What Second Creek Offers

Second Creek is a small tributary in the western Catskills that holds native brook trout and smallmouth bass in its lower sections. The creek runs roughly 8 miles from its headwaters near Margaretville down to the East Branch Delaware River, and most of the productive water is accessible from Route 28 or short walks from roadside parking. The upper reaches are tight, overgrown, and best left to experienced small-stream anglers; the lower half, from about Margaretville downstream, is where most visiting anglers fish.

The creek is narrow—rarely more than 20 feet wide—and the water is cold enough year-round to support brook trout in the upper sections and a mix of brookies and smallmouth in the lower sections. Current is moderate, and the streambed is a mix of bedrock, boulders, and gravel. Second Creek does not have the reputation of the main stem Delaware or the West Branch, but that also means it sees far fewer anglers, especially on weekdays.

Key Takeaways

  • Second Creek holds native brook trout in the upper reaches and smallmouth bass in the lower sections, with the most accessible fishing from Margaretville downstream to the East Branch Delaware.
  • A New York State fishing license is required; the creek is open to year-round fishing, but spring (April through June) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons.
  • The water is cold and clear, so small flies (size 14 to 18) and light tippet work best for brook trout; smallmouth respond to small streamers and nymphs in deeper pools.
  • Parking is available at several pullouts along Route 28, and most productive sections are within a 10-minute walk from the road.
  • The creek is best fished with a 7- to 8-foot rod and 3- to 4-weight line; wading is straightforward but the current can be swift after rain.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through June) is the prime season on Second Creek. Water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, and both brook trout and smallmouth are actively feeding. Mayfly hatches begin in late April and continue through May; Hendricksons and March Browns are common, and smaller Pale Morning Duns appear later in the season. The creek is usually at a good level after winter snowmelt, though heavy rain can make it unfishable for a day or two.

Summer (July and August) can be slow. Water temperatures rise into the high 60s and low 70s, and brook trout retreat to the coldest pockets—usually the deepest pools and the mouths of tiny seeps. Fishing is possible but requires patience and an early start. Smallmouth, by contrast, remain active and will take streamers and poppers throughout the day.

Fall (September through October) is excellent. Water temperatures drop back into the 50s and 60s, and both species feed heavily in preparation for winter. Caddis hatches are strong, and terrestrial insects—ants, grasshoppers, beetles—are still present. October is often the best month of the year on Second Creek, with fewer anglers than spring and consistent fishing conditions.

Winter (November through March) is open but challenging. Water temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s, and fish move to the deepest, slowest water. Nymphing with small dark patterns can work, but success is inconsistent. Many anglers skip winter on Second Creek and focus on the main stem Delaware instead.

Access and Parking

Second Creek runs parallel to Route 28 for most of its length, and parking is available at several informal pullouts along the road. The most popular access point is near Margaretville, where a small parking area sits just off Route 28 near the confluence with the East Branch Delaware. From there, you can fish upstream into the creek or downstream to where it meets the main stem.

Other pullouts exist at roughly mile-long intervals heading upstream toward Fleischmanns. None of these are formal parking areas—they are simply wide spots on the shoulder where anglers have traditionally parked. Check that you are not blocking a driveway or private property before leaving your vehicle. The creek is bordered by a mix of public and private land; stick to the streambed and the immediate banks, and you will generally be fine.

Wading access is straightforward. The banks are not steep, and entry points are easy to find. The current is moderate but can pick up significantly after heavy rain, so check conditions before committing to a long wade. The creek is wadeable year-round, though winter water temperatures make it uncomfortable without neoprene.

Regulations and Licensing

A New York State fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Licenses can be purchased online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, at sporting goods stores, or at many bait shops in the Catskills region. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you are visiting for only a few days.

Second Creek is open to year-round fishing with no special restrictions. There are no catch-and-release-only sections, and no special gear restrictions. The daily limit for trout is five fish; for smallmouth bass, it is five fish as well. Most anglers on Second Creek practice catch-and-release, especially for brook trout, which are smaller and more vulnerable to overfishing.

Bait fishing is legal, but fly fishing is far more effective and more common. If you do use bait, small worms or minnows work best in the deeper pools where smallmouth hold.

What Fish Are Here and How to Fish for Them

Brook trout dominate the upper sections of Second Creek, from Margaretville upstream toward Fleischmanns. These are native fish—not stocked—and they are small, typically 6 to 10 inches, with occasional fish reaching 12 inches. They are spooky and selective, especially in the clear water. Fish small dry flies (size 14 to 18) during hatches, and use small nymphs (size 16 to 20) when nothing is rising. Soft hackles and wet flies also work well in the faster water. Use 4x or 5x tippet; the fish are not large, but the water is clear and they will refuse thick tippet.

Smallmouth bass are present throughout Second Creek but are most common in the lower sections, especially in the pools near the confluence with the East Branch Delaware. These fish range from 8 to 14 inches, with occasional larger fish. They respond well to small streamers (size 6 to 10), nymphs, and poppers. Fish streamers along the deeper banks and in the pools; smallmouth will chase a streamer more aggressively than trout. Poppers work best in summer and early fall when the water is warmer and the fish are more active.

The creek is narrow enough that you can often see the fish before you cast. Wade slowly, keep your shadow off the water, and approach from downstream whenever possible. The best pools are usually 2 to 4 feet deep with moderate current and some overhead cover from trees or overhanging banks.

Gear and Tackle

A 7- to 8-foot fly rod with a 3- to 4-weight line is ideal for Second Creek. The creek is small enough that you do not need distance, and a lighter rod will give you better control and more enjoyment on small fish. A 9-foot leader tapered to 4x or 5x works well for dry flies; for nymphing, use a 7.5-foot leader with a small split shot or indicator.

Bring a variety of small dry flies: Hendricksons (size 14), March Browns (size 12), Pale Morning Duns (size 16), and small Caddis patterns (size 16 to 18). For nymphs, carry Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, and small dark patterns in sizes 16 to 20. A few small streamers (Woolly Buggers, Black Ghosts) in sizes 6 to 8 will cover the smallmouth and any larger trout that might be holding in the deeper pools.

Wading boots with good grip are essential; the rocks are slippery and the current can be swift. A wading belt is not strictly necessary but is a good safety precaution. Polarized sunglasses will help you see the fish in the clear water, which is a huge advantage on a small creek like this.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Second Creek is crowded or conditions are poor, the East Branch Delaware is only a few minutes away and offers similar fishing for brook trout and smallmouth. The main stem Delaware is larger and more famous, but it also sees far more pressure. The West Branch Delaware, on the Pennsylvania side, is another option if you are willing to cross the border.

Smaller tributaries like Dry Brook and Pepacton Creek also hold brook trout and are worth exploring if you want to avoid crowds. These creeks are even smaller and tighter than Second Creek, so they are best for anglers comfortable with technical small-stream fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Second Creek good for beginners?

The lower sections near Margaretville are manageable for beginners, especially if you are comfortable wading and have some fly-casting experience. The fish are small and not particularly selective, and the water is easy to read. The upper sections are tighter and more technical and are better suited to experienced anglers.

What is the best time of day to fish Second Creek?

Early morning and late afternoon are typically best, especially in spring and fall. In summer, when water temperatures are higher, fish early before the sun gets high. Overcast days are often better than sunny days because the fish are less spooky.

Can I fish Second Creek in winter?

Yes, the creek is open year-round, but winter fishing is slow and uncomfortable. Water temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s, and fish move to the deepest, slowest water. If you do fish in winter, focus on small dark nymphs in the deepest pools and fish slowly.

Do I need a guide to fish Second Creek?

No, the creek is small and easy to navigate on your own. If you are new to fly fishing or unfamiliar with the area, a guide can help you learn the water faster, but it is not necessary. Most of the productive water is visible from the road or a short walk from parking.

What should I do if I hook a large fish on Second Creek?

Keep your rod tip up and let the rod absorb the runs. The fish are small, so a 3- or 4-weight rod will bend easily, which is part of the fun. Play the fish steadily but do not horse it; the tippet is light and will break if you apply too much pressure too quickly.