Fly Fishing Report for the Upper Delaware and Catskill RIvers
WEEKEND OUTLOOK!
Anglers planning to fish this coming weekend should have good fishing conditions. The current forecast is a bit vague but it appears that overcast skies with a chance of showers is the prediction. If this holds true the trout should remain active for a longer portion of the day. We are also expecting some cooler air temps. which should limit temperature swings in the rivers.
Anglers can expect to find every bit of the Upper Delaware system to be accessible by foot. Drift boat anglers will now find themselves limited to the Main Stem Delaware and not much more. Currently water temperatures are in a range where the trout are active and aggressive. Around the system water temps range from the mid 40's near the dams to the mid 60's in the lower reaches of the free stone rivers.
The hatches remain very good. Big bugs are still about. I have still been seeing Green Drakes, Brown Drakes and some big Stoneflies emerging but they are dwindling with every passing day. Isonychia are another big bug that is about but this hatch has not yet hit it's stride and by nature it is unpredictable. I have seen these insects appear randomly at all times of day.
The main Staple right now is the Sulfur hatch. Big Sulfurs mid afternoon with a few hour break before the small Sulfurs come just before or at dark. There are also Cornuta Olives emerging in the morning. This is a BIG olive #14. It is best found from daybreak until about 11:00 am. Recently there has also been some pretty heavy small BWO hatches on overcast days. Yesterday Olives were on the Main Delaware throughout the late afternoon. On the Delaware Branches Coffinflies and Brown Drake spinners are still about. The spinner falls are still heavy and the trout are on a eating binge every night at dark. Some of the rivers biggest trout are still taking advantage of the big meal.
Over the last few days our guides have been back to fishing the nymph rigs pretty hard. With the lower water we are now able to get to areas that have been much too high to approach for the entire spring season. The action has been steady on the subsurface rigs. There are also times where it is offering crazy action. On yesterday's float I hit a spot where my guest hit 8 mature Rainbows in a row out of one riffle. Most of the fish were 16" to 18" and in incredible shape.
Right now this action is everywhere but the concentration of the best nymphing waters are in the Beaverkill, Lower East and Main Stem. These are the areas with extensive riffles and pocket water.
Over the last few days we have been both high sticking and long line nymphing with indicators. Both techniques are producing well. Right now smaller nymphs are getting the job done. #14 through #18 is the sweet spot as these will best imitate the small sulfurs and olives that are most abundant and most active at this time.
This morning it is raining lightly but it does not appear that there will be enough rain to change the river conditions. In the event that any changes occur I will update the report.
This weekend we have an open slot available with our guide staff. Give us a call if you would like to get out for a float. 607-290-4022. We are also booking for the remainder of June and for the summer months. At this time Evening Hatch Floats, Full and Half Day floats for Trout or Smallmouth Bass. Late NIght Mouse and Streamer for big Browns. Give us a call to discuss the trips!
