Delaware River
April 17, 2000

• River Level: The West Branch of the Delaware River is flowing at 2,290 cfs and rising. The reservoir at Cannonsville is at 103 percent of capacity and is spilling over. Water temperature ranges from high 30s to low- to mid-40s.
  
  
• Hatches: Little black and brown stoneflies are the order of the day. No siginificant fly acitivity yet, although there have been some scattered reports of blue-wing olives (baetis vagans) and Blue Quills (Paralep adoptiva).
  
  
• Fly Patterns: Streamers, weighted stoneflies and bead head nymphs are the choice for these conditions. Black wooly buggers usually are good producers.
  
  
• 14-Day Forecast: With more rain and continued cool weather in the forecast, the river is apt to remain unwadable. Driftboat fishing along the banks and backwaters can be productive.
  
  
• Other Information:
  
  Dear Flyfisher:
  
  I wound up my season on the Salmon River over the weekend and moved to my home on the West Branch of the Delaware, where I'll be fishing throughout the spring and summer and into the fall.
  
  The West Branch and Main Stem are bank full, and with more rain in the forecast they're apt to remain that way for a while. The East Branch and Beaverkill are also moving alot of water, but top-water fishing is likely to begin there.
  
  The reservoir at Cannonsville, which feeds the West Branch, is full, which means there will be plenty of water throughout the season. The Pepacton Reservoir, at the head of the East Branch, is filling fast, and should be near capacity by week's end.
  
  There should be some hatches over the next couple of weeks, but the best bet for the next week or so will be fishing deep, with sinking tips and bead head nymphs, wooly buggers, streamers and stoneflies.
  
  While the conditions are far from ideal, this can be a productive period, especially for big fish that haven't seen much activity over the winter. Last year, we picked up several big wild browns in similar conditions.
  
  The Catskill rivers are home waters for me, and I provide both streamside and driftboat outings for the flyfisher. I fish both branches of the Delaware, as well as the Main Stem and the Beaverkill.
  
  I'm an independent guide and have fished these rivers all my life. When you book a trip with me, you have more than 30 years of experience pulling for you. I'm pleased to have guided some of the best flyfishers in the country, but I love to introduce newcomers to the sport, too.
  
  To learn more about me, the rivers I fish and some of the people who fish with me, visit my web site at www.fishadrian.com.
  
  -- Capt. Adrian LaSorte