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River guide · New York

Fly Fishing the Delaware River

The Upper Delaware system on the New York–Pennsylvania line is the East's premier wild-trout dry-fly fishery, anchored by the cold West Branch below Cannonsville Reservoir, the East Branch below Pepacton, and the larger main stem below Hancock. The West Branch at Hale Eddy runs cold and clear, sustaining self-reproducing wild brown and rainbow trout that key selectively on hatches. These are technical, often big-water fish that reward long leaders and accurate casts during prolific mayfly emergences. The river is famous for its Hendrickson, March Brown, sulphur, and Blue-winged Olive hatches from spring into fall.

When to fish

April–June & September–October

Best months: April–June, September–October

  • Best
  • Off-peak

Blue Quill / Hendrickson: Apr–early May. Blue-winged Olive: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.

Today's conditions

Where to fish

Along the Delaware River

The West Branch (below Cannonsville) and East Branch (below Pepacton) and the wild Upper main stem are reached via NYSDEC public access sites and float launches around Hancock.

The water

Tailwater

Key hatches

  • Hendrickson
  • Blue-winged Olive
  • March Brown / Gray Fox
  • Sulphur
  • Isonychia
Hatch calendar

Conditions

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6-day forecast

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Forecast from the National Weather Service ↗

Key hatches & timing

  • Blue Quill / HendricksonApr–early May
  • Blue-winged OliveApr–May, Sep–Oct
  • March Brown / Gray Foxmid-May–Jun
  • Sulphurlate May–Jul
  • IsonychiaJun, Sep
  • TricoJul–Aug, mornings

Fly shops near the Delaware River

Shops and guides that fish the Delaware River. See all 40 New York shops →

From The Fly Bench

Tie the flies that work on the Delaware River

Step-by-step tying recipes & videos for these patterns.

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Gear up

Gear up on the Delaware River

Everything you need before the next trip — rods, lines, leaders, and fly-tying materials.

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Flies that work

The flies that work on the Delaware River

Find the most effective patterns for where you're fishing — and learn to tie them yourself, step by step.

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