Delaware River Report / Conditions August 23, 2012

Apologies on the late post, had an odd early morning rush of customers today!

I am going to tell you that you should have been here yesterday. Don’t hate me, it’s the truth. The good news? Today and tomorrow could even be better! We had the fly ants make their appearance during the afternoon, and the river lit up. The predominant size and color is seen below – around a #14, dark brown in color. The fish were on these all the way into the evening, when they decided to start getting under my skin by changing what they were eating – fish to fish. Within the same 12′ square area, I watched 4 separate fish each take a Ant, a Steno, a dorthea, and an Olive Spinner. They then switched it all around. Fun yet infuriating! Today the forecast calls for a bit more sun and humidity – just what we need to keep these ants going. Get ready to see a sign in the shop window with only two words on it to explain my absence this afternoon if all goes right – “Flying Ants!” No further explanation necessary!

PLENTY of these last night! Size#14. Photo by: Jeff White

Tricorythodes species – #22 male and female

Ephemerella dorthea – Sulphurs – #16 (sporadic), #18 & #20

Isonychia bicolor – Isos – #12-2XL and BIGGER!

Potomanthus distinctus – Golden Drake – #12-2xl (sporadic)

Ephemerella pseudocloeon- Tiny BWO- #22-26

Epeorus vitreus – Pale Evening Dun – (Female) -#14 (sporadic)

Epeorus vitreus – Light Cahill – (Male)- #14 (sporadic)

Ephemerella invaria – Large Sulphurs / Light Cahills – #14 (waning)

Ephemerella deficiens- Dark. BWO -#12-20 (when cloudy)

Ephemerella attenuata- Light BWO- #16-20 (when cloudy)

Hydropsyche- Tan Caddis- #18

Ryacophilia- Olive Caddis- #16

Baetis species – #18 & #20 (when cloudy)