Delaware River Report / Conditions May 27, 2012

Man, can these fish be B*TCHY!  System-wide there were bugs and fish at various points throughout the day, with a good flush of bugs once the sun started to drop. The problem was you would see a fish rise three or four times, and just stop for no discernible reason. I personally saw fish mowing down dortheas, then stop like a shift-ending whistle (think The Flintstones) sent them scurrying home even with good numbers of bugs still floating downstream. The other favorite fish behavior of the Delaware Fishermen(and women!) reared its ugly head as well – multiple fish in a smaller pool / area all eating different insects. As a shop manager, I love this, as people burn through tippet like crazy trying to figure out what the next guy in line is eating (and thereby need to purchase more!), but as a fisherman, it drives me insane as much as the next guy. Today looks to be a bit warmer, with mild winds, and the possible occasional thunderstorm rolling through the area. The bugs should continue to hatch en masse, and hopefully the fish will be a bit more cooperative. It is also going to be pandemonium out there with recreational boaters / canoeists / kayakers – try to be understanding and patient with everyone!

NOTE – I’ve added a link on the right to the Main Line Fly Tyers from Philadelphia – they are great supporters of the River, the DRC, and a great bunch of folks to meet if you have the chance! Click Away!

I gave Pete Nalen the short-shrift yesterday by just showing his fish - so here he is with a nice late-night rainbow! Photo by: Steve Shen

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