |
| Slate Drake Isonychia bicolor | mayfly | June, September, October | Afternoon/Evening | #10-12 | Iso Parachute #10-12, Isonychia Nymph #10-12, Zug Bug #10-12 |
| Trico Tricorythodes | mayfly | July, August, September | Morning | #22-26 | Trico Spinner #22-26, Trico Drowned Spinner #24, Griffith's Gnat #22-24 |
| Light Cahill Stenonema/Stenacron | mayfly | June, July | Evening | #14-16 | Light Cahill Dry #14-16, Cream Usual #14-16, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear #14-16 |
| Green Drake Ephemera guttulata | mayfly | June | Evening | #8-10 | Green Drake Coffin Fly #8-10, Green Drake Nymph #8-10, Paradrake #10 |
| Tan Caddis Hydropsyche | caddis | June, July, August | Evening | #14-18 | Tan Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle Pupa #14-16, Holy Grail #14-16 |