August 27, 2012

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 27, 2012

Holy mackerel. Ok,most wouldn’t mind having caught a mackerel last night compared to what happened. Our photo today explains what happened last night:

Yep. That’s it. It was totally dead out on the river last night, and not just in Home Pool. Talkig to everyone at Lydia’s, it was pretty obvious the river did not perform as expected. Today however, temperatures are going down, and we’ve got what looks like rain clouds outside right now. Let’s hope that’s the case, as a little bit of change would do us well!

Tricorythodes species – #22 male and female

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

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

Heptagenia hebe – Olive Sulphur – #16 & #18

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)

August 26, 2012

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 26, 2012

Our blog host was down yesterday Morning, so my apologies on a lack of post! Nothing too earth Shattering on Friday, great evening fishing for sure! Here’s today’s update –

What a difference just 50 CFS can do. Since the release was increased to 400 out of Cannonsville, we’ve (FINALLY!) had some consistent evening fishing down here (below Hale Eddy). The lower temps mean better conditions for the bugs, who are now more than willing to hatch. The ants were out but not in force, and for some reason they were ignored. I find that unacceptable. That being said, there were plenty of Hebes out, and the fish were keyed in on them, as well as the small flush of #18 deficiens that came floating down right before dark. With cooler temps today and some more cloud cover, this has the potential to be a great day out there from just before lunchtime all the way until dark-thirty.

I get tons of questions about these guys on a daily basis. To put much of it to rest – we do NOT have a sizable hopper ‘hatch’ on the river. Main reason? Not a ton of grassy, open fields adjacent to the river. There are places where you will find them, but they are definitely the exception rather than the rule. Photo by: Jeff White

Tricorythodes species – #22 male and female

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

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

Heptagenia hebe – Olive Sulphur – #16 & #18

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)

August 24, 2012

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 24, 2012

Slightly disappointing out there last night. I got all excited for the ants, and we were seeing them in clouds above the lawn, but they never really materialized out on the water. There was some sporadic action, but nothing overly consistent until near dark, when a flush of Stenos, Sulphurs, and Heptagenia hebes made their appearance. True to form, I left my sulphur box in the car, so I just force fed the fish an Iso dun – works like a charm! Can you say ‘cheeseburger?’ Today we’re looking at slightly warmer temps throughout the day, which is good news as far as ants are concerned. Here’s hoping they’re back out in the early afternoon, and stick around until after the shop closes and I can go after them again!

This explains it all. Image by: Bart Larmouth

Tricorythodes species – #22 male and female

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

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

Heptagenia hebe – Olive Sulphur – #16 & #18

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)

August 23, 2012

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)

August 22, 2012

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 22, 2012

Water! Well, 50 more CFS of it at least. It’s one of those “don’t look a gift horse” scenarios. That being said, just that little bit of water cooled the West Branch down significantly down here, and it is evident from the number of bugs on the side of the house this morning that the insects approve as well. Fishing was decent last night down here as the ‘slug’ of water didnt hit until right near dark. Upriver fished well as the fish and bugs had some time to acclimate to the new found H2O prior to their normal evening shenanigans. Today we’ve got some storms rolling through the area, so we’ll see pressure changes throughout the day, which as we all know will affect the hatching in SOME way – let’s hope for the better!

There were quite a few of these guys out yesterday, but the fish showed only passing interest. 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)

August 21, 2012

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 21, 2012

UPDATE!!!! Just after I published this, the release from Cannonsville has been increased to 400 cfs – it’s not a big jump, but every little bit helps!

What an Olive day yesterday! Rain throughout the afternoon, coupled with humid air and cooler temps made for some really exceptional hatching (well, at least for August!). The fish were up sporadically throughout the day, but when they were up it was a pretty impressive show. The evening shut down a bit early, as the water temps dropped back well below 60. This will make for a later Trico hatch today, but will keep the river from heating up too much, as we are starting near 51 on the West Branch – that’s the lowest it has been in well over a week. The sun will be bright early, but clouds roll in later this afternoon (so they say), which should make for some interesting afternoon action.

A pretty, buttery brown!

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)

August 20, 2012

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 20, 2012

Mother Nature just didn’t want us to catch fish yesterday I guess. Early in the AM the Tricos and Ants were flitting about, and just when it seemed like something was going to happen the wind came up and blew everyone back into the trees. Then the bright sun came out, and not too much went on through the day, let alone the evening. Today we’re looking at a bit more calm in the wind department, and definitely more clouds, with some rain perhaps! One can definitely dream! The cool temps this morning (low 50s) will push the Trikes back a bit in the morning, which is good for all of those who wanted to sleep in a bit!

Tricia used the nice weather to learn to cast with her Uncle Jeff up at our pond recently. 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)

August 19, 2012

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 19, 2012

It was a great evening yesterday, with plenty of bugs and fish rising, especially the closer you came to dark. The only issue was how stinkin’ picky they were. It was one of those “watch them eat an olive, put the exact pattern over them, and nothing happens” type of nights. That being said, we a good customer do VERY well simply blind casting size #18 olive (deficiens) parachutes throughout the afternoon / evening. I will hopefully have a picture from him shortly to share. Today, we’re starting off with a heavy overcast fog, as it got pretty dang chilly overnight. That will likely burn off, and we’re expecting partly-sunny skies. This should give us a nice carbon-copy of yesterday, but hopefully this time with more cooperative fish!

AAAAAH-OOOOOOO-GAAAAH! Photo by: Bart Larmouth

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)

August 18, 2012

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 18, 2012

Well, the rain and clouds were a welcome gift last night, and the West Branch said, “Thanks!” with a pretty good flurry of steno hatching as well as decent BWOs in the evening. Fish were eager to take them, and it was one of the better nights of activity that we have had in awhile. Thanks Mother Nature! Now, today the forecast calls for ‘partly sunny’ and a high of 76. A high pressure system moved in after the rain last night, so I would expect the action to be later this morning, but with the lower temps, we should be in store for a pretty decent summer day of fishing!

The Stenos looked like this. Shocking, right?  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)

August 17, 2012

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 17, 2012

An absolutely gorgeous day out there yesterday, but the bright sun made did not make things easy. As per usual of late, the Tricos were around in the morning before the bright sun made its glaring appearance. You could not buy a bug for most of yesterday, but towards evening we started to see one of my favorite things – flying ants. Big ones, little ones, black ones, brown ones. When I say little, I mean tiny. Fish appeared to be honed in on black flying ants so tiny, maybe a #28, that you could only see them by their impression on the surface. However maddening that may be been, the exciting part was the immense number of brown ants  in flight between the river and the parking lot. These were significantly bigger, probably a #16, and will hopefully find their way on to the water in the next couple of days. I know that I will be ready! Today we are expected to have decent cloud cover for most of the day, followed by a few storms later in the evening. Hopefully this will encourage the Tricos to hang around past morning.

Going through some old images I found this gem of Larry Clark, Sr. giving a Brownie some love!

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)

August 16, 2012

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 16, 2012

Somewhat of an odd day out there yesterday. In spite of the excellent could cover that we experienced throughout the day, and the nice injection of water from recent thundershowers upstream, the insect activity was not what we had hoped for. The Tricos were out mid morning, followed by BWOs here and there throughout the day, but not in the numbers that we have come to expect with a day of cloud cover. The river ran clear all day as we saw a line on thundershowers pass to our South. Today is supposed to be a bright one once the fog burns off, reminding us all that it is still, for better or worse, August.

A Bald Eagle getting just a little bit closer to the water, sitting on the rocks across the river from the Club in Home Pool. Photo by: Bart Larmouth

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)

August 15, 2012

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 15, 2012

Another weird day here on the river. Clouds and occasional showers kept our water temps down, and the air temp fairly cool, but the insect activity we anticipated didn’t really show as well as hoped. Portions of the river fished well in spurts, especially upstream of Hale Eddy. The Game Lands had an hour or two of activity right at dark, but not the ‘all day’ BWO action that the clouds usually bring us. The barometric pressure did fluctuate a bit trhoughout the day as thunderheads moved through, so I’m going to blame the lack of river-wide hatching on that. Sounds like a plan. Anyway, today, we’re looking at a return to our normal August weather, with sun and heat, but not too oppressive. The Tricos should be early today, as we had a fairly warm night, so if you’re not out there already, why are you still reading this? Still? Seriously? Hit the water man!

Sam Dennis took a down river trip with Jeff White and landed some really nice Smallmouth! Looks like she’s even mimicking its fishy face! 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)