ESOPUS CREEK TROUT SPAWNING SURVEY
Help Protect Wild Trout for Future Generations
Saturday, October 31, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Why This Survey Matters
Since New York’s year-round fishing regulations opened the Esopus Creek to angling throughout the year, there has been growing interest in understanding and protecting trout spawning habitat.
Trout create spawning beds known as redds, which are essential to the future of our wild trout populations. The New York State DEC’s Esopus Creek Fisheries Management Plan highlights the importance of understanding where trout spawn and how these habitats can be protected.
Catskill Mountains Trout Unlimited (CMTU) is organizing a stream-wide redd survey to:
✅ Identify active trout spawning habitat
✅ Support future conservation and restoration projects
✅ Improve angler education and awareness
✅ Help protect wild trout populations for years to come
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
The success of this survey depends on volunteer participation.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or simply interested in conservation, your help can make a difference.
Event Details
Meeting Location: NYS DEC Fishing Access Site on Mount Pleasant Road
Behind the Emerson Resort
At the location of Bert Darrow’s commemorative bench
Check-In: 9:00 AM
Survey teams of 2-3 volunteers will be assigned to stream reaches.
✔ Maps and survey instructions provided
✔ No previous survey experience required
✔ Conservation-minded volunteers encouraged
What to Bring
- Waders
- Wading boots
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water and snacks
- Enthusiasm for trout conservation
Some survey reaches may require wading.
Register Today
Please register in advance so survey teams can be organized efficiently.
Registration Link
https://tu.myeventscenter.com/event/Catskill-Mountains-Tu-Esopus-Creek-Redds-Survey-133264
Post Survey Event
A post-survey event will be held at Westkill Brewery after noon for all that are interested. A special thank you pint for all volunteers will be waiting.
https://www.westkillbrewing.com/
Location: 2173 Spruceton Rd, West Kill, NY 12492
Important note to prepare for the event.
In case you missed it past events, here is a link to the online training. This training gives instruction on how to use the TU Red Survey app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdAKhp2HT6 that will be use in the survey.
Note that Red Survey App is not a mobile app itself, but rather is a ‘Survey’ within the mobile app called Survey123 for ArcGIS.
Here’s how to prepare your phone for the survey:
From your iPhone’s App Store or your Google Play Store download and install ArcGIS Survey123.
When you open ArcGIS Suvey123 login using the option “Continue without signing in”
On the next screen in the ArcGIS Sruvey123 app use the search window to input this: https://arcg.is/0u5vm
This will import the TU Redd Survey into your phone.
Please do this before the day of the event.
If you need assistance loading the ArcGIS Survey123 app or the TU Redd Survey after watching the online training and/or reading these directions, email catskillmountaintu@gmail.com
On the day of the event, we will have printed survey sheets in case that are needed but prefer to assign survey teams with at least one person that can use the app.
Note that you will not need a cell signal to use the app. A cell signal is not needed for GPS to map the locations.
In the unfortunate event the weather makes the rivers and tribs unsafe we will cancel the event. Any cancellation will be posted on the web site cmtu.org and email provided when you register.
Protect Spawning Trout. Preserve the Future of the Esopus.
Catskill Mountains Trout Unlimited
Conservation • Education • Restoration
