The Delaware River

If you live in the east and hesitate to fly out west for a big, wild trout river that produces even in summer, then the Upper Delaware is for you.  The river's substantial main stem is formed by the merger of the East and West Branch in the small town of Hancock.  Since both branches are tailwater, temperatures remain cool year-round (a rarity in the east) and aquatic insect life abounds.  These traits hold true for both branches as well as about 30 miles of the main stem (down to Calicoon).  The only exception is the lower part of the East Branch, which warms considerably in summer (in general, the West Branch is colder than the East).   All three sections provide fine fishing, with the biggest fish in the main stem.  As for scenery, the surrounding softly countoured mountains (or "big hills" as a friend from California calls them) common in the east add a welcoming touch.  Conveniently, the river is no more than 150 miles northwest of New York City.  

The river itself varies in character.  After dropping down some rapids below the dam, the upper West Branch flattens out and flows around modest islands, which gradually disappear and yield to long, wide pools interrupted by shallow riffles.  The West Branch is dominated by browns, with some rainbows and brookies to be caught, and much of it can be waded.  The East Branch is flat, slow and cold in its upper stretches above Shinhopple, not unlike a spring creek.  Here, you are better off in a boat, due to the thick weeds that form in the summer.  Fish in this branch range from brookies in the upper stretch to heavy browns further down as the water warms.  At Shinhopple, it drops down a section of rapids.  The main branch is big trout habitat, with long, deep pools up to 1/2 mile long, riffles, large boulders and steep drop-offs where the river runs up against wooded ridges.  This area can be fished by shore or by boat; wading is possible, but can be tricky.  

When and How to Fish

Most of the river, especially the upper branches, is flanked by tall weeds which induce the trout to feed on terrestrials throughout the summer.  Add to this a plethora of heavy hatches, and you have yourself a veritable feast for the trout -- and sometimes puzzling fishing for the angler.  Matching the hatch can be critical, and the fish are often finicky.  While there are too many hatches to mention, popular hatch patterns include Tan Caddis' from mid-April through early September, Blue-Winged Olives from August through September, and Tricos from August through October.  Note that much of the access land is private and you can enter only with the landowner's permission or with a guide who has already taken care of this for you.  Otherwise, enter from one of about 5 or 6 public access points (you can then wade up and down).  Paved roads line much of the river, and railroad tracks parallel the New York side of the main stem.  One benefit of the Delaware's role as a border river between New York and Pennsylvania is that the states have a reciprocal fishing license agreement for the main stem.  One caveat on the fishing quality:  river flows depend greatly on dam releases, which were low during droughts in the late 1990's.  While trout fishing is still good, it did take a hit during this time and has not recovered 100%.  Nonetheless, do not considers this a reason to dismiss this outstanding river.  Just be sure to call a local fly shop ahead of time to check the flows.  If flows are low, the trout tend to migrate upstream, especially into the West Branch.  The season lasts from the first Saturday after April 11 until September 30.    

Click here to get driving directions to the town of Hancock, NY.  For more advice on when and how to fish, contact the fly shops below or buy a book.  

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