What You'll Find in Esopus Creek

Esopus Creek is Ulster County's most reliable trout stream, running roughly 45 miles from the Catskill Mountains down to the Hudson River at Kingston. The creek holds wild brown trout year-round and receives regular stockings of rainbows from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The upper sections—from the Ashokan Reservoir dam upstream—run cold and clear, making them the most productive for fly fishing. The lower sections, from the dam down to Kingston, warm up in summer but fish well in spring and fall, and they're more accessible to spin anglers.

The creek's character changes with the seasons and the water release schedule from Ashokan Reservoir. Spring brings high, cold water and good nymph fishing. Summer slows the bite unless you fish early morning or evening, or focus on the dam tailrace where cold water keeps trout active. Fall is the most consistent season—water temperatures drop, hatches improve, and both fly and spin anglers see steady action. Winter is possible but requires patience and knowledge of where trout hold in cold water.

Key Takeaways

  • The upper creek above Ashokan Reservoir is fly-fishing-only water that holds wild browns and stocked rainbows; the lower creek allows both fly and spin fishing.
  • Water releases from Ashokan Reservoir control flow and temperature, so check the DEC website or call ahead before fishing to understand current conditions.
  • Fall and spring offer the most consistent fishing; summer requires early morning or evening trips and focus on the coldest sections.
  • Public access points exist at the Ashokan Reservoir dam, along Route 28, and at several pull-offs between Kingston and the dam, but parking is limited at most spots.

Upper Esopus: Fly-Only Water Above the Dam

The stretch from the Ashokan Reservoir dam upstream to the Stony Clove confluence (roughly 8 miles) is restricted to fly fishing only. This section holds the creek's best wild brown trout population and receives regular rainbow stockings. The water is cold, clear, and technical—you'll need to read the current carefully and match the hatch. Nymphs work year-round; dry flies come into play during spring and fall hatches.

Access to the upper creek is limited. The most reliable entry point is at the Ashokan Reservoir dam itself, where a small parking area sits on the west side of Route 28. From there, you can walk downstream along the creek or upstream into the fly-only zone. The walk upstream is steep and rocky in places, but the water quality improves as you move away from the dam. Another option is to park along Route 28 between the dam and Shandaken and walk down to the creek, though parking is tight and you'll be trespassing if you don't have permission from the landowner.

The upper creek is best fished with a 9-foot 5-weight rod and a floating line. Carry a mix of nymphs (Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, Prince nymphs in sizes 14–18) and dry flies (Hendricksons in spring, Sulfurs in summer, Cahills in fall). The water is cold enough that trout feed actively even in summer, but you'll have better luck in the early morning or late evening when the sun is off the water.

Lower Esopus: Spin and Fly Water from the Dam to Kingston

Below the dam, Esopus Creek opens to both fly and spin fishing. This 12-mile section is warmer and more turbid than the upper creek, especially in summer, but it holds plenty of rainbows and browns. The lower creek is more forgiving for beginners and spin anglers—the water is wider and slower in many places, and you can cover more ground with a spinning rod and small spoons or spinners.

The most productive lower-creek section is the first mile below the dam, where cold water from the reservoir keeps trout active and concentrated. This tailrace area is popular and can get crowded on weekends, but it fishes well even when other parts of the creek are slow. Spin anglers do well with small Panther Martins, Mepps spinners, or inline spinners in silver or gold. Fly anglers should bring nymphs and streamers; the faster current below the dam makes streamers effective for covering water quickly.

Access to the lower creek is easier than the upper section. Parking areas exist at the dam itself, along Route 28 between the dam and Phoenicia, and at several pull-offs near Kingston. The most accessible spot for beginners is the parking area at the Ashokan Reservoir dam on the east side of Route 28, where a short walk puts you on the lower creek. From there, you can fish upstream into the tailrace or downstream toward Phoenicia.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) brings high water from snowmelt and reservoir releases. The creek runs cold and off-color, but nymph fishing is excellent if you can get your fly down to the bottom where trout hold. Expect to fish larger nymphs (sizes 12–16) and use split shot or a small weight to reach the trout. Water levels drop as spring progresses, and by late May the creek clears and dry-fly fishing becomes possible.

Summer (June through August) is the slowest season. Water temperatures climb, especially in the lower creek, and trout become less active during the day. Fish early morning (before 9 a.m.) or evening (after 6 p.m.) when the water is cooler and trout are feeding. The tailrace below the dam stays cold and fishes consistently all summer. Terrestrial patterns (ants, grasshoppers, beetles) work well in July and August when aquatic hatches slow down.

Fall (September through November) is the best time to fish Esopus Creek. Water temperatures drop, trout become aggressive, and multiple hatches occur each day. Mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies all appear in fall, and both nymph and dry-fly fishing are productive. Spin anglers also see improved action as trout feed more actively. By November, the creek is cold and clear, and fishing remains good through the end of the season.

Winter (December through February) is possible but requires patience. Trout slow down and hold in deeper pools and behind large rocks. Fish nymphs slowly and deliberately, and focus on the deepest, slowest sections of the creek. The upper creek is often too cold and fast to fish safely in winter, so concentrate on the lower sections where water moves more slowly.

What to Bring and How to Fish

For fly fishing, a 9-foot 5-weight rod is the standard choice for Esopus Creek. Bring a floating line for dry-fly fishing and a sink-tip or full-sink line for nymphs and streamers. A 9-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X works for most conditions. Carry a mix of nymphs, dry flies, and streamers so you can adjust to what the trout are feeding on.

For spin fishing, a 6- to 7-foot medium-light rod with 4- to 6-pound test line is ideal. Small spinners (sizes 1–2) and inline spoons (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) are the most effective lures. Cast upstream and let the current carry your lure downstream, then retrieve slowly. This approach covers water efficiently and mimics the natural drift of food moving downstream.

Waders are essential year-round. The creek is cold, and you'll be more comfortable and safer in waders than trying to fish from the bank. Felt-soled wading boots or boots with good grip are important because the rocks are slippery. Bring a net, a small tackle box, and a headlamp if you plan to fish in the evening.

Water Levels and Reservoir Releases

Ashokan Reservoir controls the flow of Esopus Creek. The DEC releases water from the dam based on downstream demand and reservoir levels, which means water levels can change significantly throughout the day. High releases make the creek dangerous and unfishable; low releases concentrate trout but can make wading difficult.

Before you fish, check the DEC's Ashokan Reservoir water release information online or call the Ashokan Reservoir office. The website shows current and forecasted releases, which helps you plan your trip. Early morning is often the best time to fish because releases are typically lower and the water is colder. Avoid fishing during high-release periods when the creek is running fast and dangerous.

Access and Parking

Public access to Esopus Creek is limited but available at several points. The Ashokan Reservoir dam parking area (on both sides of Route 28) is the most reliable access point and offers parking for roughly a dozen vehicles. From there, you can fish the tailrace below the dam or walk upstream into the fly-only section. Parking fills quickly on weekends, especially in fall.

Additional pull-offs exist along Route 28 between the dam and Kingston, but parking is tight and you may need to park on the shoulder. Always ask permission before crossing private land to reach the creek. Some sections of the lower creek run through private property, and trespassing can result in fines or being asked to leave.

The town of Shandaken maintains a small public fishing area on the upper creek, but access is limited and conditions vary. Call the Shandaken town office or check their website for current information about public access areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a New York fishing license to fish Esopus Creek?

Yes. New York requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the DEC website, at sporting goods stores, or at town offices. A one-day license is available if you want to try the creek before committing to a full-year license.

What's the best time of day to fish Esopus Creek?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and evening (6 p.m. to dark) are most productive, especially in summer. Fall and spring fish throughout the day, but early morning and evening are still your best bet. Avoid midday in summer when water temperatures are highest and trout are least active.

Can I keep trout I catch in Esopus Creek?

Yes, but regulations vary by section. The upper creek (fly-only water) has specific size and creel limits set by the DEC. The lower creek has different regulations. Check the current DEC fishing regulations before you go, as rules change seasonally and can vary between sections of the same stream.

Is Esopus Creek safe to wade in winter?

Wading is possible but requires caution. The water is very cold, and slippery rocks make falls more likely. Wear a life jacket or wading belt, fish with a partner, and avoid deep holes where you could lose your footing. Many anglers skip winter wading and fish from the bank instead.

What should I do if water is being released from the dam?

Leave the creek immediately. High releases make the water dangerous and unfishable. Check the release schedule before you go, and plan to fish during low-release periods. If you're already fishing and releases increase suddenly, move to higher ground and exit the creek safely.