New York Fly Fishing November: Late Fall Trout Guide

November transforms New York's legendary trout waters into autumn gold, offering some of the year's most rewarding fly fishing. As temperatures drop and leaves carpet the forest floor, the Empire State's rivers come alive with late-season hatches and aggressive trout feeding before winter's arrival. From the storied freestone streams of the Catskills to the productive tailwaters of central New York, November presents unique opportunities for anglers willing to brave cooler conditions.

The month brings a distinct shift in fishing patterns. Morning frost gives way to comfortable midday temperatures, creating ideal conditions for both angler and trout. Water temperatures hover in the sweet spot of 45-55°F, keeping trout active while reducing the stress of summer heat. Reduced fishing pressure after the October crowds means more solitude on even the most famous waters.

New York's diverse geography offers something for every angler. The Catskill Mountains harbor the birthplace of American dry fly fishing, while the Finger Lakes region provides excellent stillwater opportunities. Long Island's spring creeks maintain stable temperatures, and the Adirondacks offer wilderness brook trout experiences before winter sets in.

01Prime Rivers for November

Delaware River System

The Delaware River's East and West branches shine in November, offering consistent BWO hatches and excellent streamer fishing. The East Branch from Hancock to Fishs Eddy provides classic Catskill dry fly water with reliable afternoon Blue-Winged Olive emergences. Water levels stabilize after autumn rains, creating perfect wading conditions.

Target the deeper pools and runs with Woolly Buggers in olive and black during early morning hours. As the sun climbs and water temperatures rise, switch to smaller nymphs like Flashback Hare's Ear patterns in the riffles and pocket water. The famous Hendrickson Pool and Cairns Pool near Deposit consistently produce quality browns.

Beaverkill River

The Beaverkill maintains its reputation as America's most storied trout stream through November. From Roscoe downstream to East Branch, this legendary water offers consistent action with both wild and stocked trout. The river's moderate gradient and abundant cover create ideal habitat for brown trout ranging from 10 to 18 inches.

Focus on the classic pools: Hendrickson Pool, Cairns Pool, and the Acid Factory Pool. These deep lies hold the river's largest residents. Comparadun BWO patterns work exceptionally well during the afternoon hatches. Don't overlook the Soft Hackle Wet patterns swung through the tail-outs.

Willowemoc Creek

This Beaverkill tributary offers intimate small-stream fishing with surprisingly large trout. The water runs clear and cold, maintaining excellent conditions through November. The stream's narrow profile demands accurate casting and stealthy approaches, but rewards skilled anglers with memorable fish.

Work upstream with small nymphs like Pheasant Tail Nymph patterns. The deeper bends and undercut banks hold the best fish. Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun patterns excel during midday emergences when trout rise freely in the slower pools.

Ausable River

The Ausable's West Branch provides excellent November fishing in the Adirondack wilderness. Cooler temperatures bring brook trout into aggressive feeding mode before winter dormancy. The river's pocket water and boulder gardens create countless micro-habitats for trout.

Focus on the stretch from Lake Placid downstream to the Flume. Hare's Ear Nymph patterns bounced along the bottom produce consistent results. When brook trout rise to midge clusters, switch to Griffith's Gnat patterns in sizes 18-22.

Salmon River

November marks the peak of the Salmon River's renowned steelhead and salmon runs. Pacific salmon enter the system in massive numbers, followed closely by fresh steelhead from Lake Ontario. The combination creates world-class angling opportunities in upstate New York.

Target the deeper pools and runs with egg patterns and large streamers. Blood Dot Egg flies in sizes 8-12 prove deadly for both salmon and steelhead. Clouser Minnows in white and chartreuse imitate the abundant baitfish that follow the spawning runs.

02November Hatch Report

Blue-Winged Olives

November's most reliable and important hatch remains the Blue-Winged Olive emergence. These hardy mayflies continue emerging throughout the month, providing consistent dry fly opportunities during the warmest part of each day. Baetis species in sizes 18-22 create steady feeding activity from 11 AM to 3 PM on most Catskill streams.

The best emergences occur on overcast, mild days with temperatures above 45°F. Trout become increasingly selective as the month progresses, demanding accurate presentations with fine tippet. Comparadun patterns in sizes 18-20 provide the most realistic silhouette for selective fish.

Late Caddis Activity

Several caddis species continue limited activity through November, particularly on warmer afternoons. These emergences rarely create blanket hatches but provide enough activity to bring trout to the surface. Look for sporadic rises near undercut banks and in slower water.

Elk Hair Caddis patterns in sizes 16-18 work well for these scattered emergences. Fish them with a dead drift initially, then add subtle movement to trigger strikes from hesitant trout.

Midge Activity

Midges provide consistent opportunities throughout November, especially during mild spells. These tiny diptera emerge throughout the day, creating subtle rise forms that challenge angler observation skills. Midge activity peaks during the warmest hours and on protected waters.

Iced Out Midge Pupa patterns work best in the surface film during active emergences. Size 20-24 patterns match the prevalent species in most New York waters. Fish these patterns with minimal movement, allowing them to drift naturally in the current.

03Recommended Fly Selection

Dry Flies

November dry fly fishing centers around Blue-Winged Olive imitations. Stock BWO Comparadun patterns in sizes 18-22, focusing on darker olive and gray bodies. Klinkhammer patterns excel in faster water where traditional duns struggle to maintain visibility.

Don't overlook Mahogany Dun patterns for the occasional late-season Paraleptophlebia emergences. These larger mayflies create exciting fishing when they appear, though emergences remain unpredictable.

Nymphs and Emergers

Subsurface patterns dominate November success. Flashback Hare's Ear nymphs in sizes 14-18 imitate numerous species and work consistently throughout the month. Pheasant Tail Nymph patterns provide a more specific BWO imitation.

Two-Bit Hooker patterns work exceptionally well on the Beaverkill system, where their attractor qualities trigger aggressive responses from territorial browns. Copper Bead Flash Nymph patterns add extra attraction in stained water.

Streamers

Large trout transition to more aggressive feeding patterns as winter approaches. Woolly Buggers in olive, black, and brown remain the most versatile streamer choice. Sizes 6-10 work best, with weighted versions for deeper pools and unweighted patterns for shallow runs.

Black Woolly Bugger patterns prove particularly effective during overcast conditions and in deeper water. The contrast helps trout locate the fly in reduced visibility conditions common during November.

04Gear Recommendations

Rod and Reel Setup

A 9-foot, 5-weight rod provides versatility for most November conditions in New York. This setup handles everything from delicate BWO presentations to streamer fishing for large browns. Choose a rod with a moderate to fast action for accurate casting in autumn winds.

Pair the rod with a reel featuring a smooth drag system and sufficient backing capacity for the occasional large fish. A large arbor design helps manage line during cold weather when fingers lose dexterity.

Line and Leader Systems

A weight-forward floating line suits most November situations. Choose a line designed for cooler weather to maintain flexibility as temperatures drop. Keep the line clean and dressed to ensure proper floating and casting performance.

Leaders should range from 9 to 12 feet for most situations, tapering to 5X or 6X tippet for BWO imitations. Fluorocarbon tippet provides advantages in clear November water, offering superior abrasion resistance and invisibility.

Essential Accessories

November fishing demands careful attention to changing weather conditions. Pack multiple layers including a waterproof/breathable jacket for sudden weather changes. Fingerless gloves or fishing mitts maintain dexterity while providing warmth.

A quality landing net becomes crucial for protecting fish during cold weather when handling time should be minimized. Choose a net with a rubber or soft mesh bag to protect the fish's slime coat. Keep split shot and indicators readily accessible for quick rigging changes.

05Tactics and Techniques

Reading November Water

Cold water concentrates trout in specific locations, making water reading skills crucial. Focus on deeper pools, undercut banks, and areas protected from current. Trout seek energy-efficient feeding positions where food drifts naturally within easy reach.

Look for seams where fast and slow water meet, creating natural feeding lanes. These areas concentrate drifting food while providing trout with refuge from strong currents. The transition zones between pools and riffles consistently hold feeding fish.

Presentation Strategies

November trout often exhibit increased selectivity, demanding precise presentations. Use longer leaders and lighter tippets to achieve natural drifts. Mend the line upstream to extend drag-free drifts, particularly important when fishing BWO patterns to rising trout.

When nymph fishing, focus on achieving natural bottom-bouncing drifts. Use just enough weight to maintain contact with the bottom without creating excessive disturbance. Watch the indicator closely for subtle takes, as November trout often mouth flies gently.

Streamer Fishing

Large trout become increasingly aggressive as temperatures drop, making streamer fishing productive throughout November. Work streamers through the deepest pools and runs using a variety of retrieves. Start with steady strips, then vary the pace to trigger strikes.

Fish streamers downstream and across, allowing the current to provide natural movement. The swing at the end of each drift often produces strikes from following trout. Don't overlook shallow areas near banks where large fish hunt for minnows and crayfish.

06Safety and Preparation

Weather Considerations

November weather in New York can change rapidly, with morning frost giving way to pleasant afternoons or sudden cold fronts bringing snow. Check weather forecasts carefully and prepare for temperature swings. Carry emergency gear including a survival blanket and first aid supplies.

Daylight hours shrink significantly by late November, requiring careful trip planning. Start fishing early to maximize available light, and always inform someone of your fishing plans and expected return time.

Wading Safety

Cold water increases the risks associated with wading. Wear appropriate waders with good traction and consider using a wading staff in unfamiliar water. Wade slowly and deliberately, testing each step before committing your weight.

Hypothermia becomes a serious concern if you fall into cold water. Dress in layers and carry dry clothes in a waterproof bag. Know the signs of hypothermia and don't hesitate to end the fishing day if conditions deteriorate.

07Conservation Notes

November's cold water requires extra care when handling fish. Minimize fighting time and handling duration to reduce stress on trout. Use barbless hooks to facilitate quick releases, and keep fish in the water during photo opportunities.

Many New York waters enter spawning season during late fall. Respect spawning areas and avoid disturbing redds (spawning beds). These areas are easily identified by their clean gravel appearance and should remain off-limits to fishing.

Practice Leave No Trace principles, particularly important as fishing pressure concentrates on accessible waters during colder months. Pack out all trash and respect private property boundaries that may be more strictly enforced during hunting season.

08Sources & References

• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Fishing Information
• USGS New York Water Science Center
• Trout Unlimited New York Council
• Catskill Streams - Conservation and Information
• National Weather Service Albany Forecast Office
• NY DEC Trout Stream Classifications
• American Museum of Fly Fishing
• USGS Real-time Water Data for New York