Rondout Creek
Fly fishing in New York · Intermediate · Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
About This Water
Ulster County Catskill stream with wild brown trout. Scenic gorge fishing.
Fishing Recommendations
Welcome to the Catskills, the cradle of American fly fishing. As your guide, I’m excited to break down Rondout Creek. This is a storied fishery that offers two very different experiences depending on whether you are above or below the Rondout Reservoir.
Here is your comprehensive guide to fishing "the Rondout."
🎣 Location Overview
Rondout Creek is a major tributary of the Hudson River, but for the fly angler, the action is concentrated in the sections surrounding the Rondout Reservoir in Ulster County.
The creek is effectively split into two distinct fisheries:
- The Upper Rondout (Above the Reservoir): A classic, high-gradient mountain freestone stream. It is rugged, rocky, and surrounded by the Peekamoose Valley's wild scenery. Expect pocket water, plunge pools, and crystal-clear runs.
- The Lower Rondout (Below the Reservoir): A tailwater fishery. Because water is released from the bottom of the dam, this section stays colder in the summer than many other area streams, making it a critical refuge for trout during heatwaves.
Anglers love the Rondout because it offers a quieter, more intimate alternative to the often-crowded Beaverkill or Willowemoc, while still providing world-class Catskill bug hatches.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
- Brown Trout: The king of the Rondout. In the Upper section, you’ll find smaller, buttery wild browns. In the Lower tailwater section, there are hefty, sophisticated holdover browns that can reach 18-20+ inches.
- Rainbow Trout: Found primarily in the Lower section due to stocking and the oxygenated, colder tailwater. They are acrobatic and tend to hold in faster "riffle" water compared to the browns.
- Behavior:
- Upper Creek: Fish are opportunistic but spooky. They hide behind boulders and in the "cushion" of water in front of rocks.
- Lower Creek: These fish are "PhD" trout. They are highly selective to hatch stages and require precise presentations and long, fine leaders.
📅 Best Times to Fish
Spring (April - June)
The "Golden Era" of the Rondout.
- May is the peak month. Water temperatures hit the 50s and 60s, triggering the massive Catskill hatches.
- Best Window: Mid-day to early evening.
Summer (July - August)
- Upper: Can get low and warm; please carry a thermometer. If it’s over 68°F, stop fishing.
- Lower: This is the place to be. The cold-water release keeps fish active.
- Best Window: Dawn and dusk. Look for the "Trico" hatch in the early morning.
Fall (September - October)
- The scenery is world-class. Brown trout become aggressive as they prepare to spawn.
- Best Window: Afternoon when the sun warms the water slightly.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Dry Flies (The Catskill Tradition)
- Early Season: Hendrickson (Size 12-14), Blue Winged Olives (18-22).
- Late May/June: March Brown (10-12), Grey Fox (12-14), and the legendary Sulphurs (16-18).
- Summer: Terrestrials! Foam Ants and Beetles are deadly in the Upper section.
Nymphing
- Patterns: Pheasant Tail (14-18), Hare’s Ear (12-16), and heavy Perdigons for the deep slots in the tailwater.
- Technique: "Euro Nymphing" is incredibly effective in the Upper Rondout's pocket water. In the Lower section, use a strike indicator with a long leader to avoid spooking fish in the slower pools.
Streamers
- Patterns: Woolly Buggers (Olive/Black) and Muddler Minnows.
- Technique: In the fall, "swinging" a streamer through deep holes can trigger an aggressive strike from a trophy Brown.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The "Peekamoose" Secret: In the Upper section (along Peekamoose Rd), don't just fish the big pools. Some of the biggest wild browns hide in "thin" water—ripples only 6-10 inches deep—provided there is a nearby rock for cover.
- Stealth is Mandatory: The water is exceptionally clear. Wear earth-toned clothing (greens/browns), keep a low profile, and avoid splashing. If you can see the fish, they have likely already seen you.
- The Reservoir Factor: The Lower Rondout’s flow depends on NYC DEP releases. Always check the USGS gauge for "Rondout Creek at Rosendale" or "at Lowes Corners" before driving out. A sudden high release can make wading dangerous.
⚠️ Important Information
Access
- Upper: Much of the water along Route 42 (Peekamoose Rd) is part of the Sundown Wild Forest (Public State Land).
- Lower: Access can be trickier. Look for NYSDEC "Public Fishing Rights" (PFR) signs near Lackawack and Napanoch. Always respect private property boundaries.
Regulations & Permits
- NYS Fishing License: Required for all anglers 16 and older.
- NYC DEP Access Permit: If you are fishing on City-owned land surrounding the reservoir, you must have a free NYC DEP Access Permit (available online).
- Special Rules: Portions of the Rondout may have "Catch and Release Only" or tackle restrictions (artificial lures only). Always consult the current NYSDEC Freshwater Fishing Regulations guide.
Safety
- Cell Service: It is virtually non-existent in the Peekamoose Valley. Tell someone where you are going and when you'll be back.
- Wading: The rocks are incredibly slippery (known as "Catskill Grease"). Felt-soled boots or studs are highly recommended.
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Winged Olive Baetis / Pseudocloeon | mayfly | April, May, September, October | Mid-day/Afternoon | #18-24 | BWO Sparkle Dun #18-22, Pheasant Tail #18-22 |
| Hendrickson Ephemerella subvariabilis | mayfly | April, May | Afternoon | #12-14 | Red Quill #12-14, Hendrickson Emerger #12-14 |
| Grannom Caddis Brachycentrus | caddis | April, May | Morning/Afternoon | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis (Olive) #14-16, Peacock Pupa #14-16 |
| March Brown Maccaffertium vicarium | mayfly | May, June | Afternoon | #10-12 | March Brown Dry #10-12, Hare's Ear Nymph #10-14 |
| Sulphur Ephemerella invaria/dorothea | mayfly | May, June | Evening | #14-18 | Sulphur Parachute #14-18, Sulphur Snowshoe Emerger #14-18 |
| Light Cahill Stenacron interpunctatum | mayfly | June, July | Evening | #12-14 | Light Cahill #12-14, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear #12-14 |
| Slate Drake Isonychia bicolor | mayfly | June, July, August, September | Afternoon/Evening | #10-12 | Iso Parachute #10-12, Zug Bug #10-12 |
| Terrestrials (Ants/Beetles) Formicidae / Coleoptera | terrestrial | July, August, September | All Day | #14-20 | Cinnamon Ant #16-20, Black Foam Beetle #14-18 |