Upper Delaware Fly Fishing Report

Tuesday

River Flow Table

Beaverkill - 652 cfs.

Wilowemoc - 450cfs.

Upper East Branch -185 cfs

Lower East Branch - 1120 cfs.

West Branch -464 cfs.

Main Stem - 2730 cfs.

Our fly shop is now open daily. We are fully stocked with the essentials and the best local fly patterns in the area. If you are planning to fish and want to get the scoop on what's happening on all area rivers, stop in. Our guides will be in and around the shop from 8:30 am until they leave for their trips. You can pick their brains on the latest hatches, techniques and locations. Our staff will be available to you on a daily basis from now through the end of June

Over the last 2 days the fishing has really picked up. Lots of insects and steady rising Trout are finally a reality.

Yesterday despite the crummy weather our guests had dry fly rods in their hands for most of the day. At this time the hatches are heavy enough for this trend to continue.

Below are a few trout from the last 2 days

All Upper Delaware Rivers are now in excellent condition. All rivers are crystal clear and wadable just about everywhere.

Yesterday was a another good BUG day. The rivers continue to pump out more bugs each day and in some areas the Blue Quills and Quill Gordons are emerging in solid numbers. There were even a few hendrickson's popping on the Main Stem and East Branch late yesterday afternoon.

There are Stoneflies, Midges, Smalle Caddis, Blue Quills and Quill Gordons and Hendrickson's on the water. All of these insects are emerging in higher numbers each day. At this time several sections of river are pumping out enough bugs to draw steady attention.

Since we began floating the rivers this spring I have been noticing and pointing out to my guests the fact that there is a much higer amount of spawning redds in the riffles this season than in normal years. In some riffles there are literally dozens of redds and the rocks have really been worked over. This is a great sign for the future. Every year we always encounter some trout that have visible signs of spawning. This year it seems that more trout are than normal have been in on the action. Most all of the rainbows we have been taking have some scars. The one below is a perfect example of a spawned out Rainbow. Look how skinny the Trout is and the seriously chewed up tail rays.

Today's Upper Delaware Fly Selection

Blue Quill CDC Duns, Quill Gordon Cripples, Hendrickson Knock Down Duns, Hendrickson Cripples, Red Quill Cripples, Elk Over CDC Caddis, X Caddis, Peacock Klinkhammers

BH Copper Johns, BH Pheasant Tails, Ice Caddis, KT Pupas, BH Stoneflies, Flash Back Pheasant Tails, Cased Caddis

Small Zonkers, BH Wooly Buggers , Sculpins, Bottom Wigglers, Muddlers, Small Atriculated Flies

Streamers of 3" or less will be most effective at this time.

BEAVERKILL AND WILLOWEMOC

Both the Beaverkill and Willow are fishing decent under normal spring conditions. Both are cold and crystal clear. The Willow has more fishable water at this time. Both have had their first stocking of Trout from the state and most anglers are doing very well on Nymphs and Streamers.

In a few days both should be low enough for some sustained surface feeding to be possible. Currently there are sporadic risers here and there. If you are specifically looking for surface activity the best places will be the areas of slower water that historically hold lots of fish. A good starting point and a good reference is to check Hazel Bridge and Cairns Pool. If there is rising activity there then most similar pools should offer you action.

EAST BRANCH

Yesterday there was excellent dry fly activity on the East. The action here has shifted gears.

Below is a small brown trout that was chowing down on blue quills. He was eating so steadily that he did not notice the hook in our Blue Quill Dun.

The Upper East is currently the most wader friendly stretch of water at this time. There are the beginnings of decent Mayfly activity and sporadic rising activity. This section of river is now fishing well during the afternoon hours

The last few days despite the lousy weather and snow squlls Blue QUills and Quill Gordons have been emerging well!

The streamer fishing is decent but you have to be persistent and work the water. The Trout are still cold. The later portion of the day has been best.

The Lower East is in the same boat as the Beaverkill and WIllow. Fishing well under spring conditions.

We had 2 boats out yesterday and both had good steady action with nymph rigs. Our guests had some really nice fish come to net yesterday. In the afternoon hours we have had no trouble finding steady rising Trout.

Most of our recent fish have come on our Caddis Pupa patterns and Blue Quill patterns..

WEST BRANCH

The West is now fishing well when the wind is down. Yesterday the West had improved insect activity and the trout are feeding.

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Finding risers depends on where you are. Within a few days there should be more widespread surface activity.

The West has some sporadic activity with Caddis, Blue Quills and Quill Gordons. There are risers at times and anglers looking for top water action should seek out the slower protected sections of river. This river is also about to pop. Anglers can expect to hear reports of good fishing here any day now.

Cannonsville Reservoir is now spilling over lightly. This is a good condition as it should bring some warmer water into the stream.

MAIN STEM

The Main Stem is now at a good flow. The waters are clear and cold.

I Saw some heavy insect activity in recent days especially late. (after 5:00 pm)

There were many different insects in the air and on the water. There are lots of Stonefilies about. There are also Caddisflies, Blue Quills, Quill Gordons, Hendricksons and Midges. Rising Trout are still very sporadic but there are sections of slower water that have had steady risers.

The Main has decent nymphing if you are able to get your flies into the slow seams and pockets.

This river is also on the verge of getting good fast.

Now is the time to give us a call if you want to get out with our guides in the month of May. If you would like to get out give us a call in the fly shop. 607-290-4022.