FISHABLE
Winter flows moderate, technical fishingDelaware River
Current Hatch Activity
Winter midge activity on warmer afternoons. Fish are holding in slower water and deeper runs. Light tippet and precise presentations required.
FISHABLE
Midge dropper (Zebra Midge + RS2) or streamer through deeper runs
Quick Reference
400-450 CFS nearly 100% wadeable. 600-800 CFS 60-70% wadeable, very floatable. 1,000-1,200 CFS requires boat. Above 1,500 CFS dangerous for wading.
45-58°F optimal. Tailwater releases from Cannonsville and Pepacton reservoirs keep temps cold. Wild trout thrive.
Directed releases maintain 1,750 CFS minimum at Montague gauge per Supreme Court decree. Tailwater temps stay cold even in summer when releases are adequate.
Generally excellent clarity. Spring snowmelt and heavy rains can reduce visibility temporarily. The river clears from the dams downstream.
What "Fishable" Means Here
East Coast's premier wild trout tailwater. Clear, cold water and abundant insect life support trophy browns and rainbows. The West Branch is particularly renowned for technical dry fly fishing.
Seasonal Patterns
spring
March through May brings legendary hatches. Hendricksons, Sulphurs, and March Browns provide excellent dry fly fishing. Flows can be high from snowmelt—check conditions.
summer
June through August depends heavily on directed releases. When cold water is released, incredible hatches occur—Coffin Flies, Isonychia, Tricos. Hot summers with low releases can stress fish.
fall
September through November is excellent. Browns get aggressive for spawn. Streamers produce trophy fish. BWOs and October caddis provide consistent dry fly action.
winter
December through February offers solitary fishing on one of the East Coast's best rivers. Midges and small nymphs in slower water. Technical but rewarding for dedicated anglers.
Alerts
Alternative Waters
Beaverkill River
Historic Catskill freestone when Delaware is crowdedWillowemoc Creek
Classic Catskill dry fly water nearbyResources
River Intel Weekly
Weekly flow updates and fishing intel.
© 2026 RiverReports, Inc.