The Neversink River is a great paddling and fishing option in New York. It has sections ranging from tranquil class I all the way up to class IV technical runs. The best whitewater takes place in the spring and early summer when flows are high. Fishing remains productive through the summer and fall months. Do not underestimate the dangers of paddling this river. It has taken severl lives in the past.
Flows And Weather
NEVERSINK RIVER NEAR CLARYVILLE NY
- Temperature: 33.44 ° F
- Streamflow: 219 ft³/s
- Gage height: 6.95 ft
NEVERSINK RIVER AT NEVERSINK NY
- Temperature: 37.94 ° F
- Streamflow: 40.4 ft³/s
- Gage height: 3.15 ft
NEVERSINK RIVER AT WOODBOURNE NY
- Temperature: 37.94 ° F
- Streamflow: 29.0 ft³/s
- Gage height: 3.15 ft
NEVERSINK RIVER AT BRIDGEVILLE NY
- Temperature: 37.94 ° F
- Streamflow: 213 ft³/s
- Gage height: 5.10 ft
NEVERSINK RIVER AT GODEFFROY NY
- Temperature: 71.42 ° F
- Streamflow: 140 ft³/s
- Gage height: 3.15 ft
Rapids and Float Notes
Rock Hill to Oakland Valley – Likely the most popular run with 11 miles of river ranging from slow to class IV. Denton Falls is the major drop on the trip and it’s a straight shot. High Falls is the next drop and also is non-technical unless you shoot the boulders on river left. After this last drop, you have a fairly easy paddle to the takeout. A few miles of this trip runs through a scenic gorge that is remote and rugged.
Shuttle Services
We have not found a dedicated shuttle service for this river. Plan on asking the locals or run your own shuttle on this float.
Neversink River Fishing
This is a historic river and is often considered the home of American fly fishing. The river has both wild brook and brown trout and the gorge section is especially attractive for anglers. You can wade the river during the summer after the flows drop below the paddling range. The Neversink Unique Area also offers 5,000 acres of easy public access.
Fly fisherman do especially well with traditional dry flies and nymphs. It has slick runs, pocket water and a variety of mayflies, caddis and stonefly nymphs. Some of the best fishing takes place on the tailwater section below the Neversink Dam. The upper forks are difficult to access and you may require private property permissions to fish these sections.