May Fly Fishing Report for the Upper Delaware River

May is off to a good start. Despite some unpredictable weather the fish have been actively feeding.

The fly hatches are on or close to their normal emergence times and at the time of this report there are Blue Quills, Hendricksons, March Browns, Sulfurs and assorted Caddisflies on the water. Spinner falls have been heavy but the time of day has been a crap shoot. I have seen spinners at every time of day recently.

a March Brown on yesterday's float on the East Delaware

At this time most all of the bigger trout are still staged up in the slow pools and their tailouts. This will slowly change as the month goes on. As the Hendrickson hatch gives way to the March Brown and Sulfur hatches the fish will slowly make their way towards the faster sections and pocket water.

Today 5/5 we are in a period of 3 straight days of rainfall. All Upper Delaware Rivers are up in flow and there is a good amount of turbidity. Now is a great time for fishing from drift boats.

In the coming days and through the month anglers can expect our trout to be active and aggressive. Fishing with Streamer flies, nymphs and dries will all be productive. The remainder of this month and through mid June will see the seasonal peak of insect diversity so dry fly fishing should be the main focus.

Currently our guides are having great luck with our Mayfly Cripple patterns, knock down duns and spinners. Comparaduns and traditional dry flies are also taking fish.

A nice Delaware Rainbow that ate a Spinner Pattern

Below the surface our species specific nymphs are taking fish. You also cant go wrong with traditional pheasant tails, Hares Ears and Prince nymphs. We have a huge selection of nymphs in stock including both brass and tungsten bead heads for controlling fishing depths.

Now is the time to call us to plan a drift trip on the Delaware. Our guides schedules are filling quickly.

call us today at 607-290-4022 to plan your next Upper Delaware Fly Fishing Adventure.