Delaware Update

 June 7, 1999

 Quick Report: Sulphurs and caddis are regulars on the upper reaches of the West Branch, which is fishing well. Water releases from Cannonsville increased to 300 cfs, bringing water temperatures into the high 50s and low 60s. Flyfishing on the Main Stem remains strong, particulary during the "Golden Hour." Shad are in the Main Stem and East Branch, and available to the flyfisher.

Dear Flyfisher:

Bright, sunny and warm days brought water temperatures into the high 60s and low 70s during the week, shutting off the mid-day hatches and putting fish down. But, fishing remained strong in the early morning and early to late evening.

We started picking up a few shad on the East Branch and Main Stem. You take ‘em where you find ‘em, and it can be hit or miss. Since the fish are migrating, where they are today they’re not likely to be tomorrow. Shad fishing should remain good over the next several days, and it’s a good way to fish during mid-day, when the trout are down and off their feed.

I’ve continued to pick up some good fish during the evening spinner falls on the Main Stem, when big browns and ‘bows are sipping the scum line in the pools and eddies. This kind of fishing is dependent on pinpoint casting and absolutely drag-free floats. It isn’t easy for most flyfishers, but once you get the hang of it, you can fish anywhere in the country.

The Cannonsville Reservoir increased its releases and on Monday begin spilling 300 cfs into the West Branch, which cooled it down nicely from dangerously high temperatures over the weekend. The temperature is now ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s, perfect for flyfishing. The overall water level, however, is still too low for drift fishing, so it’s streamside fishing only.

The East Branch remains in good condition, as it has throughout the season. The river’s water levels and temperatures have been consistent, and its flow has really saved the fishing on the Main Stem this year.

We’ve been fishing from Hancock to Buckingham, Buckingham to Long Eddy, and Long Eddy to Hankins, and have scored some major fish. The best so far has been a 24 inch brown, but we’ve had several others that have come within an inch or two of that fish, and a ton in the 18 to 20 inch class.

There’s a scattering of other flies on the river, in addition to the sulphurs and caddis. We’re beginning to see some Light Cahills, and there has been a report of a good hatch of blue-wing olives (E. cornutas) on the East Branch. There’s also some Gray Fox coming off, enough to keep the imitation working well.

I still have some open dates for the Delaware, so let’s schedule a trip. Give me a call or drop me an e-mail. See you on the river.

– Adrian