Delaware River
May 18, 2000

• River Level: Drenching thunderstorms have raised the levels of the entire Delaware fishery and cooled the water temperature, creating great fishing conditions for those who have a boat, but tough times for the streamside flyfisher. The West Branch is flowing at 1,610 cfs and rising, with water temps in the mid to high 50s. The East Branch is at 833 and on its way up, with water temperatures in the high 40s and low 50s. The Main Stem is at 4,230 cfs and rising, with temps in low to mid 60s.
  
  
• Hatches: We've been seeing March Browns, Gray Fox, sulphers, and Cornutas (large BWOs), with good sulpher spinner falls in the evenings. Good caddis hatches of brown, gray and blond. Hendricksons and blue quills are over. The hatches are sporadic throughout the day, but top-water fishing has been great.
  
  
• Fly Patterns: Match the hatch, and you'll find trout ready. We've been using March Browns in 12 and 14, Gray Fox and sulphers, 14-18. The apple caddis has been a good producer, too. The sulpher spinner fall in the evening has been very strong, and we've been picking up some big sippers every night.
  
  
• 14-Day Forecast: The long-range forecast calls for occasional thunderstorms and rain over the next week, with temperatures in the 60s. We should continue to see good hatches over the next couple of weeks, with brown and green drakes apt to show before the end of the month. High water levels are likely to remain the order of the day, making it difficult for the streamside angler, but great for the driftboater. The forecast calls for temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s.
  
  
• Other Information:
  
  Dear Flyfisher:
  
  We've been having a ball over the last week, tagging some great wild rainbows and browns on all three rivers in the Delaware fishery -- the East Branch, West Branch and Main Stem. As always, the fishing has been fueled by the prolific insect life on the rivers, which has produced a veritable smorgasbord of mayflies and caddis for hungry trout to feed on.
  
  The high water levels caused by a string of gusher storms has discolored the water slightly, making the trout less wary than usual and far less selective. With these kind of conditions, we're still able to use 4 and 5x tippet, and cut down on the early releases that are common with finer tippet material. But, whether they come to net or not, they all end up back in the river for another day.
  
  It's hard to say whether we've had more fun in the pools or riffles, since we've been tagging fish regulary in both, and we've had action throughout the day.
  
  The March Brown hatch seems to be holding up pretty well. It's a sporadic, unpredictable hatch, but it's a favorite fly on the trout menu. As a result, the trout are always susceptible to an emerger, whether you see March Browns on the water or not. We've also had success on Gray Fox, sulphers, BWOs, spinners and caddis.
  
  The fish we've been catching have been great, too. Strong, feisty browns between 16 and 22" have been the rule, and we've had plenty of 'bows in the air between 18 and 20". I just got a couple of e-mails from clients thanking me for a great outing, and wanted to share this one:
  
  "Dear Adrian -- Thanks so much for the wild day last week. You got me three and I am developing the roll today of the big fish we landed in the evening...Please send me a copy of the fish that you took a picture of in the morning -- the TARPON!"
  
  Actually, it wasn't a tarpon, but we called it one, anyhow. It fought like a silver king and gave us all a thrill that we won't forget.
  
  As an independent guide, my guiding philosophy has always been "fish rule." And, I'll do whatever it takes to make sure that the day is memorable not only for the great scenery these Catskill rivers offer, but for the fish that make their home in them.
  
  I was practically born with a flyrod in my hand, and have fished all over the world. And, while I've had great days in all kinds of water, the fact is that Delaware trout are a special breed. They're a classy fish, and give their all from the time they feel the hook in their jaw to the moment they slide into the net. Catching one is a thrill I want my clients to remember and savor. Their success as an angler is essential to mine as a guide.
  
  I think that's the difference between an independent guide, who depends on his clients to return for another day, and the lodge and fishing camp guides, whose real client is the guy who owns the lodge or the camp.
  
  In any event, when I go out the object is to catch fish and both my clients and I work hard to get them. And we do what it takes -- long days with a fly rod in hand, not sitting in the boat.
  
  Like everyone else, my clients and I enjoy the Catskill environment (it's hard to have a bad day on these rivers), but we cherish the memory of a splendid, fighting trout even more.
  
  If you're looking for that kind of memory, give me a call or drop me an e-mail, and maybe we can hook up sometime soon. You can learn more about the rivers I fish and the people I guide by visiting my website. Hope to see you.
  
  -- Capt. Adrian LaSorte