New York
Black River at Watertown
Current River Rating
Poor · 37
Conditions are unfavorable based on the available readings.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Low confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Limited opportunity
Timing Outlook
No reliable fishing window is recommended while current river conditions remain Poor.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Cautions
- Recent observed air temperature suggests unfavorable river water temperature for trout. Verify with a stream thermometer; this is not a measured water temperature.
Timing Evidence
Overcast or filtered daylight is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 2140 CFS
- Gage Height
- 3.51 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Sep 5, 2026, 7:30 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 04260500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
60°F
Feels like
61°F
Wind
1 mph SE
Wind gust
3 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Sep 5, 2026, 3:45 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Sat 4 AM
Clear
Temp 60°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Sat 8 AM
Mostly clear
Temp 60°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Sat 12 PM
Mostly clear
Temp 70°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Sat 4 PM
Partly cloudy
Temp 72°F
Chance 12%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Sat 8 PM
Clear
Temp 65°F
Chance 3%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Sun 12 AM
Overcast
Temp 61°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Sat, Sep 5
Overcast
High 73°F / Low 57°F
Chance 12%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 19 mph
Sun, Sep 6
Overcast
High 72°F / Low 56°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 17 mph
Mon, Sep 7
Overcast
High 75°F / Low 54°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 17 mph
Tue, Sep 8
Overcast
High 74°F / Low 59°F
Chance 5%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 12 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
USGS streamgage BLACK RIVER AT WATERTOWN NY (04260500) at VanDuzee Street. Coordinates are the USGS monitoring-location point. App-supported continuous parameters currently available: streamflow (00060) and gage height (00065). This destination is the bounded Watertown reach and does not represent the entire Black River.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Black River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Fishery overview
North Country mixed trout and warmwater corridor at the Watertown USGS gage. Does not imply whole-system Black River coverage. Hydro regulation is disclosure only.
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Brown trout are a primary target on the Watertown reach.
Source: NYSDEC
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Steelhead / rainbow trout use the Watertown Black River corridor.
Source: NYSDEC
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
Established smallmouth bass fishery at Watertown.
Source: NYSDEC
Walleye
Sander vitreus
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
Walleye are present on the Watertown Black River corridor.
Source: NYSDEC
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Jefferson County regulated-reach river habitat at Watertown / VanDuzee Street.
Best seasons
- Spring
- Fall
Common techniques
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
Access and Public Fishing Rights
DEC access near VanDuzee, Dexter ramp, and Watertown Rotary launch. Catalog coordinates are the USGS gage point.
Stocking information
DEC stocking and migratory salmonid use occur on designated Black River reaches. Confirm current NYSDEC stocking and Region 6 rules.
- Stocked
Brown Trout
Stocked · NYSDEC
- Stocked
Rainbow Trout
Stocked · NYSDEC
Official sources
This destination is the Watertown gauge reach only. Verify current NYSDEC Region 6 regulations before fishing.
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Jefferson, New York
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Jefferson
DEC Region
6
Management Category
Trout stream
Regulation Scope
Black River at Watertown gauge reach
Regulation Summary
NYSDEC Region 6 and inland trout / mixed-fishery rules apply by Black River reach. Confirm current seasons and limits for the Watertown corridor.
Target Species
Steelhead, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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