Fly Fishing Report for the Upper Delaware and Catskill Rivers

WEEKEND OUTLOOK

We have pretty good fishing conditions for the middle of August. Our recent weather trend has been cooler with most days in the mid 70's. Regular rainfall and overcast skies have also been a factor in keeping our rivers in good condition. This morning there is light rain falling and the forecast is calling for heavier rainfall throughout the day. There is a chance for up to 3/4" of precipitation.

At the current time the best places to fish for Trout remains the Tailwaters. The East and West Branches have the reservoir releases and they are cold. Our freestone rivers remain in a sensitive temperature zone. Most days they are in the upper 60's by mid day and some areas are reaching 70 degrees. It is best to fish early on these waters and target the cooler waters upstream. It is the lower reaches of these rivers where the water is the warmest.

Overall however the fishing is very good if you target the correct water. At this time Baxter House guides are fishing for Trout on the East and West Branches of the Delaware only. We are fishing the other rivers but at this time we are targeting Smallmout Bass. We are currrently fishing most of our Bass trips on the lower Main Stem Delaware.

Over the last few days I have spent most of my time fishing the Upper East and West branch for Trout. I have been mostly doing full day trips which have been split between Nmphing and Dry Fly fishing. The action remains steady. We pick away at fish subsurface before switching to surface fishing late day. I have had several trips recently where our nymph catches have been in double digits. Over this time we have also taken a good amount of 18" range Browns and Bows.

The techniques have not changed. I am still running small nymphs. #18- #22 below and indicator. The presentation is drag free with a gentle lift at the end of every drift. This technique will keep your rod bent most days.

The Dry fly remains the same. Olives, Sulfurs, Isonychia, Cahills, Midges and Terrestrials. Small is the key to success for most of the day. Towards dark however some of the Trout have been very willing to blast the larger Isonychia and Cahills. I have had really good action with Iso sized rusty spinners.

Our guides have been hitting the Lower Delaware for Bass on a reguar basis. The action remains very good. Right now is the time where the Bass feed heavily in anticipation of cooler weather. There is great action both on surface poppers and on sub surface patterns.

We have 2 Openings over the weekend if you want to get out for a float. We are also taking advance booking for the Upper Delaware in AUtumn and for Florida flats fishing. Call us today 607-290-4022