Delaware River Report / Conditions May 25, 2012

Well that was a big bunch of bulls*it. I was able to get out and fish the lower east for a bit yesterday, but Mother Nature decided that a normal, calm, bug-filled evening wasn’t in her plan for the day. We had bugs, but every time the fish would get started, the wind would pick up and put them back down again. Move spots, fish start rising, same thing, rinse and repeat until dark. Right at dark, the fish started rising as normal, with a good hatch of dortheas coming off BUT of course they decided to get snotty and not take ANYTHING we had (kitchen sink included) until 5 minutes past dark thirty when some iso spinners hit the water. Unfortunately, the Force was not with me as it usually is that late, and picking up rises and getting the hookset right was not happening. As infuriating as that was, it’s the reason we all keep coming back to this river system like moths to a flame. Otherwise, there was decent activity throughout the day on the Main and West – but the fish were definitely super-selective, making it a bit of a toughie out there for all. Today looks to be a mirror of yesterday weather-wise, with possibly a bit more rain in the forecast. Let’s hope for a decent amount to keep the dam spilling and the water cool!

Deb Nelson last week with one of her FIRST fish on the fly!! (please note, Bruce Miller was awake for the taking of this photograph) Photo by: Fred Nelson

Hatches:

Stenonema vicarium – March Browns – #10-2xl

Stenonema fuscum – Grey Fox – #12-2xl

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

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