Fly Fishing Report for the Upper Delaware and Catskill Rivers

Weekend Outlook

Cooler Weather and Thunder Storms

Over the last week we have had thunder storms every afternoon. These storms along with some cooler air temperatures have improved river conditions around the region. Our rivers have been getting a lot of quick bursts of new water. This has been a great re-charge for the normally low warm flows of summer.

This week our guides have seen a nice bump in our local trout's enthusiasm towards surface feeding. During 2 of the overcast days this week my guests had non stop rising Trout throughout our entire float trip. The reliable dry fly fishing should continue and even improve as we head towards the cooler weather that normally arrives in September.

Right now our guides are focused on Trout, Bass and Carp. We are offering half and full day trips along with several custom planned trip options.

Anglers planning to fish in the coming days should have a lot of options with fish to target. Right now Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Carp and all warm water species are fishing well.

If Trout are your target you are still looking at 3 distinct times where you will find rising fish each day. The early morning will offer a few hours of action with Tricos and other small spinners. This action is not everywhere so some hunting is involved. Look for areas with water temperatures in the low 60's, aquatic vegetation and stream banks that are grass lined. All of these components make an area more attractive to these tiny mayflies.

The afternoon hatch has been the most reliable time period. Sulfurs and Olives have been mixed on the water and the trout have been feeding steadily. With the low water conditions the fishing remains technical but our guests have been catching them. Currently you have to be careful in your approach and float your fly down from well upstream. Long leaders are a must. I have been rigging leaders of 15' to 5X. On some of the slow glassy pools I will add on a 3 foot section of 6X tippet. I normally change back and forth from 5X to 6X based on the speed of the water.

below is a photo of my buddy Rick with one of his Brown Trout from his float this week.

The final period of activity has been just before and at dark. This period is also very reliable but the starting time is a bit unpredictable and fog is always a factor at dark. The action is Sulfurs and Olives but normally with solid spinner activity mixed in. If you are far enough down river and fishing warmer water you may also encounter Isonychia and Cahills.

Dry fly anglers should also remember that summer is terrestrial time. There is no shortage of ants, beetles and inchworms this year. If you see that occasional big swirl up under overhanging tree limbs you probably have a ant eater.

the video clip is Rick O. landing a nice Brown on a tiny Sulfur Dun

Our guides are also taking our guests out for Smallmouth Bass. It is simply a beautiful time to float the Delaware River!

The Bass fishing is great. We are fishing both fly and light spin tackle and the catch rate is high. Every trips is loaded with action and our guests have taken some nice sized Bass this week.

We have trips that offer both lots of action for mixed size fish and trips specifically picked to target large sized Bass.

Our Smallmouth Bass trips are the perfect choice for getting young anglers out on the water.

Are you looking for a new fish to target with your fly rod?

In the Upper Delaware we have some great opportunity for sight fishing to Carp. We are offering both half and full day trips that target these giants. Carp are one of the most difficult fish in fresh water to take on fly tackle and our guides are dialed in. Most days will offer non stop targets and we find actively feeding fish every day. Give us a call today to plan a trip.