This is a really neat creek with tubing, kayaking and some great fishing. Esopus Creek flows through upstate New York in scenic zone. The kayaking is great for beginners and tubing is a popular way to cool off during the summer months. It’s fairly popular here but there is plenty of water and places to explore off the beaten path.
Flows And Weather
ESOPUS CREEK AT MOUNT MARION NY
- Temperature: 55.4 ° F
- Streamflow: 251 ft³/s
- Gage height: 13.65 ft
Rapids and Float Notes
You need to keep an eye out for strainers and they are the primary form of danger for paddlers. Calling a local rental company for conditions is a good idea. The creek is a mellow class II that is perfect for beginners learning to kayak. It also has camping which makes it a nice weekend or multi-day trip.
Coldbrook, NY – There is a great 5 or so mile run around the community of Coldbrook. It also serves as the popular tubing route.
Big Indian to Boiceville – You can find some class III on this longer stretch. Prepare for a long run because it’s a good 17 miles and finding a shuttle can be tricky.
Shuttle Services
You will only find a few shuttle services for Esopus Creek flows because the towns are pretty small. The tube rental spot is the best option we know of right now. Let us know if you find any new services and we can add them here.
Town Tinker Tube Rental – They manage the tube rentals out of Phoenicia. Call them at 845-688-5553 to inquire about a shuttle for your vehicle.
Esopus Creek Fishing
The fishing and fly fishing on Esopus Creek is outstanding and it serves as a major watershed in the Catskills. The upper river is defined as the zone above the dam or portal where water is captured for the drinking water systems in New York city. This upper section has some great trout waters with brown, rainbow and brook trout fishing. The creek is pretty small in this zone so expect slightly smaller fish as well.
Below the portal area, the river has more flow and some really quality fishing for larger trout. It has excellent access in this zone and the river has large boulders and some classic runs that make wonderful fly fishing water for trout. Insect hatches with mayflies, caddis and stoneflies are common. You can have success with dry flies, nymphs and streamers depending on the Esopus creek flows.
