Delaware River Report / Update August 14, 2012

A bit of a wacky day out there yesterday with activity in random places up and down the river. We had Tricos early in the day, with certain sections lighting right up, and others completely dead. Definitely a weird one. The forecast for today and the rest of the week certainly has gotten  more interesting for sure – scattered thunderstorms and rain predicted throughout, as well as some decent cloud cover. This could end up being a spectacular (summer) week here – let’s home the jack wagons making predictions (this one included) get it right!

Yellow Sallies are coming on strong again! 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)

FLOWS AS OF 8:00 AM:
West Branch at Stilesville, NY 345 cfs @ 47º
West Branch at Hale Eddy,NY 366 cfs @ 52º
East Branch at Harvard,NY 143 cfs @ 58º
East Branch at Fish’s Eddy,NY 299 cfs @ 67º
Mainstem at Lordville,NY 784 cfs @ 70º
Beaverkill at Cooks Falls,NY 131 cfs @ N/A
Cannonsville Reservoir Level & Release 71.6% – 325 CFS release

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 13, 2012

As predicted, the Tricos came out in force yesterday morning, right around the time the blog published, and continued for a little over an hour, when the wind blew them back into the foliage. I  just stepped outside to see if they were massing yet, and they are lit up  in the sun over Home Pool, just waiting to fall! That will likely be our morning action for the day, as there is very little cloud coverage predicted. The upside is that we are starting with slightly cooler temps this morning, and the ambient air temp shouldn’t get too high today (supposed to stay under 80). Let’s see what happens!

Can you say TOAD!? Photo courtesy of Jeff Biller

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)

FLOWS AS OF 8:00 AM:
West Branch at Stilesville, NY 345 cfs @ 47º
West Branch at Hale Eddy,NY 366 cfs @ 52º
East Branch at Harvard,NY 143 cfs @ 60º
East Branch at Fish’s Eddy,NY 344 cfs @ 69º
Mainstem at Lordville,NY 876 cfs @ 70º
Beaverkill at Cooks Falls,NY 157 cfs @ N/A
Cannonsville Reservoir Level & Release 71.6% – 325 CFS release

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 12, 2012

Tricos! En masses! Yesterday morning we had huge numbers of these little guys both in the air and on the water, spinners and duns alike, making for some excellent AM fishing. It was cool and clear on Friday night so the hatch / fall occurred slightly later in the morning, around 8:30 or so – great for those of us who aren’t the best early risers. Last night we had cloud cover, so the temps did not drop very far. This will likely mean the tricos are on the water by now already, but with continuing clouds, may carry on for quite awhile. The cloud cover last night also covered up the beautiful Perseid meteor shower – I hope you all got to catch it if you could! Today, we’ve got some showers in the forecast and mostly cloudy skies, which could make for a great olive day out there!

Yes please! 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)

FLOWS AS OF 8:00 AM:
West Branch at Stilesville, NY 345 cfs @ 47º
West Branch at Hale Eddy,NY 373 cfs @ 53º
East Branch at Harvard,NY 148 cfs @ 55º
East Branch at Fish’s Eddy,NY 326 cfs @ 67º
Mainstem at Lordville,NY 830 cfs @ 71º
Beaverkill at Cooks Falls,NY 205 cfs @ N/A
Cannonsville Reservoir Level & Release 71.6% – 325 CFS release

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 11, 2012

Plenty of clouds and rain (finally!) out there yesterday, but unfortunately it did not add a great deal of water to the river flows. On a major high note however, the cloud cover and cool temps kept the river from baking all day, and allowed those who ventured out to enjoy one of the best days on the river we have had in weeks. The olives were fairly steady, and the remaining Dortheas made an appearance as well. Today, we’re starting out with real clouds (not just fog), which will hopefully carry over into the afternoon, when we are expecting some typical summer thunderstorms as we get towards dark. Remember to keep those rods down!

Give it another month and we’ll start seeing Browns with this kind of coloration!

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)

FLOWS AS OF 8:00 AM:
West Branch at Stilesville, NY 345 cfs @ 47º
West Branch at Hale Eddy,NY 377 cfs @ 53º
East Branch at Harvard,NY 156 cfs @ 58º
East Branch at Fish’s Eddy,NY 352 cfs @ 68º
Mainstem at Lordville,NY 811 cfs @ 72º
Beaverkill at Cooks Falls,NY 152 cfs @ N/A
Cannonsville Reservoir Level & Release 71.6% – 325 CFS release

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 10, 2012

Yesterday was one of those days when you just didn’t want to leave the comfort of air-conditioning. Simply put, it was hot and humid as long as the sun was out, which nuked the fishing, leaving not much to do but wait it out and hope it passes. Typical. Sure, it was a lot of waiting, but in the evening there was a major reprieve in the form of a major thunderstorm. You could see the lightning spread across the sky for the better part of an hour. Now, these aren’t the best or… safest conditions for fishing, but that doesn’t stop some brave souls from going after Delaware River Trout! Up around Deposit there were a decent amount of black caddis around the banks of the river and the usual #20 sulphurs during the evening. And of course, lot’s of action but very few hits. Expect to see a lot more rain over the next couple days. Hopefully it bumps the water up and cools the river to make the upper main stem available again.

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)

FLOWS AS OF 8:00 AM:
West Branch at Stilesville, NY 345 cfs @ 47º
West Branch at Hale Eddy,NY 370 cfs @ 53º
East Branch at Harvard,NY 145 cfs @ 60º
East Branch at Fish’s Eddy,NY 316 cfs @ 70º
Mainstem at Lordville,NY 811 cfs @ 72º
Beaverkill at Cooks Falls,NY 143 cfs @ N/A
Cannonsville Reservoir Level & Release 72.6% – 325 CFS release

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 9, 2012

Back to reality last night – our respite from the warmer water temps definitely came to an end yesterday with the blazing sun heating the water up to previous temps. That being said, there was some decent hatching activity last night as we approached dark, with a fairly decent spinner fall right as the light started to fade – it seems some of the sulphurs had just been waiting for the right night to come down onto the water. Today, we’ve got some conflicting reports – possibly daytime thunderstorms with good cloud cover, and also partly sunny with thunderstorms possible in the PM. I guess giving us options is a safer option. Regardless, it should not be quite as hot out there, and that is nothing but good news for all those headed out this evening!

“Piggy” Browns are still out there! Photo by: Bob Lewis

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)

FLOWS AS OF 8:00 AM:
West Branch at Stilesville, NY 345 cfs @ 47º
West Branch at Hale Eddy,NY 370 cfs @ 53º
East Branch at Harvard,NY 145 cfs @ 60º
East Branch at Fish’s Eddy,NY 316 cfs @ 70º
Mainstem at Lordville,NY 811 cfs @ 72º
Beaverkill at Cooks Falls,NY 143 cfs @ N/A
Cannonsville Reservoir Level & Release 72.6% – 325 CFS release

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 8, 2012

The cooler temps on Sunday night coupled with cloudy days both on Monday and Tuesday yielded some excellent evening fishing on the lower West Branch – the best we’ve had in a week or two. Dortheas were popping, as well as those big Golden Drakes – the Potomanthus distinctus! The fish that have migrated up from the Main Stem due to the warm temperatures down that direction were more than happy to take advantage of all the food floating around on the surface! It was again fairly cool last night, so we expect a little bit of a late Trico hatch. Today is supposed to be muggy and warmer, with T-storms appearing sporadically as well, so if that holds true, it is going to be a day of light switch activity -off and on, on and off river-wide. We’ll see if our favorite sooth-sayers (read: weathermen) get it right today or not!

For those who didn’t receive our monthly newsletter (sign up at the upper right of the blog!), you missed this photo of Bob Lewis’ unique technique for instructing school students in something confusing for many of us at one time – how to properly fish from a drift boat! 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)

FLOWS AS OF 8:00 AM:
West Branch at Stilesville, NY 345 cfs @ 47º
West Branch at Hale Eddy,NY 370 cfs @ 53º
East Branch at Harvard,NY 148 cfs @ 59º
East Branch at Fish’s Eddy,NY 352 cfs @ 68º
Mainstem at Lordville,NY 867 cfs @ 71º
Beaverkill at Cooks Falls,NY 162 cfs @ N/A
Cannonsville Reservoir Level & Release 73.1% – 325 CFS release

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 8, 2012

Looking out on the river first thing this morning, I became all kinds of excited – the heavy fog hanging over the water usually means one thing – more water! Needless to say, after quickly checking the graph, I was sorely mistaken. On the positive side, the reason for the fog was the low water temps (usually brought on by increased flows) brought to us by a clear, chilly night preceded by a overcast, cool evening. Just what the doctor ordered to aid with our current high temperature issue. As a result, I would expect the Trico hatch to be later today (likely between 10 and 12), and assuming the clouds don’t burn off too early or too hot, some excellent evening fishing up and down the river.

An oldie but a goodie- Guide Bruce Miller helps great fishermen and friend of the shop Sue Wagner spot fish rising to Tricos on the West Branch. 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)

FLOWS AS OF 8:00 AM:
West Branch at Stilesville, NY 350 cfs @ 47º
West Branch at Hale Eddy,NY 373 cfs @ 52º
East Branch at Harvard,NY 151 cfs @ 59º
East Branch at Fish’s Eddy,NY 421 cfs @ 68º
Mainstem at Lordville,NY 1,000 cfs @ 70º
Beaverkill at Cooks Falls,NY 211 cfs @ N/A
Cannonsville Reservoir Level & Release 73.5% – 325 CFS release

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 6, 2012

That was some much needed relief yesterday, both for the fish and for us humans. Sporadic rain throughout the day coupled with overcast skies helped cool the rivers down a tad, but other than the East Branch system, did not affect flows in a significant way. We are starting with cooler water temps today, which bodes well for some evening activity up river, and possibly some even down here if the cloud cover decides to stick around for a bit. The tricos just started to come out, so the fishing should commence for them in an hour or so, if the wind stays away (which it has so far). Here’s hoping that this heat has finally broken a bit!

A glorious morning for a Smallmouth trip on the Main Stem near Callicoon! 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)

FLOWS AS OF 8:00 AM:
West Branch at Stilesville, NY 350 cfs @ 48º
West Branch at Hale Eddy,NY 377 cfs @ 53º
East Branch at Harvard,NY 153 cfs @ 61º
East Branch at Fish’s Eddy,NY 626 cfs @ 71º
Mainstem at Lordville,NY 886 cfs @ 72º
Beaverkill at Cooks Falls,NY 353 cfs @ N/A
Cannonsville Reservoir Level & Release 74.1% – 325 CFS release

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 5, 2012

Does anyone know when this heat wave is going to break? I think  saw a Brown buying an air conditioner at Home Depot yesterday……. Needless to say it wasn’t spectacular out there yesterday, and even the bugs hunkered down until night before they hatched. The good news today is CLOUDS! At least that is what is being ‘predicted’ – we’ll see what happens. Scattered showers as well, which could do us a huge favor and cool over the river significantly, especially into the evening. Keep your fingers crossed!

A slightly squinty Bruce Miller holds a nice ‘Bow.

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)

FLOWS AS OF 8:00 AM:
West Branch at Stilesville, NY 350 cfs @ 48º
West Branch at Hale Eddy,NY 377 cfs @ 55º
East Branch at Harvard,NY 151 cfs @ 64º
East Branch at Fish’s Eddy,NY 330 cfs @ 73º
Mainstem at Lordville,NY 867 cfs @ 75º
Beaverkill at Cooks Falls,NY 138 cfs @ N/A
Cannonsville Reservoir Level & Release 74.1% – 325 CFS release

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 4, 2012

90 degrees and what feels like 100% humidity. That was at 6PM when we closed the shop last night, and it did not cool down until well after dark had fallen. As such, bug activity was at a standstill until well after the moon had come out, and the fish did not feel much like rising after baking in the sun all day long. Today is predicted to be a xeroxed copy of Friday, down to the prediction of storms that will likely not materialize. Let’s hope for more cloud cover to keep us cool and fishing. Also, if you are driving in on 17 West (i.e. from Downstate / NYC), take the SECOND Hancock exit (#87) – there is a motorcycle rally going on this weekend, and “downtown” Hancock will be quite crowded.

Chris Zando shows off a 19″ rainbow (he’s got big mitts) caught up near Deposit recently. Likely nymphing as he is a heathen. Photo courtesy of the angler.

 

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)

FLOWS AS OF 8:00 AM:
West Branch at Stilesville, NY 350 cfs @ 48º
West Branch at Hale Eddy,NY 375 cfs @ 56º
East Branch at Harvard,NY 150 cfs @ 62º
East Branch at Fish’s Eddy,NY 375 cfs @ 70º
Mainstem at Lordville,NY 946 cfs @ 72º
Beaverkill at Cooks Falls,NY 169 cfs @ N/A
Cannonsville Reservoir Level & Release 74.1% – 325 CFS release

Delaware River Report / Conditions August 3, 2012

It was a cooker here yesterday – you can definitely tell just by the how high the water temps peaked in the late afternoon – Lordville was near 76!! Hancock was over 70 as well, but we take that number with a grain of salt as the gauge is directly below Sands Creek, which comes in fairly warm. As for the fishing it was a mediocre evening, with a short burst of activity right at dark. Today looks to be even a bit warmer, but we already have some cloud cover, and there are storms predicted throughout the day, which should keep the sun at bay for now! Also, be warned that they are ‘working’ on Winterdale Road (our road) today – so it might be rougher than usual. If that is even possible.

Bruce Kutz holds one of his Grandson’s FIRST fish caught on the fly! A nice Chain Pickerel! Photo by: Bob Lewis

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)

FLOWS AS OF 8:00 AM:
West Branch at Stilesville, NY 350 cfs @ 48º
West Branch at Hale Eddy,NY 381 cfs @ 54º
East Branch at Harvard,NY 156 cfs @ 62º
East Branch at Fish’s Eddy,NY 408 cfs @ 70º
Mainstem at Lordville,NY 1,010 cfs @ 72º
Beaverkill at Cooks Falls,NY 187 cfs @ N/A
Cannonsville Reservoir Level & Release 74.7% – 325 CFS release

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