October 28, 2017

Delaware River Report / Conditions October 28, 2017

The release from Cannonsville Reservoir is 232 cfs.  they are counting on the rain tomorrow to meet the Montague Flow Target.  Wunderground still shows a 100% chance of a lot of rain tomorrow afternoon.  In the meantime today looks like it will be an exact copy of yesterday.  Air temperatures in the 60’s, a few clouds, and some winds that will drop back towards dark.  There are still caddis, a few isonychias, and of course olives around.  Yesterday looked like a good day to nymph or swing wets.  Most of the bugs we saw hatching got of the surface quickly in the sun and wind.  There were some fish rising but you had to look hard for a consistent riser.  Big slow pools have produced the best for us.  A lot of the fish have been moving so be patient

Hatching:
Slate Drake #14 – Isonychia bicolor
Little BWO – #22 – 26- Pseudocloeon sp.
Blue Wing Olives – #18 – Baetis sp.
Little Tan Sedge – #16 – 18 – Glossosoma sp.
Green Caddis – #16 – Ryacophilia sp.

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October 27, 2017

Delaware River Report / Conditions October 27, 2017

The release from Cannonsville Reservoir is 456 cfs this morning.  It is scheduled to drop at 8 Am to 379 cfs and again at 10 Am to 348 cfs until further notice.  The forecast is calling for quite a bit of rain on Sunday- actually a few inches that should be enough to meet the Montague Flow Target.  In the meantime today and tomorrow look decent with sunshine and air temps around 60 degrees.  We may see some winds around 15 mph tomorrow afternoon as the front moves in but overall it doesn’t look too bad.  Yesterday was raw and windy in the afternoon.  It looked like a good day to swing streamers through the bigger pools or nymph the drop offs on the Mainstem or lower East Branch.

Hatching:
Slate Drake #14 – Isonychia bicolor
Little BWO – #22 – 26- Pseudocloeon sp.
Blue Wing Olives – #18 – Baetis sp.
Little Tan Sedge – #16 – 18 – Glossosoma sp.
Green Caddis – #16 – Ryacophilia sp.

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October 26, 2017

Delaware River Report / Conditions October 26, 2017

The release from Cannonsville has been increased a bit to 843 cfs.  The flow on the lower East Branch and and on the Beaverkill have dropped dramatically since yesterday morning.  The runoff from the rain is subsiding and the West was likely increased to help meet the Montague Flow Target.  We had some caddis and isonychia spinners in the air last evening.  There were some fish eating on top but it looked like they were chasing the caddis pupa or the diving egg laying caddis.  Nymphing and wets would be the most successful methods.  There is still color in the West Branch coming out of the dam.  It’s definitely fishable and it makes it a little more tempting to through streamers.  We should have clouds for most of the day.  There may be some wind but there are enough leaves out there that you can still find sheltered areas if you need to.

Hatching:
Slate Drake #14 – Isonychia bicolor
Little BWO – #22 – 26- Pseudocloeon sp.
Blue Wing Olives – #18 – Baetis sp.
Olive Sulphur – #18 – 20 – Heptagenia hebe
Little Tan Sedge – #16 – 18 – Glossosoma sp.
Green Caddis – #16 – Ryacophilia sp.
Tan Caddis #16 – 18 – Hydropsyche spp.

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October 25, 2017

Delaware River Report / Conditions October 25, 2017

We had some rain in the morning but by afternoon we had sunshine, periods of no wind, and warm air temperatures.    We were able to fish until dark without having any high water issues.  Honestly it was kind of weird after listening to the doom and gloom weather reports.  The Beaverkill / East Branch has come up quite a bit from a relative standpoint but they are both at fishable levels this morning.  The release from Cannonsville is now 659 cfs leaving Hale Eddy with a flow of just over 700 cfs.  Wunderground shows us much cooler than yesterday but 60 degrees is 60 degrees in late October.  Winds should be light staying under 10 mph.  We did see some isonychia spinners last night but there were more tiny olive spinners in the air than anything else.  Some caddis showed up towards dark but the olives were what the fish wanted.

Hatching:

Slate Drake #14 – Isonychia bicolor
Little BWO – #22 – 26- Pseudocloeon sp.
Blue Wing Olives – #18 – Baetis sp.
Olive Sulphur – #18 – 20 – Heptagenia hebe
Little Tan Sedge – #16 – 18 – Glossosoma sp.
Green Caddis – #16 – Ryacophilia sp.
Tan Caddis #16 – 18 – Hydropsyche spp.

Click on the gauge below for the most recent update:

October 24, 2017

Delaware River Report / Conditions October 24, 2017

The release from Cannonsville is 232 cs this morning.  They are anticipating the rain adding enough flow to meet the Montague Flow Target.  The latest forecast from Wunderground has us receiving right aroun 1/2″ today.  It’s a big storm and looks like the rainfall totals could o either way with a little move north or south.  Wind will be the real story on the river today.  We should see 15 – 20 mph gusts from the South as this front pushes through.  There are some areas that offer some wind protection but count on nymphing or throwing streamers early.  The wind should drop to a more reasonable 10 mph in the afternoon giving us a shot at seeing some rising fish.  There are a few isonychias and heptagenia still hanging around and we’ve definitely seen the spinners but the real story is the tiny olives.  #20 – #26 emergers and spinners.

Hatching:

Slate Drake #14 – Isonychia bicolor
Little BWO – #22 – 26- Pseudocloeon sp.
Blue Wing Olives – #18 – Baetis sp.
Olive Sulphur – #18 – 20 – Heptagenia hebe
Little Tan Sedge – #16 – 18 – Glossosoma sp.
Green Caddis – #16 – Ryacophilia sp.
Tan Caddis #16 – 18 – Hydropsyche spp.

Click on the gauge below for the most recent update:

October 23, 2017

Delaware River Report / Conditions October 23, 2017

The release from Cannonsville has been reduced to  487 cfs and will drop a bit more this morning.  They are likely thinking the rain tonight and tomorrow will add enough water to help meet the Montague Flow Target.  Wunderground has the probability of rain as 100% tomorrow.  That’s a pretty gutsy forecast around here.  Along with the front bringing the rain we will have some wind.  There are enough leaves left along the river that there should be some protected areas.  Nymphing and streamers both produced a few fish over the weekend.  The dry fly fish have been moving around a lot eating tiny olives.

The Cannonsville Release Schedule for today:
7 Am – 487 cfs
8 Am – 410 cfs
10 Am – 333 cfs until further notice

Steve and Ethan with a West Branch fish. Photo by Bob Lewis

Hatching:

Slate Drake #14 – Isonychia bicolor
Little BWO – #22 – 26- Pseudocloeon sp.
Blue Wing Olives – #18 – Baetis sp.
Olive Sulphur – #18 – 20 – Heptagenia hebe
Little Tan Sedge – #16 – 18 – Glossosoma sp.
Green Caddis – #16 – Ryacophilia sp.
Tan Caddis #16 – 18 – Hydropsyche spp.

Click on the gauge below for the most recent update:

October 22, 2017

Delaware River Report / Conditions October 22, 2017

The release from Cannonsville is 908 cfs until further notice.  Originally we heard it was going to drop dramatically at midnight based on the rain forecast for Tuesday.  Depending on which station you watch we are getting no rain on Tuesday, a fair amount of rain, or a lot of rain.  It seems to change every hour.  So we’re are expecting a drop but do not know when it will start or how long it will take, or where it will end up.  Today looks like it will be the last with air temperatures in the 70’s and then we settle in the comfortable 60’s for he week.  Olives and streamers seem to be the main choices but definitely have a few caddis and isonychia spinners.

Hatching:

Slate Drake #14 – Isonychia bicolor
Little BWO – #22 – 26- Pseudocloeon sp.
Blue Wing Olives – #18 – Baetis sp.
Olive Sulphur – #18 – 20 – Heptagenia hebe
Little Tan Sedge – #16 – 18 – Glossosoma sp.
Green Caddis – #16 – Ryacophilia sp.
Tan Caddis #16 – 18 – Hydropsyche spp.

Click on the gauge below for the most recent update:

October 21, 2017

Delaware River Report / Conditions October 21, 2017

We are looking at another sunny day with air temperatures reaching the low 70’s!  Yesterday was nice but windy.  Today’s wind should be light and variable peaking around 5 mph according to Wunderground.  It looks like another pleasant week ahead with temperatures staying a bit high for the end of October.  We’re still seeing olives and a few heptagenia and isonychias.  The dry fly fishing has been better on the wider streams  in the slower pools.  The West Branch is still running high from the release and has some color to it.  There is still good streamer opportunity on the West with a possibility of finding a few risers.

Hatching:

Slate Drake #14 – Isonychia bicolor
Little BWO – #22 – 26- Pseudocloeon sp.
Blue Wing Olives – #18 – Baetis sp.
Olive Sulphur – #18 – 20 – Heptagenia hebe
Little Tan Sedge – #16 – 18 – Glossosoma sp.
Green Caddis – #16 – Ryacophilia sp.
Tan Caddis #16 – 18 – Hydropsyche spp.

Click on the gauge below for the most recent update:

October 20, 2017

Delaware River Report / Conditions October 20, 2017

Another day of steady release.  The West Branch remains the same and the East is dropping slightly- although it can’t drop too much more.  We’re in for another day that doesn’t feel like October.  We should see air temperatures in the mid 60’s, sunshine, and a downstream wind around 10 mph.  It’s actually pretty pleasant to be out on the water for this time of year.  There is still color coming out of Cannonsville so the West Branch is still in streamer shape.  Bring some little olives too for the big slow tailouts.  The East Branch is low so there’s not a lot of moving water to work.  The Mainstem remains relatively low but it’s great for wading.  We’re still finding most of the fish in the big slow pools and the fish seem to be moving a lot while they eat.  If they pass by you in a big pool give them a little bit to complete the round and come back by.  Lots of cruisers lately.

Caddis seem to be doing well on the East

Hatching:

Slate Drake #14 – Isonychia bicolor
Little BWO – #22 – 26- Pseudocloeon sp.
Blue Wing Olives – #18 – Baetis sp.
Olive Sulphur – #18 – 20 – Heptagenia hebe
Little Tan Sedge – #16 – 18 – Glossosoma sp.
Green Caddis – #16 – Ryacophilia sp.
Tan Caddis #16 – 18 – Hydropsyche spp.

Click on the gauge below for the most recent update:

October 19, 2017

Delaware River Report / Conditions October 19, 2017

Yesterday was definitely warmer- it actually felt hot in the afternoon sun.  The wind was manageable and overall it was a pleasant day to be fishing.  We saw a good mix of tiny olives, caddis, some hebes, and some isonychia spinners.  The fish were sporadic in the bright sun.  They were much happier in the shade and then after the sun dropped behind the hills.  The West Branch is still running high with color.  It’s your best bet for streamer fishing and it is clear enough for fish to eat off the surface if they have the food.  The East Branch is low and very clear.  The Mainstem is a bit on the low side but a decent blend of the two rivers.  You’ll have some color and can wade it well.  The best of both worlds.  We will keep the sun for the next few days but may see some clouds roll in over the weekend.  Air temperatures will stay unseasonably warm.  It’s been a very pleasant Fall so far

Upright wing Iso Spinner on the East Branch

Hatching:

Slate Drake #14 – Isonychia bicolor
Little BWO – #22 – 26- Pseudocloeon sp.
Blue Wing Olives – #18 – Baetis sp.
Olive Sulphur – #18 – 20 – Heptagenia hebe
Little Tan Sedge – #16 – 18 – Glossosoma sp.
Green Caddis – #16 – Ryacophilia sp.
Tan Caddis #16 – 18 – Hydropsyche spp.

Click on the gauge below for the most recent update:

October 18, 2017

Delaware River Report / Conditions October 18, 2017

The release from Cannonsville has been increased slightly to 1,044 cfs.  That won’t be a noticeable flow change on the river.  We are getting back into the abnormally warm temperatures we’ve had most of the Fall.  We should see 66 degrees, light winds, and sunshine by mid afternoon.  Olives are still the main hatch if you’re looking for surface feeders.  There are some caddis around but most of them are being eaten under the surface.  Think wet flies and pupa patterns.  Streamers were producing again.  Even that seems to fish better when the flows are steadier.  We still have color in the West Branch coming out of the dam.  This may be a good day to do a West Branch streamer run and end up on the Mainstem looking for rising fish in the afternoon.

Frank found a nice one yesterday. Photo by Bob Lewis

Hatching:

Slate Drake #14 – Isonychia bicolor
Little BWO – #22 – 26- Pseudocloeon sp.
Blue Wing Olives – #18 – Baetis sp.
Olive Sulphur – #18 – 20 – Heptagenia hebe
Little Tan Sedge – #16 – 18 – Glossosoma sp.
Green Caddis – #16 – Ryacophilia sp.
Tan Caddis #16 – 18 – Hydropsyche spp.

Click on the gauge below for the most recent update:

October 17, 2017

Delaware River Report / Conditions October 17, 2017

It was cold yesterday.  It was windy.  It actually fished better than it has in days.  Maybe the pressure settled as the front came through or the fish settled down in the Yo Yo releases but either way they were happy to chase streamers and rise in  some sections when the wind would die down.  Some would only chase but there were enough fish willing to commit to make it worth fishing in 49 degrees, 15 mph wind, and light rain.  Today should be nicer with air temperatures in the mid 50’s and a bit of sunshine.  Wind will be much more manageable around 5 – 7 mph.

Jamie stuck it out yesterday. Photo by Bob Lewis

Hatching:

Slate Drake #12 – 14 – Isonychia bicolor
Light Cahill – #14 – Summer Sulphurs, Stenocron spp.
Little BWO – #22 – 26- Pseudocloeon sp.
Blue Wing Olives – #18 – Baetis sp.
Olive Sulphur – #18 – 20 – Heptagenia hebe
Little Tan Sedge – #16 – 18 – Glossosoma sp.
Green Caddis – #16 – Ryacophilia sp.
Tan Caddis #16 – 18 – Hydropsyche spp.

Click on the gauge below for the most recent update: