Free Resource · Updated 2026
Schoharie Creek drains the western Catskills in Greene and Schoharie Counties before flowing into the Mohawk River valley. The upper Schoharie and its tributaries hold good populations of wild brown and rainbow trout. Prattsville and Lexington mark the heart of the upper trout section and the stream offers accessible Catskill fishing that sees less pressure than the Beaverkill and Delaware drainages.
Schoharie Creek Hatch Calendar — Quick Reference
The Schoharie watershed was heavily damaged by Hurricane Irene in 2011, which reshaped much of the stream structure and flushed significant amounts of sediment. The recovery has been substantial and the fishery has largely rebounded. The upper sections above Prattsville and the tributaries like the West Kill and Batavia Kill hold the best trout water.
The West Kill and Batavia Kill are worth knowing about as Schoharie tributaries. These smaller streams hold wild brook and brown trout and receive very little pressure. They are classic Catskill small-stream fishing that rewards careful approach and small flies.
Hatches on the Schoharie follow the standard Catskill calendar but are sometimes a bit less consistent than the more famous streams to the south. Hendricksons in late April, caddis and sulphurs in May and June, and terrestrials through summer are the main events. The stream is accessible via Route 23A and the road up the valley.
See the full New York Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of New York's top trout streams.
Check Conditions Near Schoharie CreekWhat to Fish
Ephemerella subvaria
Hendricksons are the signature spring hatch on the Schoharie. Late April afternoon hatches bring fish up in the pools above Prattsville. The river here sees much less pressure than the Beaverkill during the Hendrickson season.
Recommended: Hendrickson #14
Trichoptera
Caddis are the most consistent surface event through summer on the Schoharie. June evening hatches are the peak. The river is wide in places and offers good wading access through the productive sections above Prattsville.
Recommended: Elk Hair Caddis #14-16
Ephemerella dorothea
Evening sulphur hatches in May and June bring fish up consistently on the Schoharie. The hatches are not as dense as on the Delaware or Beaverkill but provide good dry fly opportunities for anglers willing to explore less-visited Catskill water.
Recommended: Sulphur Parachute #16
Various
Terrestrials carry the summer fishing on the Schoharie through the doldrums. The open sections near Prattsville and Lexington have good banks for hopper fishing. Ant patterns are reliable close to the wooded banks throughout the season.
Recommended: Hopper #10-12
Common Questions
Schoharie Creek drains the western Catskill Mountains in Greene and Schoharie Counties. The upper trout water is above Prattsville and in the tributary valleys. Route 23A follows the upper creek through the productive section before the stream drops into the lower valley.
Yes, largely. Hurricane Irene in 2011 caused massive flooding and reshaped the Schoharie Creek valley dramatically. The fishery has recovered substantially in the years since and the upper sections hold good numbers of wild trout. Some areas were permanently altered but the stream remains a worthwhile fishery.
Yes. Schoharie Creek receives significantly less pressure than the Beaverkill and Delaware River tailwaters. For anglers looking for quality Catskill trout fishing without the crowds, the upper Schoharie and its tributaries are worth exploring.
FlyFishFinder combines hatch knowledge with live gauge alerts, Prime condition indicators, and real angler intel so you show up on the right day, not the wrong one.
Know Before You GoFree Trial · Cancel Anytime · $0 Charged Today