East Branch Croton River (Brewster-Croton Falls, NY)
East Branch Croton River
(Brewster- Croton Falls)
Putnam County, NY
The recent rainfall has kept the Sodom Reservoir, & Diverting Reservoirs spilling over the top. The East Branch is very swollen at the moment seeing flows around 325+ cfs, this a dramatic change from the historical average <100cfs.
This being said the entire upper section is not fishing very well and wading is very difficult. Although the conditions are not great we are hoping this water is bringing in a flush of new reservoir browns. Hopefully when the water levels recede we will be finding the great fishing has returned.
For now, we would recommend fishing the section of the EB below the Diverting reservoir along Rt.202. There are a few obvious pull offs to access the river. The fishing has been very productive with nymphs and dries and the flow is a lot more manageable. Browns and Rainbows are ranging from 10 - 15 in. the runs are a bit tighter down here and would recommend using a 7 or 8' (2-4wt) rod.
Fishing nymphs seems to be the most consistent way to find fish but risers are popping occasionally in the pools. Be sure to watch closely in the faster water. Caddis and Bwo's are the main bugs in the mix but most mayfly dry fly patterns are working with sizes ranging from 14-18. The hot pattern for nymphing is the ole' faithful Hares Ear in all sizes.