Esopus Portal - Schoharie Reservoir - New York
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Trip planning summary
Esopus Portal – Schoharie Reservoir fly fishing at a glance
Use this page to check rules, flow, access, hatch notes, flies, and tactics before planning a trip.
Rules first
Check the current rule before fishing. Seasons, limits, methods, and closures can change.
Flow check
Open the gauge or source context before wading, floating, or driving to the river.
Access plan
Use legal public access and confirm posted, park, tribal, or private boundaries.
Report status
Source review queued. Fly notes are planning guidance; current rules control.
Esopus Portal – Schoharie Reservoir - Water Flow Chart
Esopus Portal – Schoharie Reservoir - Weather report & radar
Esopus Portal – Schoharie Reservoir - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Midday | #22-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| February | Midges | Midday | #22-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| March | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #16-20 | Pheasant Tail, RS2 |
| April | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #16-20 | Pheasant Tail, RS2 |
| Midges | Midday | #22-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| May | Depends on water clarity | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| June | Green Drakes | Morning and Evening | #10-12 | Green Drake Dun, Green Drake Nymph |
| Stoneflies | Evening | #4-8 | Stimulator, Golden Stone | |
| July | Terrestrials | Afternoon | #8-14 | Green Butt Skunk, Dave’s Hopper |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| Stoneflies | Evening | #4-8 | Stimulator, Golden Stone | |
| August | Terrestrials | Afternoon | #8-14 | Green Butt Skunk, Dave’s Hopper |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| September | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #16-20 | Pheasant Tail, RS2 |
| October | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #16-20 | Pheasant Tail, RS2 |
| November | Midges | Midday | #22-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| December | Midges | Midday | #22-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
Esopus Portal – Schoharie Reservoir Access Points
Esopus Creek is a notable trout stream that originates from the Schoharie Reservoir, popular among fly fishing enthusiasts. Here are some ideal access points for fly fishing on the Esopus portal:
- Bellayre Beach: This tranquil beach land on the Esopus Creek is popular with anglers. It also provides ample parking and amenities.
- The Shandaken Portal:At this point, cold, clean water is released from the Schoharie Reservoir into the Esopus that makes it a great spot for trout fishing.
- Phoenicia River Park: This park allows quick access to the stream and is a nice spot for family outings as well.
- Allaben Public Fishing Access Site: This is an easily accessible spot near the Shandaken Portal where anglers can find various species of fish.
- The Big Indian Bridge: This spot offers ample space for fishing and has a rich variety of trout.
Esopus Portal – Schoharie Reservoir Fishing Spots
The Esopus Portal – Schoharie Reservoir is renowned for fly fishing. Let’s look at some of the best spots:
- Schoharie Reservoir: Fly fishing here is more than rewarding because of the variety of fish, like brown trout and walleye.
- The Upper Esopus: This section of the river is famous for its fast currents and wild trout population. A must-visit spot for any anglers who enjoy a challenge.
Additionally, these are another two must-visit spots:
- Portal: Located between the reservoir and creek – a popular location due to the constant flow of clean cold water that creates a prime habitat for trout.
- Shandaken Tunnel Outlet: Situated at the end of the tunnel – this section of the river generates big fishes and is another angler hub.
Esopus Portal – Schoharie Reservoir Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout
- Brook Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Smallmouth Bass
- Large Mouth Bass
- Northern Pike
- Catfish
- Chain Pickerel
About the Esopus Portal – Schoharie Reservoir
A stunning blend of nature and technological prowess, its captivating history is as follows:
- Conceived by the New York City Board of Water Supply, the project finished in 1927 with six towns getting inundated in the process.
- The reservoir holds an impressive 19.6 billion gallons of water stretching about 6 miles in length and reaching depths up to 152 feet.
- The Esopus Portal links Schoharie Reservoir to the Ashokan Reservoir, travelling 18 miles through an underground aqueduct to make the connection.
Contemplate these astounding feats of engineering next time you enjoy a cup of water from NYC taps, remembering the remarkable journey it took to reach you.
Sources checked
Source review queued
This river report has not yet received a full official-source review. Fishing rules, access, flows, and closures can change quickly; confirm current details with official state and local sources before planning a trip.
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