Like the West Branch, the East Branch also is a tailwater, controlled by the City of New York, which operates the dam at the Pepacton Reservoir. The "upper" stretch of the East Branch is slow-moving, and is composed of a series of long, deep gravel-bottomed pools that are separated by relatively short riffs or runs.

     Because of the water releases from the reservoir and natural springs, the "upper" stretch of the East Branch remains cool throughout the season, although temperatures do climb during the warm summer months further downstream. Nonetheless, the East Branch maintains an active insect population and a healthy trout population throughout the year. And,.like the West Branch, its hatches can be spectacular. The river typically has excellent hatches of Hendricksons, Green Drakes, Brown Drakes and Cahills that are supplemented throughout the season by extraordinary caddis hatches. It has a season-long supply of olives and sulfurs, and both large and small stoneflies.

     During recent years, access to the upper river has actually improved -- if only because fly-fishing enthusiasts have helped to publish maps showing access points along the river. However, much of the access to the river remains in private hands, and therefore is still somewhat limited to the public.

     The East Branch produces some very large browns and rainbows each year, and its Upper reaches maintain a stable brook trout population due to the many small mountain tributaries that feed it. For the most part, streamside fishing is best on the Upper river, although a few drift boats and canoes carry flyfishers to less accessible stretches.

     The "Lower" East Branch is largely a free-stone stream, with classic riffles and runs, and long, deep pools. Since its flow is also supplemented by the Beaverkill River -- a medium-sized stream -- it can remain more productive throughout the season and particularly near the end of the season. While the lower river can be waded in most areas, some of the deep pools can put rising trout out of reach. As a result, a drift boat or canoe is often a much more productive way of fishing.

     Like the Main Stem of the Delaware, the East Branch also boasts a migration of sea-run shad, which move into the river in mid-May and June to spawn.  These amazingly strong fish can be caught by the flyfisher on bright, jig-like flies and the occasional large dry fly.  They offer the flyfisher a great sporting bonus.

     During especially hot summers, the "Lower" East Branch receives small sustenance from the Beaverkill, and the trout populations will either search for cooling spring waters, or swim up-stream or downstream in search of a friendlier environment. This can enhance fishing on the Upper section, and will sometimes benefit the Main Stem and the West Branch of the Delaware, where the waters are   cooler.

     Of the three rivers that make up the Upper Delaware fishery, the East Branch may well be the most scenic. The East Branch waters often lap the feet of the surrounding Catskill mountains as the river winds through hardwood forests, stands of evergreens and meadows. Wildlife abounds on all sides.

     The East Branch has several stretches of water that are subject to special fishing regulations set by the State of New York. The wise angler would do well to consult the guides published by the Department of Environmental Conservation to make sure that the laws are being respected.

     For the Delaware, I prefer a long, medium- to medium-fast rod for delicate casts and landings. A weight-forward line will be necessary for extra long casts, while 12'  leaders with very fine tippets are helpful, particularly during the mid-season when water levels are low. Throughout the season, the water is crystal clear.

[ The Main stem ] [ East Branch ] [ West Branch ]

[ Delaware River ] [ Salmon River ] [ The Keys ] [ Beaverkill ] [ Willowemoc ] [ Susquehanna River ]