Fly Fishing Report for the Upper Delaware and Catskill Rivers
Weekend Outlook
The fishing was pretty good for the last week and there is no reason to expect it to change much. During that period there have been quick moving weather fronts that have been bringing us thunder storms and cooler weather . The forecast looking forward appears to be following the same pattern.
The Baxter House guides had another busy week. We all had both Trout and Smallmouth Bass trips. Both Zach and Matt also spent some time with guests in the darkness chasing big Brown Trout with streamers, Mice and Frog patterns. Below is another fish caught by Matt this week
All of the different trips that we offer in mid summer have been productive.
Right now the most productive action we are having is Popper fishing for Smallmouth. We have had guests on the water every day. As long as you target the warm sections of the river this action is HOT! On most days you can fish the popper from start to finish and never go very long without action. The action with soft baits on light spin tackle has been even hotter. We had several groups out with spin tackle this week where we never stopped netting fish.
If you are planning on fishing Smallies mid size poppers are working best. The best colors have been Black, Orange and Fire Tiger. The Orange has been the best by far and we have experimented enough to say that color does make a diference on Delaware Smallies. We have also been having luck with gurglers and divers. Below the surface a variety of items are working. Buggers and Small traditional streamers will take some fish. Our best luck has been on Circus Peanuts, EP Baitfish and Crayfish patterns. Spin anglers will find soft baits most productive. 2" to 4" baits will keep the rod bent. Just about every color works at times.
This week I had several evening trips for Trout. All have been good. Every trips has been about the same yielding 6 to 8 trout per trip.
On all of these trips we have started out nymphing and switched over to dry as soon as the fish start surface feeding. Sulfurs and Olives are reliable. There are also Isonychia and Cahills emerging. We had several really nice sized browns this week on Iso Patterns.
The best action remains in the Upper East and Upper West branches. This is where the cold water is. There are also limited options in the Beamoc waters and on the Main Stem especially early in the day. Anglers should always check the water temperature before fishing these waters.
On my recent trips CDC knockdown duns have been a guarantee for a bent rod if you can keep CDC floating. Hackled cripples are a close second for confident takes as are small rusty spinners.
If nymphing is your thing think small. #18 - #20 flies are getting the strikes. Exact pattern is not as important as the size. Small is what works on the tailwaters in summer.
Lastly there is heavy Trico activity now in the AM hours. This week I have been out early several time and have seen some amazing spinner flights of tricos.
We have some openings now for guide trips as August is always a bit slower than the other months. Full and Half days for either Trout or Bass are available. We are also now booking for the always busy autumn season. This is prime time dry and nymph fishing during a period when the Trout are stocking up on food before winter.
We are also starting to book our winter trips on the florida flats. We will be offering guided flats fishing from November through April. Details can be found on our Florida Page.
Give us a call today to plan your next fishing adventure.. 607-290-4022
