Fly Fishing Report for the Upper Delaware and Catskill Rivers
The Trout in these photos are both from West Branch Float trips this week. The Brown is from Guide Marty and the Rainbow from Guide Matt.
Summer Conditions around the System
We are now solidly into summertime conditions on all of our local rivers. Water levels are low and our freestone rivers are best fished during the am, hours only. The tailwaters are icy cold and as usual have the most reliable hatches.
Right now the fishing is pretty good but you will need to move around quite a bit if your goal if to find steadily rising fish.
The Upper East and West branches are where most of the daytime action is. There is insect activity throughout the day but with a few short periods of increased activity. The first peak of activity is during mid afternoon when the larger Invaria Sulfurs are emerging. This activity is best in the Upper sections of the river. On the West the action is best above Hale Eddy and on the East above Shinhopple. The river below these cutoffs will have sparse insect activity during the afternoon.
Towards dark it is probably best to target the warmer water below these cutoffs.. In these areas of the lower rivers there will be far more insect diversity. Here you will find the smaller Sulfurs, Olives, Cahills, Isonychias, Spinners, Caddisflies and more.
It is also getting to the time where early morning may be worthwhile. I have been seeing some tiny Trico and Caenis about in the grass along the river. It is early but the numbers of these insects build quickly each summer.
If you are heading up to fish the East or West make sure you stop by the shop. We have lots of great fly patterns that are perfect for fooling the fussy fish of summer.
Our guides are also doing a lot of nymphing with our guests. This has been the most reliable way to keep your rod bent. Right now the fish are pretty stacked up in the pocket water and riffles. Smaller nymphs are the ticket to success. If you want to learn how we nymph fish the skinny water now is a great time to book a trip. Throughout the summer we are running nymph fishing trips that cover all of the techniques. Call the shop for details and scheduling.
Our guides are also on the Delaware targeting Smallmouth Bass now. The action has been getting better every day. We can now offer trips that are all surface fishing. Poppers and Gurglers are getting a lot of strikes. We are also fishing light spin tackle for these hard fighting fish. Call today to set up your next float trip. 607-290-4022
All of the Smallies below are from a trip with Guide Zach on the Main Stem. This trip yielded good numbers of fish, all on poppers!
