Delaware River Report / Conditions May 20, 2012

Hope everyone wore sunscreen yesterday, ’cause it was a bright one. Unfortunately, the scorching sun didn’t make for the best day on the river yesterday as the bugs and fish decided to lay low as well, instead of getting a tan themselves. Certain sections of the river lit up at night with bugs and fish, but not in the system-wide explosion that we saw the night before. Water temps are also starting a bit higher today, as a result of the bright sun and warm overnight so all those fishing in the early AM may seem some decent activity. That being said, we’re expecting the warmest day yet this month, with temps reaching near 83 degrees, and blazing sunshine again. Here’s hoping that the fish are ready this evening after taking a night off.

Also, as much as it pains me to say, Cannonsville Reservoir is now spilling a modest 180 CFS over the top. This should not adversely affect the fishing too much, so long as the water coming over remains fairly cool. The reason that it pains me as I made a bet with friend of the shop (and lower river guide) Tony Ritter a half dozen of my favorite pattern that the reservoir would NOT spill until Monday. Guess I better get that vise out!

Yep. They're HEEEEEEERE. Green Drakes have been hatching system-wide. This is just the lead troupe, we expect them to start in earnest within the next few days, and peak likely by next weekend. Photo by: Bob Lewis

Hatches:

Stenonema vicarium – March Browns – #10-2xl

Stenonema fuscum – Grey Fox – #12-2xl

Ephemerella dorthea – Sulphurs – #16

Ephemerella invaria – Large Sulphurs / Light Cahills – #14

Ephemerella cornuta – Light BWO – #14 (sporadic)

Ephemera guttulata – Green Drake – #8-2xl

Baetis species – #18 & #20