While many associate fly fishing with remote mountain streams and pristine western rivers, some of the best fly fishing is within a few hours’ drive of New York City. With its mix of rivers, lakes, and coastline, the tri-state area offers outstanding opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers.
For river fishing, the upper Delaware is hard to beat. Its limestone geology gives it excellent hatches and wild trout populations. A bit further north, the Neversink and Esopus are gold medal waters renowned for their sizable, feisty browns and rainbows. Moving east, the Farmington River in Connecticut has abundant fish and easy access. Its fly shop is a great resource for current fishing reports.
If you prefer casting to rising fish, try one of the Catskill region’s many limestone spring creeks. The Beaverkill and Willowemoc are world-class waters that protect wild trout with strict catch and release regulations.
Looking to get into saltwater fly fishing? Consider Long Island, with its Great South Bay producing striped bass and bluefish in the summer. Or explore the numerous lakes of the Adirondacks, where rainbows and brown trout cruise the shoreline, looking for an easy meal.
With a little planning, any of these destinations can make for a perfect day trip or weekend getaway from the city.
Contents
- New York City Fly Fishing Map
- Best Trout Fishing Near New York City
- 1. West Branch Delaware River
- 2. East Branch Delaware River
- 3. Beaverkill River
- 4. Willowemoc Creek
- 5. Schoharie Creek
- 6. Neversink River
- 7. Esopus Creek
- 8. Wappinger Creek
- 9. Ten Mile River
- 10. Croton River
- 11. Fishkill Creek
- 12. Roeliff-Jansen Kill
- 13. Kinderhook Creek
- 14. Connetquot River
New York City Fly Fishing Map
Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map
Best Trout Fishing Near New York City
1. West Branch Delaware River
The West Branch Delaware River offers fly fishermen near New York City a world-class trout fishing destination without traveling far. Only a two-hour drive from the city, the West Branch flows for over 100 miles through the rugged beauty of the Catskills.
Its waters hold healthy populations of wild brown trout and stocked rainbows that provide action for anglers of all skill levels. Mayfly hatches in the summer and fall months create opportunistic feeding fish that can be enticed with imitative patterns.
With its proximity and quality fishing, the West Branch is a go-to destination for metro area anglers looking to escape for a day on the water. In addition to consistent trout action, the West Branch’s scenic valleys offer anglers peaceful solitude as they stalk rising fish.
Wading access is excellent throughout much of the river, though waders should use caution given the occasional deep run. With its beautiful surroundings and reliable fishing, it’s no wonder the West Branch Delaware River has been a favorite of Catskills anglers for decades.
For more information and a map of fishing access points, see our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the West Branch Delaware River.
2. East Branch Delaware River
The East Branch River, which flows south from the Catskills through Sullivan County, offers anglers an easily accessible trout fishery just a few hours north of New York City.
From its headwaters near Livingston Manor downstream to Callicoon, the East Branch flows through scenic woodlands and farmland holding wild brown trout.
Hatches of Eastern Green Drakes and Eastern Pale Evening Duns provide excellent dry fly fishing from late May through June. Further downstream, pocket water and long flat runs between Beaverkill and Callicoon are perfect for nymphing with small beadhead patterns like the Hare’s Ear.
With its proximity to the city and quality wild trout, the East Branch is a great option for escaping the city and wetting a line.
For more information and a map of fishing access points, see our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the East Branch Delaware River.
3. Beaverkill River
The Beaverkill River in New York’s Catskill Mountains offers excellent fly fishing opportunities just a few hours north of New York City. This renowned trout stream flows for over 40 miles through some of the most scenic landscapes in the region.
From its headwaters near Roscoe and its confluence with the Willowemoc, the Beaverkill River maintains a healthy population of wild brown trout. Hatches of Blue-winged Olives, Sulphurs, and Green Drakes provide abundant surface-feeding activity throughout the season.
With public access areas and parking spots scattered along its banks, the Beaverkill River is a prime self-guided destination for experienced fly anglers seeking solitude and a challenge.
For more information and a map of fishing access points, see our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Beaverkill River.
4. Willowemoc Creek
Willowemoc Creek offers excellent fly fishing opportunities just a few hours drive from New York City. This Catskills stream is known for its healthy population of wild brown trout.
From its headwaters in the Willowemoc Wild Forest, the creek winds over 15 miles through dense woodlands teeming with wildlife. Hiking access points along its entire length allow anglers to explore new stretches daily. Mayfly hatches in the afternoons draw trout up from deep pools and runs.
With its remote natural beauty and reliable fishing, Willowemoc Creek is an ideal destination for self-guided anglers seeking to escape the city without traveling too far.
For more information and a map of fishing access points, see our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Willowemoc Creek.
5. Schoharie Creek
The Schoharie Creek offers anglers a scenic escape just a few hours north of New York City. This freestone stream winds through the Catskill Mountains and is home to native brook trout and stocked brown trout.
From early spring through fall, fishermen will find solitude along the Schoharie’s gravel banks and deep pockets. Hatches of blue-winged olives and small midges keep trout rising throughout the day. Access to public lands allows anglers to choose their adventure, whether fishing the creek’s lively riffles or exploring its remote tributaries.
A day on the Schoharie will leave you refreshed and with memories to last until your next visit.
For more information and a map of fishing access points, see our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Schoharie Creek.
6. Neversink River
The Neversink River offers fly anglers a beautiful backcountry escape just a few hours’ drive from New York City. Flowing south from the Catskills, the Neversink winds through dense forests teeming with brook trout.
Theodore Gordon, the father of dry fly fishing, spent years exploring the rivers in the Catskill Mountain region. He altered traditional English flies, matching them precisely to the insect hatches of the Neversink River.
From spring caddis hatches to autumn spinner falls, there is no shortage of insect activity to keep fish rising. Wading access ranges from easy streamside strolls to moderate hikes through mountain valleys. Camping is allowed along many sections, making spending a full day exploring new water simple.
With its secluded feel and consistent trout fishing, the Neversink is a gem for self-guided anglers seeking solitude outside the city.
For more information and a map of fishing access points, see our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Neversink River.
7. Esopus Creek
The Esopus Creek is one of the finest fly fishing destinations near New York City. Flowing south from the Catskill Mountains, this beautiful freestone stream offers over 100 miles of water ranging from small spring creeks to wide pocket water.
Hatches of Blue-winged Olives, March Browns, and Green Drakes provide ample opportunities to catch native brook trout and stocked rainbows. Access to the Esopus is excellent, with many public access points.
Whether you want to wet a line for an afternoon or plan a multiday trip, the Esopus offers fly fishers a classic Catskills experience just a short drive from the city. I hope you enjoy exploring this special trout stream.
For more information and a map of fishing access points, see our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Esopus Creek.
8. Wappinger Creek
Wappinger Creek offers anglers a scenic fishery just minutes from the bustle of the Hudson Valley. This freestone creek flows south over 30 miles from Dutchess County to the Hudson River, passing through rural farmland and woodlands.
From its headwaters near Poughkeepsie down to the village of Beacon, Wappinger Creek harbors healthy populations of wild brown trout and stocked rainbow trout. With easy access and a mix of riffles and deep pools, it is perfect for novice or experienced fly fishers looking to spend a relaxing day pursuing wild trout near home.
For more information and a map of fishing access points, see our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Wappinger Creek.
9. Ten Mile River
The Ten Mile River in southeastern New York offers excellent fly fishing opportunities just a short drive from the city. Flowing 30 miles from its headwaters in Putnam County to Long Island Sound, this freestone river holds wild brown trout up to 20 inches.
May through October offer the best fishing as trout eagerly rise to terrestrial insects like caddis, stoneflies, and mayflies. The upper reaches near Lake Carmel hold the largest fish in deeper runs and pools. Further downstream, tiny pocket waters demand delicate presentations to wild fish.
A Ten Mile outing promises solitude and scenic beauty, with plenty of action for beginner and experienced fly anglers alike.
For more information and a map of fishing access points, see our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Ten Mile River.
10. Croton River
The Croton River offers fly anglers a rewarding fishery 30 miles north of New York City. From its headwaters in Putnam County down to its confluence with the Hudson, the Croton holds healthy populations of wild brown trout.
Its riffles and runs provide excellent habitat for insect hatches like March Browns and Blue-winged Olives, which the trout actively feed on. The river’s varying width, from narrow chutes to wider pools, presents opportunities to prospect with different fly patterns, such as Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, and Hare’s Ear nymphs.
With public access points along its entire flow, the Croton is a terrific year-round destination for self-guided fly fishing close to the urban hub.
For more information and a map of fishing access points, see our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Croton River.
11. Fishkill Creek
Fishkill Creek offers anglers a beautiful fly fishing destination just minutes from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Flowing south from Dutchess County through scenic farmland and woodlands, this modest creek teems with native brook trout eager to rise to well-placed dry flies and tiny nymphs.
Access points along its lower stretches provide opportunities to cast to cruising trout in riffles and beneath undercut banks. Hike upstream, and you will find fish rising to emerging mayflies and caddis in calm pockets.
With its proximity yet solitude, the Fishkill is the perfect getaway for DIY anglers looking to escape the city for an afternoon on the water.
For more information and a map of fishing access points, see our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Fishkill Creek.
12. Roeliff-Jansen Kill
The Roeliff-Jansen Kill is a popular fly fishing destination just two hours north of New York City. Flowing through the scenic Hudson Valley, this small freestone stream offers anglers an escape from the bustle of the city into a tranquil Catskills landscape.
From native brook trout in its upper reaches to stocked rainbows and browns below, the Kill presents diverse fishing opportunities year-round. With public access along much of its length and no crowds even on summer weekends, independent anglers can explore new waters or perfect their craft in a classic Catskills setting.
Plan your trip to experience what makes the RJ Kill a treasured fly fishing jewel close to home.
For more information and a map of fishing access points, see our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Roeliff-Jansen Kill.
13. Kinderhook Creek
The Kinderhook Creek is one of the finest fly fishing destinations within a few hours’ drive of New York City. This freestone creek flows through beautiful pastoral landscapes in Columbia County, allowing anglers to catch wild brown trout among scenic farmland and woodlands.
The Kinderhook meanders over 50 miles from its headwaters near Valatie before joining the Hudson River at Stuyvesant. It remains lightly fished compared to other local streams, providing solitude and exciting dry fly and nymph fishing throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
Access is easy via public roads along much of its length, making it ideal for self-minded anglers.
For more information and a map of fishing access points, see our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Kinderhook Creek.
14. Connetquot River
The Connetquot River on Long Island’s South Shore offers fly anglers a hidden gem close to New York City. Just 90 minutes from Manhattan, this gentle freestone river winds through unspoiled forest filled with native brook trout eager to rise to dries and emergers.
Caddis flies in spring to terrestrials and small streamers in summer and fall, the Connetquot rewards the observant caster. With public access points along its entire length and limited pressure compared to nearby hot spots, your chances of hooking a native “brown bullet” are excellent.
Pack a lunch and spend a day exploring this lush pocket of wilderness so close to home.
For more information and a map of fishing access points, see our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Connetquot River.
Looking for more places to fish? Check out our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in New York.
