Delaware River Report / Conditions May 15, 2015

It looks like we have a very small directed release to help meet the minimum flow target of an average of 1750 cfs at Montague, NJ.  The release from Cannonsville is 176 cfs this morning.  Hopefully they will increase the directed release this afternoon or tonight and not release any water from Lake Wallenpaupack or Rio Reservoir.  The cooler temperatures have left the system in good shape this morning with a water temp at Lordville of 60 degrees.  Our daytime air temperatures are going to climb over the weekend but the overnight temps look okay.  The water is still low exposing a lot of the gravel and boulders.  Sun can heat the rivers up quickly in this situation so double check the water temperatures with your thermometer before you fish, especially on the Mainstem and lower East Branch.
The system fished well yesterday with the smaller #16 hendricksons seeming to be the hatch of the day.  It’s still bug soup with everything from blue quills to march browns hatching.  We are still finding blue quill nymphs on the West Branch so carry everything.  Nymphing has been very productive in between hatches but most people are finding enough rising fish to keep it interesting.  Do not forget to bring hendrickson spinners!
Bottom line- we need releases for the weekend to protect the Main.

Richard with a healthy rainbow in the sun yesterday.

Richard with a healthy rainbow in the sun yesterday.

Hatching:
March Brown #10-2xl – S. vicarium (now classified as Maccaffertioum vicarium)
Gray Fox #12-2xl – S. fuscum (now also classified as Maccaffertioum vicarium)
Hendrickson #16 – E. X species
Apple Caddis #16-18 – Light Brachycentrus sp.
Hendrickson – #14 – E. subvaria (male)
Hendrickson – #12 – E. subvaria (female)
Blue Quill – #16 – Paralep. adoptiva
Blue Winged Olives #16 – 18 – Baetis vagans
Little Black Caddis #18 – 20 – Dark Chimarra sp.

FLOWS AS OF 8:00 AM:
West Branch at Stilesville, NY 200 cfs @ 41º
West Branch at Hale Eddy, NY 218 cfs @ 53º
East Branch at Harvard, NY 115 cfs @ 54º
East Branch at Fish’s Eddy, NY 383 cfs @ 56º
Mainstem at Lordville, NY 757 cfs @ 60º
Beaverkill at Cooks Falls, NY 187 cfs @ N/A
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