What You'll Find at Buttermilk Creek

Buttermilk Creek is a small, cold-water stream in the Catskill Mountains of southeastern New York, roughly 90 minutes northwest of New York City. The creek holds native brook trout and smallmouth bass in its rocky pools and runs, making it a destination for anglers who want to fish moving water without the crowds of the larger Delaware or Esopus rivers nearby.

The stream flows through a mix of public and private land, with the most accessible public sections located near the hamlet of Shandaken in Ulster County. The water is typically clear and cold year-round, fed by springs and runoff from higher elevations. Depth varies from ankle-deep riffles to pools 4 to 6 feet deep, and the current is moderate to fast depending on recent rainfall.

Key Takeaways

  • Buttermilk Creek holds native brook trout and smallmouth bass, with brook trout most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are coolest.
  • Public access exists along Route 42 near Shandaken, but much of the creek runs through private land, so confirm access before you fish.
  • You need a New York State fishing license and must follow regional trout regulations, which vary by season and may restrict harvest on certain sections.
  • The creek is best fished with small spinners, nymphs, or live bait in spring and early summer; dry flies work well in late summer when water levels drop.
  • Water levels rise quickly after rain, making the creek unfishable for a day or two; check recent weather before the drive.

Access and Where to Fish

Public access to Buttermilk Creek is limited and scattered. The most reliable entry point is along New York State Route 42 between Shandaken and Phoenicia, where a few informal pull-offs allow you to reach the water. The creek parallels the road for roughly 2 miles in this section, and you can walk upstream or downstream from any access point, though you will encounter posted private property signs within a short distance in both directions.

Before fishing, confirm that you are on public land or have permission from the landowner. Many sections of Buttermilk Creek flow through private property, and trespassing is enforced. Local fly shops in nearby Phoenicia and Roscoe can provide current information about which sections are open to public fishing and where access disputes have been resolved recently.

Parking is informal—pull-offs along Route 42 are small and often full on weekends. Arrive early or fish on weekdays if you want a spot without competition. The walk from the road to the water is short, usually less than 50 feet, and the terrain is steep in places.

Species, Seasons, and What to Expect

Buttermilk Creek supports a population of native brook trout, identifiable by their white-edged fins and red spots. These fish typically range from 6 to 10 inches, with occasional larger specimens in deeper pools. Smallmouth bass also inhabit the creek, particularly in the lower sections and in pools with slower current. Bass here are usually 8 to 12 inches and are most active in summer and early fall.

Brook trout are most active in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) when water temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer fishing is possible but challenging because the creek warms and water levels drop, concentrating fish in deeper pools and making them more selective. Winter fishing is not practical—the creek freezes or becomes too cold for consistent activity.

Smallmouth bass bite year-round but are most aggressive from June through September. They prefer warmer water than brook trout and will move into shallower areas and faster current during this period. Early morning and late evening produce better results than midday.

Regulations and Licensing

You must carry a valid New York State fishing license to fish Buttermilk Creek. Licenses are available online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, at sporting goods retailers, and at town clerk offices. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you plan only a single trip.

Trout regulations on Buttermilk Creek vary by section and season. Some areas are designated as catch-and-release only, while others allow harvest with a daily limit. The DEC publishes a regional guide that specifies which sections fall under which rules. Smallmouth bass follow statewide regulations: a 12-inch minimum length and a daily limit of five fish. Check the current regulations before you fish, as rules change annually.

The creek is not stocked by the state, so all trout are wild or naturally reproducing. This means populations are smaller than in heavily managed streams, and catch rates reflect that reality. Respect the resource by practicing catch-and-release on brook trout, especially during spawning season in fall.

Tackle and Techniques

Buttermilk Creek is best fished with light tackle. For brook trout, use small spinners (size 0 or 1), small nymphs (size 14 to 18), or live bait such as worms or small minnows. Fly fishing is effective, particularly with nymphs that imitate the mayflies and caddisflies that live in the stream. Dry flies work in late summer when water levels drop and the creek slows.

For smallmouth bass, small spinners, soft plastics, and crankbaits work well. Cast near structure—rocks, fallen trees, and undercut banks—where bass hide. The current is fast enough that you do not need to strip artificials aggressively; let the current do much of the work.

Wading is necessary on most of Buttermilk Creek. Wear a wading belt and felt-soled boots or cleats because the rocks are slippery and the current can be strong. The water is cold year-round, so consider neoprene waders even in summer. Never wade alone, and do not attempt to cross the creek in high water.

Water Conditions and Timing

Buttermilk Creek responds quickly to rainfall. After heavy rain, the creek rises and becomes turbid (cloudy) for 24 to 48 hours, making fishing difficult. Check recent weather before you drive—if it has rained in the past day or two, the creek is likely unfishable. Conversely, after a dry spell, water levels drop and the creek becomes clear and low, concentrating fish but also making them more cautious.

Spring runoff (March through May) raises water levels significantly, but by late May the creek usually settles into a more stable flow. Summer low water (July and August) can make the creek too warm and shallow for brook trout in some sections. Fall (September through October) brings cooler temperatures and moderate water levels—often the best time to fish.

Water temperature is the most important factor. Brook trout thrive between 50 and 65 degrees. Use a simple thermometer to check the water before you fish. If it is above 70 degrees, focus on the deepest pools and fish early or late in the day.

Nearby Resources and Lodging

The towns of Phoenicia and Roscoe, both within 20 minutes of Buttermilk Creek, offer fly shops, restaurants, and lodging. Phoenicia Fly Shop and Catskill Fly Fishing Center are reliable sources for local information, current conditions, and tackle. Both shops can tell you which sections of Buttermilk Creek are fishable and where access is currently open.

Lodging ranges from budget motels to bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals. Camping is available at nearby state parks and private campgrounds. The region is popular for hiking and mountain biking, so plan ahead on weekends if you want a room.

Restaurants in Phoenicia and Roscoe cater to outdoor enthusiasts and offer everything from casual diners to upscale dining. Stock up on groceries in Shandaken if you plan to cook at a rental or campsite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish Buttermilk Creek?

No, but a local guide can save you time and frustration, especially if you are unfamiliar with the creek or small-stream fishing. Guides based in Phoenicia and Roscoe know which sections are open, where fish are holding, and how to read the water. A half-day guide trip costs between $250 and $400.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are best for brook trout. Water temperatures are cool, and fish are active. Summer is possible but challenging due to low water and warm temperatures. Winter is not practical.

Can I fish here if I have never fly-fished before?

Yes. Buttermilk Creek can be fished with spinning tackle and live bait, which is easier to learn than fly fishing. Start with small spinners or worms in the deeper pools, where fish are more forgiving of poor presentation.

How far is Buttermilk Creek from New York City?

Roughly 90 minutes by car from midtown Manhattan, depending on traffic. Take the New York State Thruway north to Exit 19 (Kingston), then follow Route 28 west into the Catskills. From there, Route 42 leads to the creek near Shandaken.

Are there other streams nearby if Buttermilk Creek is too high or too low?

Yes. The Esopus Creek, Ashokan Creek, and Schoharie Creek are all within 30 minutes and offer similar fishing for brook trout and smallmouth bass. The larger rivers (Delaware, Hudson) are also nearby and often fish well when smaller creeks are unfishable.