The Esopus Creek is one of the great waterways of the Catskills. Rising from its source at Winnisook Lake on the northwest slopes of Slide Mountain, the creek scenically flows through Ulster County as it makes its way to the Hudson River at Saugerties. The creek is impounded at Olive Bridge to create the Ashokan Reservoir, an important water source for residents of New York City. The creek above the Reservoir is commonly known as the Upper Esopus Creek, and the section below the Reservoir is commonly known as the Lower Esopus Creek. The Esopus Creek offers some of the best fly fishing in the Catskills and, with high water flow, is also popular with kayakers and tubers.

These pictures of the lower section of the Esopus Creek were taken on an early September morning. One of the amazing things about photographing along the Esopus Creek is to observe how the river changes so much from section to section, from narrow to wide, from shallow to deep, from slow-moving to swift currents, and so on.

Early Morning on the Esopus Creek

Morning Light on the Esopus Creek

First Light on the Esopus Creek

Esopus Creek, Ashokan Center

Early Morning on the Esopus Creek, Ashokan Center

Ray of Light on the Esopus Creek