September 15, 2016

Delaware River Report / Conditions September 15, 2016

The rease from Cannonsville has been increased to 1,572 cfs.  The release from Pepacton has not been increased leaving the East Branch low.  We are coming off another cool night in the 40’s so water temperatures are improving on the sections not helped by the Cannonsville release.  We should see sunshine with air temperatures in the low 70’s today.  It’s beginning to feel a bit like fall.  Yesterday we saw decent numbers of small olives mixed with a few of the #14 fall isonychias.  Light cahills were around but we were able to get the fish to eat the isos.  Flying ants are still a good bet on picky fish.  Streamer fishing was okay but may improve with the increased release.  There is that fall “chalky” color to the West Branch but the bugs and fish don’t seem to mind.

Tim with a West Branch rainbow. Photo by Michael Brewer

Hatching:
Slate Drake – 12-2xl- 14- Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur – #16-20 – E dorothea
Light Cahill – #14 – 16 –
Tiny Blue Winged Olive – #22 – 26 – Psuedocloeon spp.
Blue Winged Olive – #18 – 20 – E. lata
Light Blue Winged Olive – #16 – 20 E. attenuatta
Tan Caddis – #16 – 20 – Hydropsyche spp.
Dark Brachycentrus sp. – #14 – 18 – Dark Grannom
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Chimarra sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans (updated name: Baetis tricaudatus)

September 14, 2016

Delaware River Report / Conditions September 14, 2016

The release from Cannonsville has been increased slightly to 1,287 this morning- not much of a change.  Today looks like a good day with cloud cover and a slight chance of light rain.  We may get a stray thunderstorm but the possibility of that happening is slim. Wind gusts will peak only around 10 mph and will drop in the evening.  Yesterday evening fished well with a combination of olives and a few cahills.  We are still seeing flying ants plus some small sulphurs.  The isonychias are hatching but they seem to be sporadic.  We are still drumming up a few fish on isonychias in the riffles though.  Nymphing has been productive especially when the sun is not beating on the water.  Streamer fishing is still decent but it pays to change up your fly frequently.  Some days we are doing well on dark flies and other days we are doing well with light colors.

Les with a nice brown this week. Photo by Lindsey Flexner

Hatching:
Slate Drake – 12-2xl- 14- Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur – #16-20 – E dorothea
Light Cahill – #14 – 16 –
Tiny Blue Winged Olive – #22 – 26 – Psuedocloeon spp.
Blue Winged Olive – #18 – 20 – E. lata
Light Blue Winged Olive – #16 – 20 E. attenuatta
Tan Caddis – #16 – 20 – Hydropsyche spp.
Dark Brachycentrus sp. – #14 – 18 – Dark Grannom
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Chimarra sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans (updated name: Baetis tricaudatus)

September 13, 2016

Delaware River Report / Conditions September 13, 2016

We are coming off another cool night.  Today’s weather will be very similar to yesterday with just a bit more wind.  Gusts will only be around 10 mph and will drop in the evening.  Light Cahills and flying ants are still the two most consistent dry fly patterns for us.  We are seeing a few sulphurs and olives in the mix.  There is a slight color to the West Branch which has not hurt the dry fly fishing but has certainly helped the streamer fishing.  We have caught fish on every color from white to olive.  Each day has been a little different so if you haven’t had any action change the color up.  Nymphing is still working well.  We have done better overall with #18 and smaller flies but have picked up a few fish on isonychia wets.

Samantha hit a nice fish the other day. Photo by Bruce Miller

Hatching:
Slate Drake – 12-2xl- 14- Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur – #16-20 – E dorothea
Light Cahill – #14 – 16 – S. ithaca & canadense
Golden Drake – #12-2xl – Potomanthus
Tiny Blue Winged Olive – #22 – 26 – Psuedocloeon spp.
Blue Winged Olive – #18 – 20 – E. lata
Light Blue Winged Olive – #16 – 20 E. attenuatta
Tan Caddis – #16 – 20 – Hydropsyche spp.
Dark Brachycentrus sp. – #14 – 18 – Dark Grannom
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Chimarra sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans (updated name: Baetis tricaudatus)

September 12, 2016

Delaware River Report / Conditions September 12, 2016

We are coming off a cold night with lows in the 40’s.  This has cooled some of the water temperatures too.  We should only reach the low 70’s this afternoon.  The wind was tough yesterday making most of the day fit for streamers or nymphs.  It did drop back in the evening offering a window of dry fly fishing.  Winds will be low today staying below 5 mph.  The current release from Cannonsville is 1,135 cfs- just a minor change down.  The upper Mainstem offers the best opportunity for wading and nymphing.  The West Branch has a couple of spots that are wadeable but you will definitely do better in a boat.

Sean landed a nice fish this weekend. Photo by Michael Brewer

Hatching:
Slate Drake – 12-2xl- 14- Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur – #16-20 – E dorothea
Light Cahill – #14 – 16 – S. ithaca & canadense
Golden Drake – #12-2xl – Potomanthus
Tiny Blue Winged Olive – #22 – 26 – Psuedocloeon spp.
Blue Winged Olive – #18 – 20 – E. lata
Light Blue Winged Olive – #16 – 20 E. attenuatta
Tan Caddis – #16 – 20 – Hydropsyche spp.
Dark Brachycentrus sp. – #14 – 18 – Dark Grannom
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Chimarra sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans (updated name: Baetis tricaudatus)

September 11, 2016

Delaware River Report / Conditions September 11, 2016

The release from Cannonsville was increased again this morning to 1,366 cfs.  We had some light showers overnight that are ending this morning.  Winds will be upa bit today and should drop by the evening.  The clouds should hang around most of the day.  Overall it looks like a good day to go swing some streamers and look for afternoon olives.  Streamers were the best bet yesterday but people did have decent dry fly activity on cahills, olives, and flying ants.  Nymphing has bee decent when the sun is not beating on the water.

Tim with a nice brown yesterday. Photo by Bruce Miller

Hatching:
Slate Drake – 12-2xl- Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur – #16-20 – E dorothea
Light Cahill – #14 – 16 – S. ithaca & canadense
Golden Drake – #12-2xl – Potomanthus
Trico – 22 – 26 – Tricorythodes sp.
Tiny Blue Winged Olive – #22 – 26 – Psuedocloeon spp.
Blue Winged Olive – #18 – 20 – E. lata
Light Blue Winged Olive – #16 – 20 E. attenuatta
Tan Caddis – #16 – 20 – Hydropsyche spp.
Dark Brachycentrus sp. – #14 – 18 – Dark Grannom
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Chimarra sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans (updated name: Baetis tricaudatus)

September 10, 2016

Delaware River Report / Conditions September 10, 2016

The release from Cannonsville has been dropped to 989 cfs.  At 8 am it will drop again to 940 cfs until further notice.  We had a little rain overnight but it had little effect on the system.  There is a little color on the West but it is definitely fishable.  The color has actually helped with the streamer bite.  Cahills and olives are the main hatches but we still are seeing some small sulphurs mixed with isonychias.  There are a few brown caddis showing up.  We have a chance of light rain today but should keep the clouds.  Winds will be 10 mph and under.

Bruce with a nice brown yesterday. Photo by Samantha Dennis

Hatching:
Slate Drake – 12-2xl- Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur – #16-20 – E dorothea
Light Cahill – #14 – 16 – S. ithaca & canadense
Golden Drake – #12-2xl – Potomanthus
Trico – 22 – 26 – Tricorythodes sp.
Tiny Blue Winged Olive – #22 – 26 – Psuedocloeon spp.
Blue Winged Olive – #18 – 20 – E. lata
Light Blue Winged Olive – #16 – 20 E. attenuatta
Tan Caddis – #16 – 20 – Hydropsyche spp.
Dark Brachycentrus sp. – #14 – 18 – Dark Grannom
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Chimarra sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans (updated name: Baetis tricaudatus)

September 9, 2016

Delaware River Report / Conditions September 9, 2016

The release from Cannonsville has been increased again to 1,267 cfs this morning.  We did have some light rain overnight so there is also a slight bump on the Beaverkill and East Branch but it is minor.  The water temperature on the lower East is 69 degrees this morning.  This would be a perfect opportunity for them to take some of the Cannonsville release and give it to the East Branch essentially helping the entire system.  Unfortunately that is not going to happen.
Yesterday fished fairly well with a mix of cahills, olives, and a few flying ants.  Today looks like a good fishing day with cloud cover, light winds, and a small chance of light showers.  Air temperatures should be in the low 80’s but the humidity won’t be bad on the water.

Jim with a nice brown on the West Branch. Photo by Bruce MIller

Hatching:
Slate Drake – 12-2xl- Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur – #16-20 – E dorothea
Light Cahill – #14 – 16 – S. ithaca & canadense
Golden Drake – #12-2xl – Potomanthus
Trico – 22 – 26 – Tricorythodes sp.
Tiny Blue Winged Olive – #22 – 26 – Psuedocloeon spp.
Blue Winged Olive – #18 – 20 – E. lata
Light Blue Winged Olive – #16 – 20 E. attenuatta
Tan Caddis – #16 – 20 – Hydropsyche spp.
Dark Brachycentrus sp. – #14 – 18 – Dark Grannom
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Chimarra sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans (updated name: Baetis tricaudatus)

September 8, 2016

Delaware River Report / Conditions September 8, 2016

The release from Cannonsville has been dropped slightly to 1,009 cfs this morning.  Just a minor adjustment to meet the downstream flow target.  The forecast looks good today with clouds and winds under 10 mph.  Unfortunately we shouldn’t see any precipitation but the clouds will be a welcome relief from the sun.  It will be warm today with air temperatures in the mid – 80’s but the cold water release will keep the West Branch and Upper Mainstem in decent shape.  Flying ants were the pattern of choice yesterday followed by cahills and small olives.  We are seeing white flies in decent numbers on the upper Main but most of the spinners have been dropping very late.

You do not need a 16 – 20 foot leader with multiple feet of tippet to catch fish on the West Branch in the Summer.  What you need is a really great presentation.  Stop by the DRC this Saturday morning between 9 and 12 for a free Summer Clinic.  We’ll cover casting techniques, leaders, flies, and hatches.  Frank Audino will be giving fly tying demonstrations so bring your vise if you want to pick up some techniques.  Send us an email at flyfish@thedelawareriverclub.com and let us know if you are coming.

Hatching:
Slate Drake – 12-2xl- Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur – #16-20 – E dorothea
Light Cahill – #14 – 16 – S. ithaca & canadense
Golden Drake – #12-2xl – Potomanthus
Trico – 22 – 26 – Tricorythodes sp.
Tiny Blue Winged Olive – #22 – 26 – Psuedocloeon spp.
Blue Winged Olive – #18 – 20 – E. lata
Light Blue Winged Olive – #16 – 20 E. attenuatta
Tan Caddis – #16 – 20 – Hydropsyche spp.
Dark Brachycentrus sp. – #14 – 18 – Dark Grannom
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Chimarra sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans (updated name: Baetis tricaudatus)

September 7, 2016

Delaware River Report / Conditions September 7, 2016

The release from Cannonsville has been raised again to meet the downstream flow targets.  The current release is from Cannonsville is 1,245 cfs.  It would be nice if they spread some of the directed release out to Pepacton and throw the East Branch a bone of a few hundred cfs.  If you fish the upper Main definitely carry white flies and caddis.  If you are on the West Branch carry light cahills and some sulphurs.  Everywhere you fish today carry blue winged olives and flying ants.  The forecast is mid 80 air temperatures, partly cloudy, and light to moderate winds (under 10 mph).  We will be warm for the next few days and air temps should drop back early next week.

You do not need a 16 – 20 foot leader with multiple feet of tippet to catch fish on the West Branch in the Summer.  What you need is a really great presentation.  Stop by the DRC this Saturday morning between 9 and 12 for a free Summer Clinic.  We’ll cover casting techniques, leaders, flies, and hatches.  Frank Audino will be giving fly tying demonstrations so bring your vise if you want to pick up some techniques.  Send us an email at flyfish@thedelawareriverclub.com and let us know if you are coming.

Hatching:
Slate Drake – 12-2xl- Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur – #16-20 – E dorothea
Light Cahill – #14 – 16 – S. ithaca & canadense
Golden Drake – #12-2xl – Potomanthus
Trico – 22 – 26 – Tricorythodes sp.
Tiny Blue Winged Olive – #22 – 26 – Psuedocloeon spp.
Blue Winged Olive – #18 – 20 – E. lata
Light Blue Winged Olive – #16 – 20 E. attenuatta
Tan Caddis – #16 – 20 – Hydropsyche spp.
Dark Brachycentrus sp. – #14 – 18 – Dark Grannom
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Chimarra sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans (updated name: Baetis tricaudatus)

September 6, 2016

Delaware River Report / Conditions September 6, 2016

After listening to the stories in the shop all summer let’s dispel a rumor.  You do not need a 16 – 20 foot leader with multiple feet of tippet to catch fish on the West Branch in the Summer.  What you need is a really great presentation.  Stop by the DRC this Saturday morning between 9 and 12 for a free Summer Clinic.  We’ll cover casting techniques, leaders, flies, and hatches.  Frank Audino will be giving fly tying demonstrations so bring your vise if you want to pick up some techniques.  Send us an email at flyfish@thedelawareriverclub.com and let us know if you are coming.

Jack with another fish from Sunday. And again Pat caught nothing. Photo by Samantha Dennis

Hatching:
Slate Drake – 12-2xl- Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur – #16-20 – E dorothea
Light Cahill – #14 – 16 – S. ithaca & canadense
Golden Drake – #12-2xl – Potomanthus
Trico – 22 – 26 – Tricorythodes sp.
Tiny Blue Winged Olive – #22 – 26 – Psuedocloeon spp.
Blue Winged Olive – #18 – 20 – E. lata
Light Blue Winged Olive – #16 – 20 E. attenuatta
Tan Caddis – #16 – 20 – Hydropsyche spp.
Dark Brachycentrus sp. – #14 – 18 – Dark Grannom
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Chimarra sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans (updated name: Baetis tricaudatus)

September 5, 2016

Delaware River Report / Conditions September 5, 2016

The release from Cannonsville has been increased to 1,041 cfs this morning.  The increased flow has not hit Lordville yet so expect the Mainstem to increase another 300 – 400 cfs today.  The increased release is most likely due to meeting the Montague flow target.  We should keep the higher water until they release again from Rio and Lake Wallenpaupack-  if they do.  The weather looks good today with high air temperatures in the low 80’s and winds gusting to 10 mph and then dropping in the evening.  We had mixed results dry fly fishing yesterday but most people seemed to find some fish eating throughout the river.  Nymphing was still the best bet during the bright sun.  Cahills and small olives are the most common hatches right now.  If you venture onto the upper Mainstem definitely have a few white flies in your box just in case.

Jack Regan found one on top yesterday. Photo by Samantha Dennis. Pat Regan caught nothing because he didn’t go fishing.

Hatching:
Slate Drake – 12-2xl- Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur – #16-20 – E dorothea
Light Cahill – #14 – 16 – S. ithaca & canadense
Golden Drake – #12-2xl – Potomanthus
Trico – 22 – 26 – Tricorythodes sp.
Tiny Blue Winged Olive – #22 – 26 – Psuedocloeon spp.
Blue Winged Olive – #18 – 20 – E. lata
Light Blue Winged Olive – #16 – 20 E. attenuatta
Tan Caddis – #16 – 20 – Hydropsyche spp.
Dark Brachycentrus sp. – #14 – 18 – Dark Grannom
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Chimarra sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans (updated name: Baetis tricaudatus)

September 4, 2016

Delaware River Report / Conditions September 4, 2016

Today is looking like it will end up a mirror image of yesterday.  Partly cloudy and a little cooler.  The flows are still around 800 cfs on the West Branch.  Some sections are good for wading and the entire river is good for floating.  The Mainstem water temperatures stayed in decent shape down to Lordville.  The hatching still seems off but there were a few fish landed.  You definitely have to make the most of the opportunities you get.  Most of the fish landed on dry flies yesterday came on small olives or light cahills.

Art found a riser yesterday. Photo by Bob Lewis

Hatching:
Slate Drake – 12-2xl- Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur – #16-20 – E dorothea
Light Cahill – #14 – 16 – S. ithaca & canadense
Golden Drake – #12-2xl – Potomanthus
Trico – 22 – 26 – Tricorythodes sp.
Tiny Blue Winged Olive – #22 – 26 – Psuedocloeon spp.
Blue Winged Olive – #18 – 20 – E. lata
Light Blue Winged Olive – #16 – 20 E. attenuatta
Tan Caddis – #16 – 20 – Hydropsyche spp.
Dark Brachycentrus sp. – #14 – 18 – Dark Grannom
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Chimarra sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans (updated name: Baetis tricaudatus)