Ulster County, NY · Inland River
Esopus Creek
A Catskills freestone fed by the Schoharie tunnel near Phoenicia — strong wild and stocked rainbow trout (and browns) in fast, boulder-strewn water within reach of the Hudson Valley. A historic and accessible trout stream.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout — tied at the top (35/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Esopus Creek.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Esopus Creek
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Marginal conditions for Rainbow Trout. In season 35/100
What's helping
- In the current report — rainbow trout is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- 12 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 5
New York: 5 trout/day statewide; the West Branch Delaware and many wild reaches are 12" / 2 fish or catch-and-release (artificial-only Oct 16–Mar 31). Confirm the reach.
Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Brown Trout Marginal conditions for Brown Trout. In season 35/100
What's helping
- In the current report — brown trout is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- 12 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 5
New York: 5 trout/day; West Branch Delaware 12"/2 or catch-and-release.
Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
New York
Coordinates
Notes
New York: 5 trout/day on general water; special-regulation sections vary. Flows surge with portal releases.
Local reports & rules for Esopus Creek: New York DEC fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Esopus Creek?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Esopus Creek you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Esopus Creek?
Esopus Creek is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Esopus Creek?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Esopus Creek against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Esopus Creek have?
Esopus Creek has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. New York: 5 trout/day on general water; special-regulation sections vary. Flows surge with portal releases.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Esopus Creek?
state agency regulations apply at Esopus Creek. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Esopus Creek tidal water?
No. Esopus Creek is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.