The Neversink River is a popular, historic Catskill trout fishery that many recognize as one of the streams that birthed American fly fishing. It consists of two parts: the headwaters upstream of the Neversink Reservoir (upper Neversink) and the lower section downstream of the reservoir (lower Neversink). The Neversink Reservoir that divides the upper and lower Neversink River is part of the NYC DEP Delaware Water Supply System and is used to supply drinking water for New York City. The Neversink Reservoir also provides the lower Neversink River with cold water year-round because the dam is a bottom release. This cold water provides ideal conditions that allow trout to thrive. Both the upper and lower sections of the Neversink River have populations of wild trout.
Access
Access Upstream of Neversink Reservoir (upper Neversink River)
The Upper Neversink River is divided into two branches: the East and West Branch of the Neversink. Access is limited to NYSDEC Forest Preserve lands along Frost Valley Road, Denning Road, and Claryville Road.
Access Downstream of Neversink Reservoir (lower Neversink River)
Unlike the headwaters, the lower Neversink River has abundant public access. These access opportunities are available through NYSDEC Forest Preserve lands, County and Municipal lands, and private property via Public Fishing Rights (PFR).
When fishing in the Neversink River Unique Area, be aware that this section of river is remote and lacks road access and cell phone service. Anglers planning on fishing the unique area will have to hike over rough terrain into the gorge to find the river; however, after making the trek it is often rewarded with solitude and potentially good fishing.
How to Find Access Sites
Use the web-based Trout Stream Fishing Map on DECinfo Locator or the "Tacklebox" feature in the HuntFishNY mobile app to find access sites and designated parking areas along the Neversink River. For the sections upstream of Neversink Reservoir be sure to use the DEC lands layer of the map. For assistance on using the DECinfo Locator, check out the Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide.
Important Information
Respect landowners when fishing on PFR. PFR are conservation easement agreements between DEC and landowners. Please always respect these landowners and use of their property. Without their generosity, much of the lower Neversink River would not be publicly accessible. Learn more about fishing on streams with PFR.
Fishing
Upper Neversink
Brook trout, brown trout, and the occasional rainbow trout or landlocked Atlantic salmon can be found in the 'Wild' headwater sections above the Neversink Reservoir. Ultimately, this section of the river provides the best opportunity to catch native brook trout.
Lower Neversink
There are three distinct sections of the lower Neversink River south of the reservoir that provide a variety of fishing opportunities. Each of these are listed and described below.
- Section 1: The first section extends from the mouth of Wynkoop Brook downstream to one mile below Bridgeville Road in the town of Monticello. This section has both wild and stocked brown trout and is managed as a 'Stocked-Extended' reach.
- Section 2: The next section of river starts at Mercer Brook and continues downstream to the Sullivan/Orange County line. It primarily holds brown trout. This area is known as the Neversink River Unique Area, which is not stocked and is managed as 'Catch and Release' only.
- Section 3: The last section of river starts at the Sullivan/Orange County line and extends downstream to Guymard Turnpike in the town of Godeffory. This section of river is stocked with brown trout but also has a population of smallmouth bass. It is regulated as a 'Stocked-Extended' reach.
For details on fishing in 'Stocked-Extended', 'Catch and Release', and 'Wild' trout streams, see the Fishing Regulations and Fisheries Management sections below.
Techniques
For fly anglers, the average 9 foot, 5 weight fly rod would work perfectly in the lower Neversink and a shorter 6-8 foot, 2-4 weight rod would be ideal in the smaller tributaries and headwaters. As far as fly patterns, the Neversink and its tributaries produce some sizable hatches of insects throughout the season and matching the hatch can be important. However, the timing and frequency of hatches are variable season to season, so contacting one of the local fly shops is the best way to get up to date information on hatches and fishing conditions. Not to worry, if there aren't any hatches occurring when you plan your trip, fishing can still be quite productive with classic nymph and streamer patterns.
For helpful fly-tying tips matched to hatching seasons, visit the Catskill Angling Collection website
For spin anglers, small spinners, spoons, and jerk baits are effective methods for catching wild trout. Bait fishing is also allowed during the harvest season from April 1 to October 15. An ultralight/light action rod with light 2-8 lb. line would work nicely for both lure and bait fishing.
Special Considerations
Flow Conditions and Safety
The headwaters as well as the lower Neversink River can be impacted by seasonal storms and heavy rains, which can drastically increase its flows. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the USGS gages along the stream while planning your trip.
Check the USGS gage near your desired fishing location before venturing out:
- Claryville, NY gage (above Neversink Reservoir)
- Neversink, NY gage (below Neversink Reservoir)
- Bridgeville, NY gage (above Neversink Unique Area)
- Godeffrey, NY gage (below Neversink Unique Area)
Water Temperatures and Fish Stress
Another important reason to check the stream gages is water temperature. The dam at the base of Neversink Reservoir is a bottom release dam, supplying cold water from the bottom of the reservoir into the Neversink River. During warm weather seasons the water still warms up considerably the further you go downstream from the dam and by the time the water reaches the unique area it can be relatively warm. Because trout are cold-water fish, temperatures approaching 70°F can result in heat stress and potential mortality, especially if caught and handled by anglers. In fact, many trout anglers don't fish in water that is over 68°F. If you're planning a catch and release outing in the summer months, it is advised that you scan the previous day's USGS gages hourly temperature readings (see link to gage above), bring a portable thermometer for accurate readings in your specific location, and avoid fishing in areas where temperatures exceed 70°F. That said, when the lower river gets too hot you can still often fish closer to the dam or the cold mountain tributaries where the trout are a bit more comfortable.
For additional details, check out Help Trout & Salmon Beat the Summer Heat (PDF).
Fishing Regulations
Statewide Fishing Regulations (upper Neversink River - 'Wild')
Inland Trout Stream Special Fishing Regulations (lower Neversink River - 'Stocked-Extended' or 'Catch and Release' depending on section being fished)
Fisheries Management
Learn about DEC's Inland Trout Stream Management efforts statewide and review research and surveys conducted in the Neversink River on the Region 3 Fisheries Management Reports webpage.
Brown trout caught during a lower Neversink River electrofishing survey, November 2020
