July 27, 2015

Delaware River Report / Conditions July 27, 2015

Last nights brief showers turned out to be a little more than Accuweather forecasted.  The West Branch flows only budged slightly at Hale Eddy but the Beaverkill is now flowing at 695 cfs this morning.  The release from Cannonsville remains 1,499 cfs of cold water water.  The fishing has been decent (better than May) with the normal sulphur / olive fishing up top and cahills / isonychia fishing on the lower sections.  The release from Pepacton has been reduced and the flow is now 378 cfs at Harvard.  The cut back of cold water from Pepacton has caused the lower sections of the East Branch to warm up.  Fishs Eddy is 66 degrees this morning and will be too warm to fish today.  The Upper East, Upper Mainstem, and entire West Branch should remain cool despite the sun and higher air temperatures forecasted for the next few days.

Pat sent us this picture from yesterday

Hatching:
Slate Drake #12-2xl  – 12 – Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur #18-20 – E. dorothea
Light Cahills #14 – various steno species (invaria, etc)
Golden Drake #12-2xl – Potomanthus distinctus
PED / Pink Lady #14 – E. vitreus
Large Blue Winged Olive #14 – D. cornuta
Tiny Blue Wing Olives #22-26 – Pseudo sp. (now classified as Acentrella sp.)
Charcoal Caddis #14 -16 – dark Brachycentrus sp.
Tan Caddis #16-18 – Hydrosyche sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Dark Chimarra sp.

Flows and Temps as of 8:00 AM:
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July 26, 2015

Delaware River Report / Conditions July 26, 2015

We started off yesterday with bright sun but the clouds made their appearance a little earlier than expected by mid-afternoon.  The fishing improved once the harsh sun was gone and we had a decent mix of olives, cahills, and sulphurs on some sections of river.  The upper sections continue to get the mid-day sulphurs followed by small olives.  Isonychias are still working well along with golden drakes in some sections.
We had some rain over that with some light precipitation still coming down this morning.  So far the rivers look clear.  Most of the rain should soak into the ground since we’ve been dry for a while.  If we start to see color in the rivers we’ll post a mid-day update.  They are calling for less than a tenth of an inch today so we should be fine.  The light rain hitting the cold water is causing some fog on the West Branch and Upper Mainstem.  The fog should come in and out as the light bands of weather hit us.  The heavy fog in the morning has made early streamer fishing productive.

Theo with another one of his fish from the other day.

Hatching:
Slate Drake #12-2xl  – 12 – Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur #18-20 – E. dorothea
Light Cahills #14 – various steno species (invaria, etc)
Golden Drake #12-2xl – Potomanthus distinctus
PED / Pink Lady #14 – E. vitreus
Large Blue Winged Olive #14 – D. cornuta
Tiny Blue Wing Olives #22-26 – Pseudo sp. (now classified as Acentrella sp.)
Charcoal Caddis #14 -16 – dark Brachycentrus sp.
Tan Caddis #16-18 – Hydrosyche sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Dark Chimarra sp.

Flows and Temps as of 8:00 AM:
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July 25, 2015

Delaware River Report / Conditions July 25, 2015

We had the bright sun all day yesterday making the fish shy for most of the day.  Once the sun dropped the bugs came and the fish responded.  In some sections the hatch seemed to be comprised mostly of olives with a few isonychias and sulphurs thrown in for good measure.  The upper sections had the normal mid-day sulphurs followed by the olives.  The fish were shy about eating the isonychias until the sun dropped behind the mountains.  Accuweather is calling for another bright sunny day with temperatures in the low 80’s.  We may see a stray thunderstorm in the late afternoon with just a small amount of precipitation.

Michael Brewer with a nice brown yesterday. Photo by Bruce Miller

Hatching:
Slate Drake #12-2xl  – 12 – Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur #18-20 – E. dorothea
Light Cahills #14 – various steno species (invaria, etc)
Golden Drake #12-2xl – Potomanthus distinctus
PED / Pink Lady #14 – E. vitreus
Large Blue Winged Olive #14 – D. cornuta
Tiny Blue Wing Olives #22-26 – Pseudo sp. (now classified as Acentrella sp.)
Charcoal Caddis #14 -16 – dark Brachycentrus sp.
Tan Caddis #16-18 – Hydrosyche sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Dark Chimarra sp.

Flows and Temps as of 8:00 AM:
Click on the gauge below to view the latest update

July 24, 2015

Delaware River Report / Conditions July 24, 2015

The hatches started a little later yesterday due to the bright sun but most of the system had some kind of decent activity by mid-afternoon into evening.  The upper river sections have more sulphurs and olives while the lower / warmer river sections have more cahills, isonychias, and golden drakes.  Streamer fishing has been productive early in the morning before the fog burns off.  The high cold water has really benefited the system after the low water Spring.  The fish are healthy and full of energy.  Many of the July hatches on the lower sections of river usually occur at night due to warmer water temperatures.  This season we are seeing those hatches during the day because the cold releases and cool nights are keeping the system cold all the way down to Callicoon.  It’s been a nice side benefit to the repair situation at Cannonsville Dam.  It sounds like we should see the higher releases at least for another 3 to 4 weeks.

Tony found this one eating on top yesterday. Photo by Theo May

Hatching:
Slate Drake #12-2xl  – 12 – Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur #18-20 – E. dorothea
Light Cahills #14 – various steno species (invaria, etc)
Golden Drake #12-2xl – Potomanthus distinctus
PED / Pink Lady #14 – E. vitreus
Large Blue Winged Olive #14 – D. cornuta
Tiny Blue Wing Olives #22-26 – Pseudo sp. (now classified as Acentrella sp.)
Charcoal Caddis #14 -16 – dark Brachycentrus sp.
Tan Caddis #16-18 – Hydrosyche sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Dark Chimarra sp.

Flows and Temps as of 8:00 AM:
Click on the gauge below to view the latest update

July 23, 2015

Delaware River Report / Conditions July 23, 2015

The sulphurs came in the upper river sections but the bright sun made the fish a little wary.  Swinging small pheasant tail wets was the best way to fool the fish eating the emergers a couple of inches under the surface.  Things were a little later in other sections but once the sun dropped a bit the fishing picked up.  We had very little fog on the river yesterday which was a nice change.  Since so many fish were eating emergers underneath we did do better with isonychia emergers rather than duns.  Patience was definitely the name of the game.
Accuweather is calling for sun, light winds, and slightly cooler temperatures today.  Look for fish on shaded banks and on the edges of rippled current where they feel more comfortable rising in the sun.  Sulphurs, isonychias, and small olives.  If you are on the Mainstem add the golden drakes to your box.

Theo found one eating on top in the sunshine yesterday

Hatching:
Slate Drake #12-2xl  – 12 – Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur #18-20 – E. dorothea
Light Cahills #14 – various steno species (invaria, etc)
Golden Drake #12-2xl – Potomanthus distinctus
PED / Pink Lady #14 – E. vitreus
Large Blue Winged Olive #14 – D. cornuta
Tiny Blue Wing Olives #22-26 – Pseudo sp. (now classified as Acentrella sp.)
Charcoal Caddis #14 -16 – dark Brachycentrus sp.
Tan Caddis #16-18 – Hydrosyche sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Dark Chimarra sp.

Flows and Temps as of 8:00 AM:
Click on the gauge below to view the latest update

July 22, 2015

Delaware River Report / Conditions July 22, 2015

Yesterday showed us quite a mix of weather with hot sun, cool rain, more sun, and heavy winds turning into a slight breeze.  After the rain ended we had a lot of fog to deal with on the West Branch but there were plenty of isonychias and olives hatching mixed with a few sulphurs.  I would probably describe yesterday as one of the better hatching days of the season.   Accuweather is calling for air temperatures pushing 80 degrees today and lots of sun.  The bright sun may push the hatches off for a couple of hours to later in the afternoon.  No rain in today’s forecast so the fog should be less of an issue.

Tony fighting a nice fish on the West Branch yesterday

Hatching:
Slate Drake #12-2xl  – 12 – Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur #18-20 – E. dorothea
Light Cahills #14 – various steno species (invaria, etc)
Golden Drake #12-2xl – Potomanthus distinctus
PED / Pink Lady #14 – E. vitreus
Large Blue Winged Olive #14 – D. cornuta
Tiny Blue Wing Olives #22-26 – Pseudo sp. (now classified as Acentrella sp.)
Charcoal Caddis #14 -16 – dark Brachycentrus sp.
Tan Caddis #16-18 – Hydrosyche sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Dark Chimarra sp.

Flows and Temps as of 8:00 AM:
Click on the gauge below to view the latest update

July 21, 2015

Delaware River Report / Conditions July 21, 2015

There are some issues with the Hale Eddy gauge this morning but not much has changed on the system.  The release from Cannonsville remains 1500 cfs and the flows on the rest of the system are dropping slowly as the runoff from the feeders subsides.  Despite the hot weather the river temperatures remain in great shape.  They are beginning to creep up on the lower East Branch and all the way down in Callicoon but so far they have stayed below 70 degrees.  Accuweather is calling for a healthy mix today with some clouds and light rain giving way to sun, giving way back to clouds and light rain.  Due to the cold water some sections of river may have heavy fog at times due to the warmer rain.  Winds are predicted to be 6 mph with gusts to 9 mph in the afternoon which should help clear the fog.  Isonychias, sulphurs, olives, and golden drakes are still on the menu.

Steve with a pretty red spotted brown. Photo by Jared Makowski

Hatching:
Slate Drake #12-2xl  – 12 – Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur #18-20 – E. dorothea
Light Cahills #14 – various steno species (invaria, etc)
Golden Drake #12-2xl – Potomanthus distinctus
PED / Pink Lady #14 – E. vitreus
Large Blue Winged Olive #14 – D. cornuta
Tiny Blue Wing Olives #22-26 – Pseudo sp. (now classified as Acentrella sp.)
Charcoal Caddis #14 -16 – dark Brachycentrus sp.
Tan Caddis #16-18 – Hydrosyche sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Dark Chimarra sp.

Flows and Temps as of 8:00 AM:
Click on the gauge below to view the latest update

July 20, 2015

Delaware River Report / Conditions July 20, 2015

The afternoon thunderstorms we have been getting have added just a little bit more water to the current flows so expect the rivers to drop slightly throughout the day.  The bugs have been coming later on bright, sunny days but there have been some fish feeding sporadically in the shaded areas on left over mayflies and caddis.  Water temperatures are in great shape for mid July despite the sun and heat over the last few days.  Callicoon peaked at 66 degrees yesterday but is starting off higher this morning.  The upper Mainstem should be fine with the Cannonsville release cooling it down.  We did find fish eating golden drakes yesterday so definitely carry a few- plus the spinners for dark.  Sulphurs, isonychias, and cahills are making up most of the rest of the menu.

Geoff with a nice brown from the weekend. Photo by Jared Makowski

Hatching:
Slate Drake #12-2xl  – 12 – Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur #18-20 – E. dorothea
Light Cahills #14 – various steno species (invaria, etc)
Golden Drake #12-2xl – Potomanthus distinctus
PED / Pink Lady #14 – E. vitreus
Large Blue Winged Olive #14 – D. cornuta
Tiny Blue Wing Olives #22-26 – Pseudo sp. (now classified as Acentrella sp.)
Charcoal Caddis #14 -16 – dark Brachycentrus sp.
Tan Caddis #16-18 – Hydrosyche sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Dark Chimarra sp.

Flows and Temps as of 8:00 AM:
Click on the gauge below to view the latest update

July 19, 2015

Delaware River Report / Conditions July 19, 2015

Last evening we had some brief thunderstorms that added a little water to the system and plenty of fog.  The water temperatures throughout look great this morning and most of the rivers besides the West Branch remain wadeable.  Floating is the best bet on the West Branch and opens up a lot of opportunities with the cold water down the Mainstem.  Upper river sections are still fishing well with sulphurs while the lower river sections are seeing more cahills and isonychias.
Accuweather is calling for today to be a warmer version of yesterday.  Some clouds in the morning giving way to sun, with some afternoon / early evening thunderstorms.  Winds should be 5 mph with gusts to 8 mph.  Light but hopefully still enough of a breeze to blow some of the fog off the rivers.

Pretty little rainbow in the rain

Hatching:
Slate Drake #12-2xl  – 12 – Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur #18-20 – E. dorothea
Light Cahills #14 – various steno species (invaria, etc)
Golden Drake #12-2xl – Potomanthus distinctus
PED / Pink Lady #14 – E. vitreus
Large Blue Winged Olive #14 – D. cornuta
Tiny Blue Wing Olives #22-26 – Pseudo sp. (now classified as Acentrella sp.)
Charcoal Caddis #14 -16 – dark Brachycentrus sp.
Tan Caddis #16-18 – Hydrosyche sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Dark Chimarra sp.

Flows and Temps as of 8:00 AM:
Click on the gauge below to view the latest update

July 18, 2015

Delaware River Report / Conditions July 18, 2015

The 1,500 cfs release from Cannonsville combined with the cool nights and cloud cover have kept the water temperatures in great shape for most of the Mainstem. The cold water has really kicked up the afternoon hatches with sections fishing well much earlier in the day than normal in July.  The summer sulphur hatch has been decent on the upper river sections while isonychias, cahills, and olives have been the ticket on the lower sections.  We are also still seeing decent numbers of golden drakes hatching in sections with fish eating them.
Today looks like a decent fishing day with Accuweather calling for air temps around 80, light wind, and a mix of clouds and sun.  We may get a light, stray shower or two.  Due to the cold water release we are seeing fog on the river, especially when it rains.  A slight breeze will move it along and bring back normal visibility.

Geoff with a nice rainbow last night. Photo by Jared Makowski

Hatching:
Slate Drake #12-2xl  – 12 – Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur #18-20 – E. dorothea
Light Cahills #14 – various steno species (invaria, etc)
Golden Drake #12-2xl – Potomanthus distinctus
PED / Pink Lady #14 – E. vitreus
Large Blue Winged Olive #14 – D. cornuta
Tiny Blue Wing Olives #22-26 – Pseudo sp. (now classified as Acentrella sp.)
Charcoal Caddis #14 -16 – dark Brachycentrus sp.
Tan Caddis #16-18 – Hydrosyche sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Dark Chimarra sp.

Flows and Temps as of 8:00 AM:
Click on the gauge below to view the latest update

July 17, 2015

Delaware River Report / Conditions July 17, 2015

It looks like we will have a 1500 cfs release out of Cannonsville Reservoir for the foreseeable future.   NYC DEP is attempting to  lower the reservoir level to perform some repairs on a bore hole from a test drill site on the downstream side of the dam.  Releases from the other dams should remain consistent with the current FFMP chart 4G.
So right now we have a lot of cold water which is great for the Upper Mainstem.  We are coming off a cool night so water temperatures look great throughout the system.  The East Branch system is wadeable.  People have been wading the Upper Mainstem too so that is definitely a possibility in sections.  We should have sunshine for most of the day with a few clouds coming in towards evening.  Accuweather is calling for a small amount of rain overnight.  Isonychias, sulphurs, olives, and golden drakes are still on the menu.

Taylor with a decent fish this week. Photo by Jared Makowski

Hatching:
Slate Drake #12-2xl  – 12 – Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur #18-20 – E. dorothea
Light Cahills #14 – various steno species (invaria, etc)
Golden Drake #12-2xl – Potomanthus distinctus
PED / Pink Lady #14 – E. vitreus
Large Blue Winged Olive #14 – D. cornuta
Tiny Blue Wing Olives #22-26 – Pseudo sp. (now classified as Acentrella sp.)
Charcoal Caddis #14 -16 – dark Brachycentrus sp.
Tan Caddis #16-18 – Hydrosyche sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Dark Chimarra sp.

Flows and Temps as of 8:00 AM:
Click on the gauge below to view the latest update

July 16, 2015

Delaware River Report / Conditions July 16, 2015

NYS DEP has increased the release from Cannonsville to 1500 cfs.  The increased release was explained in a press release in part:

“The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today increased drinking water diversions and downstream releases from Cannonsville Reservoir to facilitate necessary repairs in response to an ongoing turbid discharge from a rock embankment below Cannonsville Dam. DEP, its regulators, and consulting experts do not believe the turbid flow represents any imminent threat to the safety of the dam. While repairs are made, DEP believes it is prudent to draw down the reservoir through increased releases out of an abundance of caution; reducing storage does not pose a risk to the city’s water supply. The turbid flow below the dam was discovered when workers were drilling borings in preparation for design and construction of the future hydroelectric facility to be built there. During the drilling, workers noticed a flow of turbid water coming from a rock embankment near the release chamber. They immediately contacted DEP engineers and ceased all work. A preliminary investigation indicated that the drilling released ground water under natural pressure several dozen feet below surface level, causing an upward flow of water and sediment that is reaching the West Branch Delaware River.”

It sounds like there is no immediate need for concern.  There is a public meeting this morning to discuss the issue.  We’ll post any official updates we receive.

Fishing started off slow yesterday but picked up nicely as the day went on.  By late afternoon we had a mix of a few sulphurs, a few cahills, decent isonychias, and a lot of olives.  The overcast sky and increased flows had the fish feeling comfortable.  Most of our fish ate isonychias and cahills despite the large number of olives on the water.  Today looks sunny with warmer air temps approaching 80 degrees.  The bugs may hatch a little later in the day under these conditions.  Winds shouldn’t be an issue today with gusts only pushing 5 mph.

The Lordville Gauge appears to be down this morning.

Michael with a nice brown during a brief sunny period yesterday

Hatching:
Slate Drake #12-2xl  – 12 – Isonychia bicolor
Sulphur #18-20 – E. dorothea
Light Cahills #14 – various steno species (invaria, etc)
Golden Drake #12-2xl – Potomanthus distinctus
PED / Pink Lady #14 – E. vitreus
Large Blue Winged Olive #14 – D. cornuta
Tiny Blue Wing Olives #22-26 – Pseudo sp. (now classified as Acentrella sp.)
Charcoal Caddis #14 -16 – dark Brachycentrus sp.
Tan Caddis #16-18 – Hydrosyche sp.
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Dark Chimarra sp.

Flows and Temps as of 8:00 AM:
Click on the gauge below to view the latest update