Just what the Good Doctor ordered... It's the Rx for Success! Troy Thompson used The Admiral's Doctor Copper on a tandem nymph rig with Goldfinger on the Big D. on today's float trip and met with success in the fast riffs with a gorgeous 19 inch wild rainbow that took Troy down to his backing on his new Hardy reel.
Doctor Copper is a hybrid of a Copper John and Pheasant Tail tied in sizes 10 through 16.

Great fish for newcomer to the UDR, Troy Thompson! Troy caught this wild 19 inch 'bow near Callicoon on 5x as well as another nice rainbow on top with a Sulphur Parachute in the Callicoon Pool at dusk. Troy, it was a pleasure fishing with you today and I wish you a great season ahead!

Newcomer to the Big D., Paul Custer, nailed this nice wild UDR brownie on top with an Admiral's Sulphur Comparadun at dusk today near The Wire in the Callicoon Pool along with a bigger fish that was an LDR. We had hatches of sulphurs, caddis, Grey Fox and March Browns. Nice fish Paul!

Aye, it's a sad day when you lose your anchor as I did today. This was Marcy now at rest on the bottom of the Big D having served Gone Fishing Guide Service very well after eight years of heavy duty. Marcy was made of cast iron and nary did she ever get wedged in the myriad boulders strewn on the riverbed of this grand river as does those pyramid lead driftboat anchors are wont to do.
Maybe we will meet again since I have triangulated the area where she vanished but it will be when the water temps are in the upper 60s and less current. Auf wiedersehen Marcy!

Nice fish for angler Pat Mazzone of the Nutmeg State who journeyed to fish the beautiful Upper Delaware River today with his buddy Jerry Teed. Both Jerry and Pat had a helluva day catching every fish this river has to offer except for shad. 'Bows, browns, walleye and smallmouth bass came to net for these guys with this nice 17 inch wild brown topping the list. Great fishing with you guys and I wish you a terrific season ahead! Tight lines always.

The Catskill - Upper Delaware River received heavy rain midday Wednesday which discolored most of the feeder streams as well as the Main Stem UDR. The river rose about three quarters of a foot and the water temperature dropped about 8 degrees to the upper 50s. On today's float trip, the clarity was lightly stained with visibility to about five feet.
We needed the rain since our region had been dry for over four weeks and this will extend the shad run as well as continuing the excellent trout fishing by dropping the water temps into the upper 50's to low 60's. Hatches have been March Browns in size 10 and 12; Caddis in size 16 as well as a few BWO's on overcast humid days like we had today.
In fact, we might be receiving even more rain tonight as this screenshot of the radar shows which was taken at 9:10pm; Friday May 10th 2013.

In Ireland, there is the Blarney Stone, in Egypt...The Rosetta Stone and in China, well, there is The Great Wall. Not to be trumped by these exotic locales, on the Upper Delaware River, there is The Lordville Stone.
It's really worth a trip even if you don't flyfish.
Please remember: Parking space IS limited for so make your reservations now!

Big smiles for veteran Big D. angler, Jim Phillips, with a beautiful roe shad that was caught and released south of Long Eddy, New York on today's river adventure. It's always a treat to fish with Jim and his buddy, Tom Biedermann annually. Today, Jim and Tom, caught the "Delaware River Grand Slam" with: a nice 17 inch rainbow, a 20 inch brown, over ten smallies along with a chunky 17 inch bronzeback, three walleyes, two shad (with a few others dropped)... AND a partridge in a pear tree.
No joke. This is what May and early June river fishing is like on the beautiful Upper Delaware River!

Here's Jim again with that fat 17 inch smallie! Nice fish Jim!

Tom Biedermann also got into the action with this feisty buck shad caught north of Callicoon. Gents, it's a pleasure to fish with you and I wish you a great season ahead!

It's always a blast to fish with Andy Vallardares. This afternoon we did a half day charter wanting to try for the evening hatch so we put the boat in at Tower Road at 4:30 and rowed up to Hollisters. Andy nailed a nice rainbow in the riffs using a tandem rig of bead heads - Copper John and Pheasant Tail and dropped two other fish. We then made a slow float down Miller's Eddy and had plenty of targets. This fish was a nice 16 inch brown that ate one of The Admiral's® March Brown Sparkle Dun in size 12. Hatches were quite sparse: March Browns and Caddis. Andy, I hope you have a great season ahead and wish you many tight lines and light breezes!

Recipe of The Admiral's® March Brown
Hook: Tiemco T100; Size 10 and 12
Thread: Uni 8/0 Rust
Tail / Shuck: Brown Sparkle Yarn
Wing: Brown Sparkle Yarn and Coastal Deer Hair
Body: March Brown Wordens Dubbing
Rib: Brown Thread
Thorax: Same dubbing and mix with Hares Ear. (full)

A new fly which can be tied in sizes 10 through 18 which is basically a Rusty Spinner but I've added a Z-Lon post in a bright color like fire orange, lime or chartreuse so that the angler can see the fly under low light conditions.
Hook is a Tiemco T100 dry fly / Thread: Uni 8/0 Camel / Body and Thorax: Umpqua Fine Rusty Dubbing / Tail: Microfibbets Post: Orange Z-Lon / Wings: Splayed - White Z-Lon

Good fish! That's a nice 20 inch wild brown trout that slammed Jim Parilli's offering on today's float trip south of Narrowsburg. Who says you can't catch wild 'bows and browns south of Narrowsburg?
Poppycock! As long as the water temperatures do not exceed 68 degrees, these fish will be here and mostly in the fast pockets and tailouts - in fact, the same areas that hold shad. Right now, water temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the main stem except there is virtually no river traffic on this stretch as opposed to north of Callicoon.

And speaking of shad...here's Jim again with a nice feisty buck shad caught towards the end of a fun day near Fritzie's Funnel. Jim and Mike, it was a pleasure fishing with you and hope we'll get a chance to wet a line later this season for those chunky and fast fighting bronzebacks - the gamest fish that swims!

Macho Macho Man:
Zane Grey Loses World Broadbill Record to a Woman at Exclusive Tuna Club in Catalina Island,California
Which brings us to the following ancedote about Western author, or better, Eastern author of Western novels, angler, bon bivant and world traveler...Mr. Zane Grey whose house overlooking the Upper Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers we saw as we disembarked from our river journey yesterday at the Zane Grey Pennsylvania Access.
It seems that back in the 1920's Mr. Grey challenged the fact that a woman (and a petite woman) bested his broadbill angling record at the exclusive Tuna Club in California.
The Ethics Committee at this august club told Mr. Grey to aplogize to the angler which Mr. Grey declined to do and was sent packing.
Moral of story: Never underestimate the power, will, and talents of a woman angler on board...especially if it is an eight year old female angler!
Great fish Julia! Click for Article.

Great fish and great anglers! I had the opportunity to fish today with Wes Winters and his terrific granddaughter Julia Ketner. Here's Juila, all of eight years old, with a 54cm four pound roe shad caught in a tailout south of Narrowsburg. What a whopper!

One more time for young Julia! This buck shad ripped a lot of line from Julia's Penn reel but she played this fish like a real pro, never losing her cool or composure. Believe me, after 19 years of running charters X 90 trips a season, I've had plenty of anglers with many more years of experience under their belt (or so they would believe) drop fresh sea run shad in heavy current. Not this gal! Hats off to you Julia and may you have many more great years on the water with lots of tight lines and light breezes to come!

Exciting Fishing!
People ask me what happens when there are no hatches and no fish rising?
Well, you nymph the pockets and riffles like we did here. I tend to use a tandem rig (2 nymphs) both in different patterns and different styles. Leader should be 4 or 5x at about 10 feet. Bead Head PT's, Caddis Pupas, Copper Johns and Prince are all good.
Many fish (mostly rainbows) will congregate in the fast water - especially tailouts - looking for a meal of stonefly, caddis or mayfly nymphs that have gotten dislodged under rocks in riffles to be devoured by hungry trout looking for an easy meal.
Look for tailouts, foam seams and color changes which will be depth changes where trout will lie.
This photo was taken of me and my clients by fellow guide, Kenny T. at a secret place on the Big D.. where under penalty of being relocated to guide for snakefish in Central Park, I cannot say.

NYC Water Release...West Side Style!
And speaking of snakefish in Central Park which was widely broadcast on 1010 WINS, The New York Times and other media, as a public service, to those that fish the Upper Delaware River, West Branch and East Branch, which receives its water from the New York City reservoirs, we bring you this impromptu water release which occured on 91st Street and Broadway in Manhattan this afternoon.
And, yes. That is drinking water wetting down Broadway.

Believe it or not, I saw a few size 12 March Brown's on the water near Callicoon yesterday. As Admrial Pete once said, "Sonny Boy, now one fly don't make a hatch!" but it's a sign that this big juicy mayfly is next up as the piece du jour on the Big D.
With the warmer air temps (low 70s) translating into water temperatures hitting 60 as well as no wind, by the end of the day, these Stenos are coming to you and they are just around the bend.
Make sure you have a few emergers like above...

...as well as a few March Brown duns tied in size 10 and 12. Like the March Brown Snowshoe pictured.
P.S.I checked when the March Brown's emerged last year on the Main Stem and it was May 3rd. If you scroll down to that date in 2012, you'll see that we had hatches of these mayflies from May 3rd through May 14th - at least on the Main Stem stretch south of Long Eddy.
Water temps ranged from 52 degrees to 60 and the levels were at 3.9 feet...exactly the same as where we are right now.
There should be excellent dry fly fishing for the next few weeks!
FISH ON!

For the fourth (or fifth) day on the Upper Delaware River we have had massive hatches of caddis - both Apple and Grannom. I've gone through this annual event before, usually in early May, where you windshield gets plastered with these bugs and consider this to be tough fishing since there is so much natural food such as caddis pupas in the water column. Millions of shucks litter the film and the trout have been gorging themselves on naturals. Until this hatch wanes in a few days and the fish begin to get hungry again, fishing will be spotty. That nice 'bow that Rick caught in the Pine Flats riff was on a tandem nymph rig using a bead head Lordville Poo-Pah and a bead head Pheasant Tail - both in size 14.

A nice post-spawn wild rainbow trout came to net for Rick Holt who was nymphing with a bead head caddis pupa imitation near Pine Flats this afternoon. Nice fish Rick!

With the falling barometer, humidity and cloud cover, I had the urge to drive up to Callicoon and put in at Tower to see if there was any surface action at 3:30pm. There was and I was rewarded with a nice chunky 18 inch wild brown. Caddis, Blue Quill and Hendricksons were on the water from 3:30 until 5:00 but, again, that south wind made it difficult to spot risers. Between the wind, I got lucky to spot a few targets and it was...FISH ON!
Get out there and fish!

Busman's Holiday for Tony!
A nice 18 inch brown working on top slammed a hand - tied Size 14 Admiral's Snowshoe Hendrickson. This time I used a dun snowshoe for the wing. See photo at left. They have been an outstanding pattern!

One more look at this beauty before I released her to fight again on the beautiful Upper Delaware River.

A nasty south wind with gusts up to 35mph plagued us throughout the day. Right from the get-go at Long Eddy all the way until the take out at Tower Rd, we had wind...and we had whitecaps in every pool which made rowing, fishing, casting a b****!

That's a pretty Big D. 'bow - close to 17 inches that was caught and released at the tail out of White House Run north of Callicoon.

The river levels are receding nicely and the clarity is good. Decent hatches of Hendrickson and Blue Quill appeared on the stretch from Hancock to Buckingham after 3:00pm this afternoon. A few consistent risers were found close to the banks and indentations since the water is still in the grass. I would say that the next 7 to 14 days - through May 6th, barring any heavy rainfall to blow out the rivers, will be the time to fish for both Hendrickson and Blue Quill. Get out there and fish!

It's always great to fish with Dennis Gaglione whether it be for trout, walleye, smallmouth or shad. Dennis is a terrific guy and excellent angler who has caught (and released) them all. Here's Dennis with a nice Main Stem brown caught on today's float trip on the Upper Main Stem. Looking forward to seeing you in a month Dennis. Kindest regards and tight lines always!

Dennis' nephew, David, also got into the act with this good looking wild brown caught on the West Branch south of Balls Eddy. This was David's first trip to ply the waters of the Big D. and I look forward to some good dry fly action with him later in the season. Fish On!

That south wind from yesterday's trip brought heavy downpours to the Catskill - Upper Delaware River last night with close to three inches of rain falling along the river valley. And, with that, all of the rivers and streams rose two to three feet today and became quite discolored. Today's trip greeted us with a stiff north wind and air temperatures in the low fifties making it seem like forty out on the river. Tonight's temps are forecast to be below freezing - in the mid twenties.

It's great to have Mike Seltzer on board as he always manages to find and bring in the big fish. Two years ago, Mike nailed a trophy 25 inch brown at Harry's Bend across from WBA on the West Branch (see 2011 data) and today near Stockport, Mike nailed this nice 22 inch wild UDR brownie under very challenging conditions. Great fish Mike and may you have many tight lines and light breezes in 2013!

Today's weather on the river was gusty south winds to 30mph causing whitecaps and not much in the way of hatches. A few Blue Quill and Caddis were observed but all in all the dry fly fishing was a bust due to the poor conditions. No matter. In times like these go subsurface with large weighted bead head nymphs like "Purcell's Fancy" from The Admiral's Collection®. Tied in size 10 through 16, this pattern which is a take off on the venerable Pheasant Tail may well save the day with some big wild trout in the net!

What a beautiful wild brown. This fish taped out to 19 inches and was caught and released south of Callicoon on today's float trip. That's veteran Big D. angler, Bill Conley, who didn't let the elements of gusty south winds and whitecaps discourage him as he caught wild browns, rainbow and a handful of nice smallmouth bass. This fish taped out to 19 inches and was released into the beautiful Upper Delaware River to fight again.

One more time for Mr. Conley! Here's Bill with a gorgeous wild rainbow which was 17.5 inches and he had a huge girth. Great fish Bill!

Bill's buddy, and great angler, Joe Paucillo, joined in on the fun with this bruiser of a smallmouth bass also caught south of Callicoon close to shore. We had a ball with the unexpected bass on today's float as well as the trout and found the bass close to shore in indentations. Guys, it was great fishing with you both and I look forward to seeing you again later this season!

More Early Black Stones in size 16, Chimarra (Black Caddis in size 18) were the primary hatch on today's float trip. Flies showed after 2:00pm. We're all anxiously awaiting for the first mayfly of the season - namely, the size 18 Blue Quill (Paraleps) to make their first apprearance as well as the size 14 Quill Gordon.
"Gordo" from "The Admiral's Dry Collection", is a superb parachute fly pattern tied with Z-Lon for the post early in the spring season prior to the Hendrickson emergence. Remember: It's two tails - not three for the QG!

Another great guy and angler is Leo Karpinski. Here's a great trout caught by Leo today on the East Branch near Hancock, New York. This wild fish taped out to 19 inches and had a nice girth. Leo had his hands full since this fish took a lot of line and cleared the water at least twice. Great fish! We had downpours later in the trip which was unfortunate since the day had started out overcast with no wind. Hatches were sparse Chimarra caddis (charcoal) in size 16/18 but no sightings of the elusive Blue Quill. Once the water temperature hits 50 and stays there, we'll see 'em. Right now, the water is clear but still cold - in the mid forties.

More Early Black Stones were the primary hatch on today's float trip. Flies showed after 2:00pm. We're all anxiously awaiting for the size 18 Blue Quill (Paraleps) to make their first apprearance. A little too much south wind with 20mph gusts today for consistent risers or decent hatches.

It's always fun to fish with Mike Breen and his good buddy, Jim Miller, on our April trout floats and today was no different. Here's Mike with a beautiful 19 inch wild brown trout caught and released on the main stem south of Hancock. Water levels are great for floating, a tad stained and still chilly with readings in the mid forties.

There's smiling Jim Miller with a good lookin' wild brown. Not as big as Mike's but, hey, who's counting? Great fishing with you guys and I wish you a safe and terrific season! Tight lines!

The primary hatch on the Big D. right now are these little creatures... The Early Brown and Black Stonefly in size 16. You'll see them flying about on calm days in the early afternoon around 1:00pm until 5:00pm or so.
On our float trip today on the West Branch and Main Stem, we had to deal with a lot of wind but at around 2:00pm south of Hancock when the wind died down for a few minutes and the sun came out, also for a few minutes, the first Blue Quills in size 18 were obeserved. This week could be the first decent hatch of paraleps.

What a great fish for Leslie Yee! Leslie's terrific to have on board and quite an accomplished angler. She braved the wind and cold today to catch this hefty 19 inch wild brown trout on the West Branch a bit south of Balls Eddy. Leslie played this fish like a real pro - no matter the cold, wind and swift river current. We took a quick photo of this gorgeous fish and then released this fish to fight again. Leslie and Adam, it's a pleasure to fish with you and I look forward to our May river trip and more adventures! Tight lines always!

Our maiden voyage of 2013 with veteran angler, Joe Angelucci, with a nice 17 inch wild Upper Delaware River brown caught and released south of Hankins. Tough condtions prevailed on the Big D. today with a nasty cold north wind which didn' let up for most of the trip on top of gin clear and very cold water. A few size 16 Early Black stones were present as well as midges but the fish were hunkered down due to wind and cold.

Here's a fly for those overcast, damp and drizzly days...The Admiral's® Olive Parachute.
Blue Wing Olive's are a season long staple for the trout on the main stem of the Upper Delaware River. They usually hatch in the afternoon time period and almost always on dreary overcast days. BWO's can range from size 14 down to size 20 and I've found that this fly tied in either 16 or 18 in a parachute style is a great imitation for hungry trout on the prowl. The fly sits flush in the water column presenting a vulnerable tidbit for the fish and the white fine Z-lon post available at Blue Ribbon flies in West Yellowstone, Montana functions as a good strike indicator in low light periods. Fish On! Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com
Tight lines! TR

Paul Reichert!

Here's a fly for those overcast, damp and drizzly days...The Admiral's® Olive Parachute.
Blue Wing Olive's are a season long staple for the trout on the main stem of the Upper Delaware River. They usually hatch in the afternoon time period and almost always on dreary overcast days. BWO's can range from size 14 down to size 20 and I've found that this fly tied in either 16 or 18 in a parachute style is a great imitation for hungry trout on the prowl. The fly sits flush in the water column presenting a vulnerable tidbit for the fish and the white fine Z-lon post available at Blue Ribbon flies in West Yellowstone, Montana functions as a good strike indicator in low light periods. Fish On! Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com
Tight lines! TR

Tony Lizza!

Here's a fly for those overcast, damp and drizzly days...The Admiral's® Olive Parachute.
Blue Wing Olive's are a season long staple for the trout on the main stem of the Upper Delaware River. They usually hatch in the afternoon time period and almost always on dreary overcast days. BWO's can range from size 14 down to size 20 and I've found that this fly tied in either 16 or 18 in a parachute style is a great imitation for hungry trout on the prowl. The fly sits flush in the water column presenting a vulnerable tidbit for the fish and the white fine Z-lon post available at Blue Ribbon flies in West Yellowstone, Montana functions as a good strike indicator in low light periods. Fish On! Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com
Tight lines! TR

Bill Hook!

Here's a fly for those overcast, damp and drizzly days...The Admiral's® Olive Parachute.
Blue Wing Olive's are a season long staple for the trout on the main stem of the Upper Delaware River. They usually hatch in the afternoon time period and almost always on dreary overcast days. BWO's can range from size 14 down to size 20 and I've found that this fly tied in either 16 or 18 in a parachute style is a great imitation for hungry trout on the prowl. The fly sits flush in the water column presenting a vulnerable tidbit for the fish and the white fine Z-lon post available at Blue Ribbon flies in West Yellowstone, Montana functions as a good strike indicator in low light periods. Fish On! Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com
Tight lines! TR

Mark Smith!

One of the greatest attributes of guiding over many years is that you get to see young anglers grown into young adults.
Here's Meghan DeCelie about ten years ago with her signature pink Barbi closed face spinning reel with a beautiful 16 inch Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass that she caught by herself. What a smile!

And yesterday, I had the pleasure to take Meghan and her Dad, Frank, down the river where she caught this great looking 15.5 inch smallmouth bass! We even talked her into holding the fish for this great photo. Her Dad also caught a gorgeous 15 inch wild brown south of Callicoon!
Meghan and Frank, it's always a treat to fish with you both and I wish you plenty of tight lines, light breezes and good health for the future.

A winning combination towards the end of the day!
An empty bag of Kei-Techs and an ice cold Yeungling! It doesn't get any better than that!

Master river angler, and all around good guy, Dennis Feivelson, with a very nice 16.5 inch Upper Delaware River bronzeback caught south of Narrowsburg on this afternoon's river adventure. Nice fish Dennis!

Dennis better half, Arleen Feivelson, got into the act too! Big smiles for pretty Arleen with this nice 15 inch Big D. smallmouth bass. Dennis and Arleen, it's always a treat to fish with you and I wish you plenty of tight lines and light breezes!

A winning combination towards the end of the day!
An empty bag of Kei-Techs and an ice cold Yeungling! It doesn't get any better than that!

What a great angling couple! Here's Alan and Deb at the end of day with another nice 15 inch Upper Delaware River bronzeback. Boy, these folks know how to fish this river! Today's river adventure netted them over 80 smallmouth bass! That's Railroad Bridge #9 in the background with big happy smiles! Alan and Deb, it's always a pleasure to fish with you and I wish you many more years of tight lines and light breezes!

A winning combination towards the end of the day!
An empty bag of Kei-Techs and an ice cold Yeungling! It doesn't get any better than that!

The Maestro with a nice 17 inch Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass...

...and The Maestro's lady - The Lovely Deb Johndrow with a sweet 15 inch bronzeback!

Stevie Grumet!

Chris Park!

Steve Alexander!

Jeff Hock!

Steve Oritt!

Welcome aboard Ashleigh Dunton! Ashleigh traveled to the Upper Delaware River from Massachusetts to fish for smallmouth bass with her husband Joe today and they both scored big! Both Ashleigh and Joe caught and released over 40 smallies before we were chased off the river from a wild hailstorm that brought marble sized hail, torrential downpours along with fierce winds and thunder.
We all took cover fast and after a half hour the storm had passed and the intrepid anglers were into more fish before we called it a day at Ten Mile River. Ashleigh and Joe...It was a pleasure fishing with you both and hope to see you again this fall!

Tony Ciccio with a nice bass!

Big Bass! Well, the conditions on the Upper Delaware River do not get any better than this for smallmouth bass fishing. Our river charter today brought to net over 80 fish with the best taping out to 18 inches. That's Troy Thompson with this hefty bronzeback taken on plastics - both Senkos and Kai-Techs. What a day! The water is gin clear, warm and at great river levels. We had the river to ourselves and the bass fishing was great!

Hey! That's Troy's uncle, Harry Walker, with a nice 16 inch smallie. Harry and Troy, it was a pleasure fishing with you and I look forward to a possible flyfishing float for trout later in the season upriver. Tight lines guys!

Nice fish for newcomer to the Upper Delaware River - Jim Parelli! Here's Jim with a dandy 15 inch river bronzeback caught on today's river adventure. This was one of many legal bass that Jim caught south of Narrowsburg using both Senkos and Kai-Techs!

It's always a pleasure fishing with veteran Upper Delaware River angler, Gregg Kroner, and today was no different. Here's Gregg with one of many legal fish he caught on today's river float trip. This fish was a tad shy of 16 inches. Bass fishing conditions are perfect with normal river levels, warm water and gin clear clarity. Senkos and topwater plugs accounted for all of our bass today.

Big fish for Bob Dolansky!
That's a beautiful 18 inch Big D smallmouth bass that Bob caught on today's river float. This fish was caught south of the Narrowsburg bridge. Bob used Senkos and Kai_Techs for most of our fishing charter today.

Wow! Another nice fish for Bob! That's a gorgeous 17 inch Upper Delaware River bronzeback caught by savvy angler, Bob Dolansky, on today's river charter. Bob and his daughter, Talia, fished with me and the bite was soooooo right! Over 40 fish caught and released with over 60% legal size. What did the anglers go to? Senkos and Kai-Techs of course! The smallmouth fishing is excellent and will continue with the water warm, clear and at great fishing levels.

Veteran Upper Delaware River angler, Adam Yee, fished the river today and had a great day. The bite was a tad slow in the morning but improved as the day wore on. Many legal smallies were caught and released by Adam. Here's Adam with a nice 15.5 inch river bronzeback. Great fishing Adam!

Adam's girlfriend, Leslie, joined us on our river adventure too. Leslie has become quite an accomplished angler and it's a treat to fish with her. Here's Leslie with a nice chunky 15 inch Upper Delaware River bass. Adam and Leslie, it was great fishing with you and hope to fish with you in October for trout and walleye!

More great smallmouth bass fishing continues! Today, Jeff Adair came up from The Sunshine State to ply the Big D. and came away with some great light spin action. Here's Jeff with a dandy 16 inch bronzeback caught south of Ten Mile River. The water is gin clear and at great levels.

Jeff's friend Julia also had many tight lines on today's river charter. Julia must have brought over 20 nice smallies to net today using Senkos and Kai-Techs! Here's a nice pix of Julia with a 15 inch UDR smallmouth bass.

Like Father...
Here's Mike Faccibene with a nice 16 inch bronzeback that he caught on the beautiful Upper Delaware River out of Narrowsburg today. Perfect bass fishing continues. Mike and Jack caught 60 bass on a half day charter!

Like Son!
...and there's Jack Faccibene also with a fiesty 16 inch bronzeback that he caught using Senkos and Kei-Techs. Guys, it's always a pleasure fishing with you both and I look forward to more river adventures in the future. Tight lines always!

Hey, let's hear it for Patrick Harrison, Jr. who fished with me and his Pop on today's half day charter south of Narrowsburg on the beautiful Upper Delaware River. Father and son nailed close to 30 bass on a half day charter using - what else? Senkos and Kai-Techs! Here's young Patrick with a nice 15 inch river bronzeback. Great fishing guys and I hope to see you on the river again!

One more time for The Maestro! Alan and Deb fished with me south of Narrowsburg on a different stretch of the river and the results were the same - outstanding smallmouth bass fish from beginning to end! Over fifty fish on half day float with many bass over legal size. Soft plastics were used throughout the float with Senkos and Ki-Techs having great results! Fish On Alan and Deb -- I llook forward to our upcoming river adventures over Labor Day!

A winning combination towards the end of the day!
An empty bag of Kei-Techs and more ice cold Yeungling! It doesn't get any better than that!
The bass fishing on the Big D. doesn't get any better that it is right now! The water is in the upper 70's to mid 80's, gin clear and at great levels. Full day charters are bringing over 50 river smallmouth bass up to 17 inches to net! Tight lines!

What a Day! It's always a treat fishing with Deb and Alan and today was no different. An incredible day with the total catch over 60 fish! At least 60% of the fish were legal. Here's Deb with a hefty 16.5 inch smallie caught in deep water close to Ten Mile River. Nice fish Deb!

The Maestro, Alan Kaufman, is one heck of a angler...an Upper Delaware veteran! Here's Alan with another nice 16 inch bass caught on today's charter. Alan was using Senkos and Kei-Techs on today's river adventure.

We like to see BIG smiles on all of our fishing charters and here's Deb with yet another gorgeous fish! This bass taped out to 16 inches. Deb and Alan, it was great fishing with you both...and I look forward to fishing with you...tomorrow!

A winning combination towards the end of the day!
An empty bag of Kei-Techs and an ice cold Yeungling! It doesn't get any better than that!

Big smiles for John Cregan who caught over 30 smallies on today's river charter south of Narrowsburg on the Upper Delaware River. The smallmouth bass fishing conditions are perfect with water in the 70's, the clarity is gin clear and the levels are normal. As long as we are in this dry warm weather pattern in the Catskills -- the bass fishing will continue to be excellent!

Here's John again with another scrappy smallie! John used 4 inch Kei-Techs for most of the float today on a sixteenth jig and these bass smacked that grub like you wouldn't believe! Great fishing John! Tight lines always!

Wow! What a day for Gary and Steve. For a full day float the guys caught in excess of 70 bass! I would say that 90% of the fish were caught using Kai-Tech grubs on jigs. Topwater plugs and Senkos were used as well. Most of the fish are now in the pockets, riffles and fast oxygenated water since the water temperature is cooking in the 80's. The best fish taped out to 16 inches but of the total count, over 40% were legal fish. The water is gin clear and the smallie fishing on the river is perfect.

Big smiles for veteran river angler and all around good guy, Dave Issacson. Here's Dave with one of many smallies he caught on today's float trip. This nice fish taped out to 17 inches! The water on the beautiful Big D. is gin clear, in the 70's and at normal levels. We used Senkos and Kaitech worms as well as topwater plugs towards dusk and the fish were on them! Great to see you Dave and I eagerly look forward to our trip later this month!

Here's Steve Agoston who fished with me today on a half day charter south of Narrowsburg who nailed this gorgeous 17 inch smallie in about four feet of water north of Railroad Bridge #9. Great fish Steve! It was a pleasure fishing with you.

Ice cold Boddington's, a few fish and a few laughs. It doesn't get any better than that!

Smilin' Dennis Gaglione with a nice shad caught near the tailout of Pine Tree Eddy near Cochecton, New York. Dennis also caught a few wild rainbows, walleye and smallmouth bass on our float trip on the beautiful Upper Delaware River. The water clarity is gin clear, levels are prefect and the company was great. Thanks Dennis and I hope to see you later this season for some fast topwater action with the smallmouth bass!

The Admiral's Sulphur Spinner® from The Admiral's Private Collection.
Photo shown is the pattern in size 18 and blown up 380x.
Here's an a nice Sulphur Spinner which is a fly you'll see on the West Branch of the Delaware and the Main Stem throughout the summer and early fall. As with the Rusty Spinner (see below) trout will selectively sip these spinners after these mayflies mate and fall into the river currents. They present a nice meal for the fish as they drift in the water column and seams.
Don't leave home without these!
Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com

Tight lines! TR

Big Upper Delaware Rainbow!
That's "Chief" Spezio who plied the Upper Delaware River with me and his son today and landed this magnificent 23.5 inch Big D. wild 'bow!
Great fish Chief!
Overcast to start then showers on and off throughout the day brought many flies to the surface and fish to the net. A mixed bag of walleye, rainbows to 23 inches, browns and, of course, smallmouth bass. The water is clear and cool with levels about a half foot above normal
Great fishing conditions!

That's Vince Spezio, Chief's son, with his own beautiful wild rainbow caught north of Callicoon on today's river charter. This fish went to 19 inches and out on a great fight with water temperatures in the low to mid sixties. Great conditions with hatches of sulphurs, Light Cahills, BWO's and Caddis.

The Admiral's Spinner® from The Admiral's Private Collection.
Photo shown is the pattern in size 18 and blown up 360x.
A Rusty Spinner should be a fly pattern in every flyfisher's flybox. For the past few days, spent spinners both sulphur and Rusty (Baetis) in size 18 and 20 have been found floating on the surface early in the mornings. Trout sip these morsels and provide exciting dry fly fishing for those anglers plying the Upper Delaware River at dawn.
Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com

Tight lines! TR

Wow! Big Upper Delaware Rainbow!
That The Maestro, Alan Kaufman, with this huge trophy Upper Delaware River wild rainbow that he caught south of Callicoon. What a fight! Alan caught and released this magnificent fish back into the river to fight again. The water levels are great for floating - about a half foot above normal, gin clear and in the mid to upper sixties. Great fish Alan...and I can't wait for more Upper Delaware River fishing action in July! Tight lines always!

The Little Sulphur® from The Admiral's Collection.
Like the size 18 Blue Wing Olive shown below, The Little Sulphur® uses the same recipe. Dun Microfibbetts tied outrigger style so that this fly sits flush on the surface of the water, Uni-Thread 8/0 Light Cahill for the abdomen, snowshoe rabbit for the wing and then a blend of sulphur fine dubbing from Hare-Tron or Umpqua and mixed with some ice dub in a golden color.
This pattern is excellent during late Spring through the summer especially at dusk. I tie this pattern is size 14 through 18. Photo shown is in size 18 and blown up 300x.
Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com

Tight lines! TR

Nice rainbow for Harry Hunt! This fish was one of many that Harry tagged on today's river float trip. What started out as a cloudy and foggy morning turned into partial sun and warming air temps by mid afternoon. The water clarity is excellent and we had the river to ourselves since we got an early start this morning. There were six rigs at Tower Rd, four at PA Cally Access and eight rigs at Long Eddy so the river is getting a good workout this Memorial Day Weekend. Besides rainbows, our charter caught brown trout and many smallmouth bass.

Hey! Let's not forget about Harry's buddy, Kevin Hebert, who also got into the action as well. Here's Kevin with a nice rainbow caught near Third Riff this morning in the fog. Great fishing guys and have a safe and great season ahead!

The Admiral's® Revenge.
This is another great Upper Delaware River pattern on overcast, humid and showery days when there is a decent amount of tiny Blue Wing Olives on the surface as it was today.
This patter is a hybrid of a snowshoe emerger for the wing and also using Microfibbets splayed outrigger style as in a Comparadun tie. Tied on a size 18 or size 20 - the abdomen is simply 8/0 Olive Uni-Thread and the thorax is built up with a mix of fine Umpqua Olive dubbing and a sparse amount of ice dub in olive for a bit of flash which serves as a trigger.
Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com

Tight lines! TR

Newcomer to the Big D., here's Jim LaRocca with a dandy 17.5 inch Big D. bronzeback caught on this afternoon's river adventure. And what an adventure it was! What started out as a partly sunny, dry and warm day became rain with threatening skies, some wind and distant rumbles of thunder by mid afternoon. Most of the heavy stuff stayed a few miles south of us and it was mostly bass on today's float trip. A few risers turned on when there was cloud cover and then shut right off when the sun came out. Water temps topped out at 66 degrees and the levels are about about a foot above normal. Hatches were Blue Wing Olives, a few sulphurs, Cahills and Grey Fox. All in all a great day to be out on the water and I look forward to getting into the thick of feisty smallies during the summer with Jim.

One more time for this pattern!The Admiral's® Olive Parachute.
This was the perfect day to use this pattern. Cloudy, humid and showers brought out the Blue Wing Olives in force by the thousands on the water. Even in low light conditions, this fly proved itself to be what the fish wanted with a perfect dainty silohette and a white post which rode high in the water column which was easy to see. Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com
Tight lines! TR

Here's a happy angler! It's John Connolly with a great looking 19.5 inch wild rainbow caught a few miles north of Callicoon on today's river adventure. Great fishing conditions with overcast damp showery weather and very little wind. The water is clear and at a good floating speed. Terrific hatches with the low light conditions as well with plenty of Blue Wing Olives in 14 (Cornuta) as well as the smaller BWO - Baetis in 18 - which appeared in decent numbers after 2:30pm. In addition, March Browns, Grey Fox, Sulphurs and Cahills were on the surface. Bug soup. Targets galore from mid afternoon until dusk. From a dry fly point of view it does not get any better than this.
Admiral's Sulphur and BWO parachutes - both in size 18 get the nod today since the fish inhaled these morsels with abandon.

Here's a fly for those overcast, damp and drizzly days...The Admiral's® Olive Parachute.
Blue Wing Olive's are a season long staple for the trout on the main stem of the Upper Delaware River. They usually hatch in the afternoon time period and almost always on dreary overcast days. BWO's can range from size 14 down to size 20 and I've found that this fly tied in either 16 or 18 in a parachute style is a great imitation for hungry trout on the prowl. The fly sits flush in the water column presenting a vulnerable tidbit for the fish and the white fine Z-lon post available at Blue Ribbon flies in West Yellowstone, Montana functions as a good strike indicator in low light periods. Fish On! Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com
Tight lines! TR

Nice fish for Adam Yee! Yep, here's Adam with a feisty 19 inch wild brown caught in the Callicoon Pool before we wrapped up for the day on today's river float trip. Adam and his pop, Albert, caught an Upper Delaware River Grand Slam on this stretch. They were into a few nice rainbows, browns, two walleye, smallmouth bass and some hefty roe shad (3 to be exact) before the fish had other ideas and went airborne. All in all, a great day to be out on the water. Bluebird skies, light breezes and dry. We saw only one other driftboat and a handful of kayaks for a Sunday in May.

Here's a scan of the fly that Joe used for the past two days on the Main Stem Upper Delaware River.
It's called Uncle Wabbitt's Snowshoe Sulphur and is part of The Admiral's® Exclusive Warchest of Go-To flies. Tied in size 16 and 18.
I use 8/0 Uni-Thread for the abdomen and Caucci-Nastast spectrum dub for the thorax on a TMC 100 dry fly hook. A bit of antron for the trailing shuck and some of Nick Masi's snowshoe rabbit for the wing and you're ready for action!
Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com
Tight lines! TR

That Joe Lamberti sure knows how to fish the Upper Delaware River! Joe came back for more fun on the big river today and we floated a different section than yesterday. Joe caught and released this beauty in the Callicoon Pool this morning. It was a cloudy morning giving way to rain in the afternoon with a few targets. Hatches were weaker than in previous days with a few March Browns, Grey Foxes, sulphurs and caddis leading the list.
Great fish Joe and I look forward to seeing you this summer for some fast action with those scrappy Upper Delaware River smallies!

The Upper Delaware River came alive with thousands of Sulphurs on our trip and this fly called the Admiral's® Sparkle Sulphur was what those fish wanted.
Tied in size 16 and 18. A sparkle dun pattern attributed to Craig Matthews of Blue Ribbon Flies in Montana. Or really, his improved sparkle dun since part of the Z-Lon makes up the post of the wing as well as the trailing shuck.

Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com
Tight lines! TR

It was an Upper Delaware River Royal Flush (rainbow, brown, walleye and smallmouth bass) for veteran Big D. angler, Joe Lamberti, but the highlight of the our float trip today was Joe nailing this chunky 17 inch wild brown on top using a size 16 Admiral's® Snowshoe Sulphur on 5x in Poplar Alley a few miles south of Hankins, NY. Hatches were sulphurs in 16 and 18; March Browns in 10/12; Grey Fox in 14 small BWO's and caddis in 16. The river levels continue to recede and the clarity is excellent. A Sunday in May and we saw only one other private driftboat and no rigs at Tower Road. It was great fishing with you Joe!

The Upper Delaware River came alive with thousands of Sulphurs on our trip and this fly called the Admiral's® Sparkle Sulphur was what those fish wanted.
Tied in size 16 and 18. A sparkle dun pattern attributed to Craig Matthews of Blue Ribbon Flies in Montana. Or really, his improved sparkle dun since part of the Z-Lon makes up the post of the wing as well as the trailing shuck.

Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com
Tight lines! TR

Big smiles for Jim Phillips who braved the stiff north wind today by catching this nice 19 inch wild brown south of Hankins, New York. On our river float trip today we had bluebird skies, clearing water and river levels are about a foot above normal which made for a speedy trip due to north wind throughout the day with gusts to 35mph. There were hatches even with the wind. Major bugs on this stretch of the Big D. were sulphurs in size 16 with the occasional March Brown but sulphurs ruled. However, with the steady wind targets were few and far between. Best fish was a hefty 21 inch brown that was photo shy and jumped back into the river caught by savvy angler Tom Biedermann. Great fishing with you guys and have a terrific season!

Andy and I fished the West Branch Delaware today and as far as fishing conditions, it couldn't get much better. Overcast, slight drizzle and not much wind. We had hatches galore - March Browns, BWO's, some sulphurs and lots of caddis. After trying a few mayfly patterns, we switched to this size 16 grey caddis and fish were on this bug in no time.
I call it The Admiral's Dress Grey Caddis. An adoption from the standard Elk Hair Caddis but with an underwing of tan CDC and a sparse collar of grouse or partridge wound twice.
Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com
Tight lines! TR

It's always a treat to fish with Andy Valledares and today was no different. Here's Andy with a nice 17 inch West Branch wild rainbow caught south of Balls Eddy on this afternoon's float trip. Sorry about the photo! That's what happens when you leave a cellphone in your damp rainjacket...the lens fogs up! Oh well, at least the fish looks good.
A half day trip which started off windy and chilly with on and off showers. The bugs and fish didn't mind however with plenty of BWO's in 14 and 18, Caddis in 16 and even a few big March Browns. We had plenty of opportunites and a mix of browns and 'bow were in the net and a few larger fish had a mind of their own and did a LDR (Long Distance Release) a few times. The water levels on the West Branch are perfect for floating and wading and the clarity is good. Close to 15 rigs at Shehawkin when we took out at 7:00pm tonight. Let's do it again Andy!

Here's a fly for those overcast, damp and drizzly days...The Admiral's® Olive Parachute.
Blue Wing Olive's are a season long staple for the trout on the main stem of the Upper Delaware River. They usually hatch in the afternoon time period and almost always on dreary overcast days. BWO's can range from size 14 down to size 20 and I've found that this fly tied in either 16 or 18 in a parachute style is a great imitation for hungry trout on the prowl. The fly sits flush in the water column presenting a vulnerable tidbit for the fish and the white fine Z-lon post available at Blue Ribbon flies in West Yellowstone, Montana functions as a good strike indicator in low light periods. Fish On! Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com
Tight lines! TR

Big Bow for Ralph Petricone!
Yes. That's a real nice fish for Ralph Petricone. This wild West Branch rainbow taped out to 21 inches and was caught a bit north of the Amen Pool on the West Branch Delaware on today's river charter. The West Branch had visibility to about three feet but plenty of bugs - Size 16 Tan Caddis, March Browns and BWO's - and excellent targets as well. Ralph Sr. and Ralph, Jr. caught a nice mix of browns and 'bows on both the West and the Main. The Main Stem has more stain due to the East Branch / Beaverkill dumping in. We had the river to ourselves today with a few boats - most opted to float the upper West Branch and left most of the fish for us.

Like father...like son! Here's Ralph Petricone, Jr. with one of many wild browns he caught on today's river float. This fish came from the Main Stem at the Bard - Parker Pool and took one of Ralph Petricone's dry flies. His own creation but those fish were on that fly like something else. A size 16 tan Henryville Petricone. Great fly...great fishing...great anglers!

The Admiral's® Happy Hour Charter: For those dry fly anglers that would like to get a full day's work in and hit the river after work for great topwater flyfishing from 5 'til dark!
What an evening bite we had today. Overcast and light showers at around 5:00pm as we embarked from Tower Rd. north of Callicoon. We rowed up towards Hollisters and the fish were working like bluefish on a feeding blitz. Plenty of targets to go around and the hatches were March Browns, sulphurs and caddis.
Yep! Again this was the fly that was used this evening that was the trouts piece de resistance. We caught big rainbows and browns with this baby.
It's the Admiral's® March Brown tied in size 12. A sparkle dun pattern attributed to Craig Matthews of Blue Ribbon Flies in Montana. Or really, his improved sparkle dun since part of the Z-Lon makes up the post of the wing as well as the trailing shuck.
Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com
Tight lines! TR

Master Upper Delaware angler and good buddy, Howard Braunstein, with a gorgeous 22 inch wild Big D. rainbow caught on top using 5x and a size 12 Admiral's® March Brown. Great fish Howard!

Hey! Here's Howard's buddy and excellent river angler, Mark Escobar, with another hefty wild brown trout. This fish taped out close to 19 inches and was also caught on top using The Admiral's® March Brown fly.
Mark and Howard, it's always a pleasure fishing with you both and hope to wet a line with you again later in the season. Tight lines always!

The Admiral's® Happy Hour Charter: For those dry fly anglers that would like to get a full day's work in and hit the river after work for great topwater flyfishing from 5 'til dark!
What an evening bite we had today. Overcast and light showers at around 5:00pm as we embarked from Tower Rd. north of Callicoon. We rowed up towards Hollisters and the fish were working like bluefish on a feeding blitz. Plenty of targets to go around and the hatches were March Browns, sulphurs and caddis.
Yep! Again this was the fly that was used this evening that was the trouts piece de resistance. We caught big rianbows and browns with this baby.
It's the Admiral's® March Brown tied in size 12. A sparkle dun pattern attributed to Craig Matthews of Blue Ribbon Flies in Montana. Or really, his improved sparkle dun since part of the Z-Lon makes up the post of the wing as well as the trailing shuck.
Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com
Tight lines! TR

Fishing with veteran Big D angler, Greg Kroner, is always a blast and today was no different. What started out as perfect fishing conditions - overcast with no wind - turned into a sunny and warm day by mid afternoon. March browns, BWO's, caddis and sulphurs were the bugs and Greg nailed this nice wild 'bow a bit south of Kellams Bridge in the tailout as the day began. Nice fish Greg!

Those 'bows love that fast oxygenated riffs and the tailout of Whitehouse Curve near Sippin' Hole was very good to Greg. Look at that smile! That's a nice 19 inch hefty Upper Delaware rainbow. Greg, it's always a pleasure fishing with you and I'll see you this summer for some fast bass action on the Big D.!

Yours truly got into the action as well with this nice wild brown. We had found a pod of trout rising to March Browns during the late morning a bit north of Hankins Creek in a slick on the Pennsy side. I tied on an hand tied Admiral's March Brown Sparkle Dun in size 12 (see photo at left) and these fish annilihated the fly! In fast water, anchored up - there's nothing more exciting than a wild trout smashing a dry using 6x tippet. What a fish! What a river!

Wow! Look at this guy's maw. Watch out for those sharp teeth! And no...Leo didn't catch this fish on 5x tippet! We had to settle for 1x! Great fish Leo!

All around great guy and river angler, Leo Karpinski, spent the afternoon on a river adventure with Gone Fishing Guide Service today. We launched at 2:00pm on a half day charter and were rewarded with a mixed bag. Wild trout, smallmouth bass, two walleye and this trophy 26 inch chain pickerel! The water is gin clear and a tad over normal levels. Excellent hatches of sulphurs appeared after 3:00pm south of Callicoon with a few targets. The day was overcast, chilly and damp but Leo and the crew had a great day on the beautiful Big D.!

Wow! Big 'Bow
You bet! What you see is a hefty 20 inch wild Upper Delaware River rainbow caught by Bill Conley. Fishing with Bill is a treat and Mr. Conley has a way of catching some trophy fish whether they be smallmouth bass, shad - and in this case a beautiful wild trout! Nice fish Bill! In addition to this fish, more rainbows were caught along with some big smallmouth bass taping out to 17 inches. The river levels continue to recede and we did not find that much didymo on todays float trip possible due to colder water temperatures which maxed out at 50 degrees at takeout time. Excellent hatches of BWO's, sulphurs and March Browns north of Callicoon from 3:00pm to 5:00pm with plenty of targets. Light river traffic for a Saturday too. It was a great day to be out on the water in Catskill - Delaware Country.

Bill's buddy, Danny Paesano, got into the action as well with this beautiful wild Upper Delaware River rainbow. It doesn't get any better than that! Great fishing gents!

It's always a fun time to fish with Jim Miller on his annual river charters on the Big D. and this time it was no different. Here's Jim with a nice walleye caught on today's float trip on the beautiful Upper Delaware River near Pine Tree Eddy north of Cochecton, New York. The river levels rose about two feet since we received rain about two days ago but are now receding. The water clarity is stained with visibility to about three feet. In addition, the water temperature got cold - it only topped out to 50 degrees which is down from a high of 64 degrees only a few days ago when the river levels were at three feet with lots of exposed rock and streambed.

Towards the end of the day, we had a few nice targets north of Callicoon as the weather got cooler and it became overcast. Here's yours truly, with a nice 20 inch wild brown taken on 6x. The fish ate the size 18 dry called Admiral's® Blue Quill which is one of the Admiral's® Reserve™ patterns. This pattern can double for small BWO's or Baetis on any overcast day and uses pheasant tail for the abdomen, Antron for the shuck and dun colored snowshoe for the wing. I tie this fly in size 18 and the trout hit this fly like there's no tomorrow.

Hey, here's veteran angler, Rich Quigley, with one of many 'bows and browns that this savvy angler caught on today's river adventure. Our crew caught browns, rainbows, two walleye and many smallmouth bass. Sunny and warm to start our trip and then becoming cool and gray as we took out. The water is at low levels and gin clear.

They are here! The Upper Delaware River shad run has begun! Come and get 'em!
Well, that's exactly what Jim Kelly did on today's float. Boy, did Jim have his hands full when this big roe shad took off and peeled line off his reel. Jim was wading and nailed this fish in [DELAWARE RIVER SPOT BURNING WARNING #1] Wong's Tilapia Run - a bit south of Callicoon on the beautiful Upper Delaware River. Great fish Jim!

Jim's buddy, Tom Warner, also got into the action on today's fishing charter. In fact, Tom netted three browns and four wild rainbows! Here's smiling Tom with a chunky wild Big D. brown.

One more time for Mr. Warner! Tom was wading in low gin clear water at the tailout of Hollister's north of Callicoon when this silver bullet hit and it was off to the races for Tom! Guys, it was a pleasure fishing with you today and hope to do it again! Tight lines!

Veteran angler, Joe Angelucci, had a ball with the wild 'bows and browns on the main stem of the Upper Delaware River near P*** F**** on today's float trip. Here's Joe with a nice chunky brown!

Joe's buddy, Keith Hamilton, got into the fast trout action as well near...[OMITTED: SPOT BURNING!] Nice wild brown for Keith. Guys, it's always a pleasure fishing with you on the Beautiful Big D. on the maiden voyage of 2012!

Pine Flats on the Upper Delaware River near Callicoon has become so hot that we're selling these cool T-shirts at the upcoming 2012 Narrowsburg RiverFest and Callicoon Tractor Parade! Would you like one? email me at tony.ritter@gmail.com

Wow! Here's Jeff Bahm with a big 25 inch walleye caught near Big Island. This fish had a big girth and weighed in close to five pounds! Nice fish Jeff!

One More Time for Jeff! Great fish!

Nice wild trout for Mary Bermudez! Mary nailed this gorgeous 19 inch wild brown a bit south of Callicoon on this afternoon's fishing charter and played this trout with great skill. Mary and Jeff, it was a pleasure fishing with you both and hope to see you next Spring!

...and one more time for Mary! Look at the great smile! That's what it's all about - Fishing on the Upper Delaware River!

What a gorgeous day to be out on the river! Early fall conditions in November...we'll take it! Here's Jason Siegel with a nice 16 inch wild Upper Delaware River rainbow. It was a mixed bag on today's river float trip and with the weather, scenery - catching fish was a bonus! The Big D.! What a great resource!

You just never know what you'll come back to after a day's fishing on the beautiful Upper Delaware River.

Master angler and all around great guy, Howard Braunstein, plied the Upper Delaware River this afternoon and caught this handsome 20 inch wild rainbow among other 'bows and browns on our float trip. The weather was excellent with cloud cover, no wind and good clarity on the East (NY) side of the big river.

One more time for Howard! This time it's a nice 18 inch wild rainbow. It just doesn't get any better than this: peak fall foliage, fish on the feed, great fishing weather and good friends! Howard, it's always a pleasure fishing with you and I wish you more tight lines and light breezes during the fall season!

Howard's buddy, Mark Escobar, is also a great angler and this 17 inch wild brown isn't too shabby either. Mark and Howard are terrific company on board and they make guiding a holiday. Thanks guys...I look forward to seeing you on the river again!

It was a slow half day float on this section of the river eventhough we had another Indian Summer day with beautiful weather and almost peak fall foliage. A few smallmouth bass and this huge 27 inch chain pickeral that angler, John Cregan, nailed in a pool south of Callicoon. That's quite a fish and take a look at the size of his mouth! The Upper Delaware River - you just never know what you'll catch!

Well, it's mighty hard to top a fish like the 24 inch bruiser that we caught yesterday but this sweet wild brown sipped in one of my Admiral's Sulphur's dries midafternoon in the Ol' Pumphouse Eddy a few miles north of Callicoon. It was a beautiful day with one man on board. The fishing was slow with a nice rainbow dropped and a few smallies that came to net. The water clarity was much better in this stretch along with the water temperatures ideal in the upper fifties. The river levels, however, are still about a foot plus above normal.

Main Stem Big Bad Girl! Newcomer to the Big D., Matt Anderson, nailed this gorgeous 24 inch 5 pound hen on this afternoon's river adventure south of Hancock on the Main Stem. And what an adventure it was! This fish slammed Matt's lure and shot out of the water like a rocket! Matt played this wild trout with skill and released her back to fight again. Besides this wonderful fish, Matt caught a mixed bag of browns and rainbows.
What a fish...what a river...what a day and the beautiful weather was icing on the cake!

What a gorgeous day to be out on the river! Sunny, crisp and...just right! Big smiles for newcomer Tom Ferrick! Here's Tom with one dandy wild brown trout he caught on today's river charter. The West Branch is very stained but we managed to catch a few before we hit the main stem where the water clarity improved.

It was a great mixed bag for Tom on today's river adventure. Here's Tom with a nice 21 inch toothy walleye. Tom, it was a pleasure fishing with you and I eagerly look forward to seeing you again soon. Tight lines always!

Nice 22 inch walleye for Greg Puzio! Great to fish with Greg on today's river adventure on the West Branch and Main Stem. This nice fish was caught south of Hancock, New York along with browns and 'bows!

Let's give a Big D. hello to Bruce DeMolli who nailed this 18 inch wild rainbow on the West Branch of the Delaware near Balls Eddy. The water clarity is very stained on the West but clears considerably as the East Branch mixes with the West south of Hancock. Not much surface action with sparse hatches of caddis, Isos and small BWO's.

Nice wild brown trout for Leo Karpinski! It's always a pleasure to fish the Big D. with Leo and Vince and today was no different. We launched out of Hancock on the East Branch where the water clarity is terrific. Many browns came to net along with a walleye. A few bugs made their appearance too by 3:00pm. Not many - but a few caddis, Isos and small BWO's.

Here's a nice 20 inch walleye that Vince Raupers caught in Jolly Pines Pool. Vince also had a ball with the wild trout on today's river charter on the beautiful Upper Delaware River.

It's always a great time to have the Yee family on board. They're great anglers and eventhough it was a tad slow on the West Branch this morning, the Main Stem came alive after lunch. Here's Andrew Yee with a nice 18 inch wild brown caught and released south of Stockport on the Big D. this afternoon.

Like father...like son! Welcome aboard Albert Yee! Nice 17 inch wild 'bow for Albert who also caught a few wild browns too!

One more time for Albert! This time it's a nice West Branch wild brown trout. The West Branch clarity is quite stained compared to the Main Stem and the levels on all rivers are at least two plus feet above normal.

What a beautiful day to be out floating down the Upper Delaware River! Blue skies, warm breezes and fish on the feed! You always know it's a lucky day when the beautiful and talented Lady Rose plies her skills on the Big D. - and not only with the wily wild trout but also with the walleye and bass! Here's love Rose with a sleek 18 inch wild 'bow caught and released near Stockport this afternoon.

Well, The Maestro, Alan Kaufman, also got in a few tight lines on today's charter. Right from the get-go, Alan nailed a nice East Branch brownie and then went to town on the rainbows, walleye and bass to round out a great mixed bag on the East Branch and Main Stem!

This smallie has been eating well! Lady Rose caught and released this bronze beauty south of Hancock. What a day! Memorable fun company, beautiful weather and hungry fish - it just doesn't get any better than this!

Now in most circles of the Northeast, Alan Kaufman's wild trout (seen above) would be a respectable 16 inch brown. Alan caught this nice fish a bit south of Balls Eddy on today's charter.

Hawg Wild West Brown!But this is the West Branch of the Delaware River where the fish get big and under these conditions where the water has a heavy stain and is up on the grass you just never know when Walter will appear and nail a fly or lure. Well, today was the day that big fat sloppy Walter came out of his haunt near Sands Creek and smacked The Maestro's lure on four pound test and took off like a shot! Alan, a veteran Big D angler, had skill and composure to play Walter for a few minutes until yours truly netted him. We took a few photos of Walter before releasing him into West Branch to fish again. Quite a day, quite a fish...and we can't wait to do it again!

More big wild browns! Yessir! Here's Gregg Kroner with a 20 inch wild west Brown that he caught on today's float trip on the West Branch of the Delaware River. Gregg must have had divine inspiration since this big fish was caught and released in the Amen Pool just above Hancock. This fish was one of many trout that Gregg caught and released on today's river adventure. The river height is about a foot plus above normal with a heavy stain on the West Branch and clearer by the time you hit the Main with the East Branch mixing in. Water temperatures are in the high fifties throughout the system - East Branch, West Branch and Main Stem - all the way south for 50 miles to Barryville. Great trout and walleye fishing!

Bill Hook traveled to the beautiful Upper Delaware River today and it was a pleasure to fish with him on a half day float trip south of Callicoon, New York. Here's Bill with a 21 inch wild Brown trout caught a bit south of Callicoon on the Big D.

The first of two huge rainbows caught by savvy angler, Bill Hook! This fish taped out to 18 inches.

Near Pine Tree Eddy north of Cochecton in the late afternoon, Bill hooked into this monster rainbow and this gorgeous fish measured out to 22 inches! On this half day charter, Bill not only caught big wild rainbows and browns - but also smallmouth bass, perch and a big pickeral! What a day...What a river! The beautiful Upper Delaware River!

Newcomer to the Big D is smiling angler, Adam Gazdalski, who caught this legal walleye on today's float trip south of Callicoon. Adam and his Dad netted a few walleye and some nice feisty bass along with a few other larger fish that had a mind of their own and didn't come to net. All in all, it was a beautiful day to be out on the Delaware River with bluebird skies and a Big D mixed bag. The water remains about a foot and a half above normal, stained and quite cool for mid September - in the mid 50s.

Hawg Wild on the Wild West Branch!Next day...different stretch! Yes sir! It's Chris Bahara again with a trophy Wild West Branch brown trout caught minutes after departing on today's river adventure near Balls Eddy. This fish taped out to over 22 inches. Chris nailed over 14 wild browns plus a rainbow to boot on both the West Branch and the Upper Main Stem. This was Chris' first voyage on the beautiful UDR and I wish him every success and hope to wet a line with you again!

Hey, let's not forget about Joe Pusateri, who fished with Chris on today's float trip. Here's smiling Joe with a hefty 20 inch wild brownie caught near the Methodist Pool north of Hancock, NY.

One mo' time for Chris Bahara! Here's a dandy 21 inch wild brown trout. Guys, it was a pleasure fishing with for the past two days and wish you tight lines and light breezes!

22 inch Wild West Brown!Keystone anglers, Chris Bahara and his Dad, floated with me on the West Branch of the Delaware River today and the guys were into plenty of action with the wild trout. Our boat caught in excess of 15 trout with a few taping out at over 18 inches. Here's Chris with a beautiful 22 inch brownie caught a few hours into our float south of Deposit, NY. It was great fishing with you guys!

A Big D. bronzeback for Big D.! That all around great guy and excellent river angler, Dennis Feivelson, with a super river bronzeback caught in the fast water near Ten Mile River this afternoon. Dennis and his wife, Arlene, fished the beautiful UDR and had a ball with the fesity smallies under partly sunny skies and light river traffic. The water was a tad cool and the river height was up a foot but the water clarity was A-OK and the bass bite became better as the water warmed up. It's always a pleasure fishing with Dennis and I wish him and his wife tight lines and light breezes for the balance of the season.

It's always great to have veteran angler, Frank DeCelie, on board. Here's Frank with a beautiful 23 inch walleye that he caught right out of the gate near Ten Mile River on our float trip today. Frank, fishing solo, had a field day with the smallmouth bass catching in excess of twenty five bass using Senkos. Crisp, dry, fall like conditions and a light north breeze were with us throughout the day making it a glorious day to be out on the water.

Excellent topwater action using Tiny Torpedos and Chug-Bugs on the river today south of Narrowsburg. The conditions were perfecto! Ovecast with a slight drizzle and no wind. The water is clear and about a half foot above normal. Yours truly got into the action with this nice smallmouth taping out at 17 inches. Many bass up to 17 inches took topwater plugs as well as Senkos.

Wow! Here's veteran Upper Delaware River angler, Joe Lamberti, with a huge 24 inch river pickeral that he caught on today's fishing charter south of Callicoon, New York. Nice fish Joe!

It wouldn't be a great fishing charter on this stretch without tying into some golden walleye and here's Ol' Marble Eyes that Joe caught in addition to plenty of scrappy smallmouth bass - many of which were caught using topwater plugs throughout the day. What a day...and what a mixed bag on the beautiul Big D.!

Big smallie for George Mattheo! Newcomer to the Upper Delaware River, George Mattheos, fished on a charter with his Dad today and nailed many smallmouth bass. This bronze beauty taped out to 17 inches! Great fish George and I wish you many tight lines in the years ahead.

Summertime conditions on the Big D. continue and the smallmouth bass are in a festive mood! They're hitting soft plastics and topwater plugs with abandon. Here's Pat Linehan - all smiles - with this beautiful 15 inch river bronzeback caught near the confluence of Ten Mile River on today's float trip with his brother Tim. Tim and Pat brought in close to forty fish on our half day float trip using Senkos. Way to go guys! It's always a pleasure fishing with you both and eagerly look forward to more fishing trips this season.

Getting toasty out there. Water temperature on today's float trip south of Narrowsburg went past eighty degrees at Zane Grey when we took out. No matter. Our charter caught more than fifty smallmouth bass using Senkos and topwater plugs. Here's Jack Faccibene with one of many legal bronzebacks he and his Dad caught and released today. Guys, it's always a pleasure fishing for smallies with you and hope to do it again in September!

BIG BOW!Veteran UDR and West Branch Delaware Angler, Howard Braunstein, fished the Wild West Branch with me this afternoon and evening and nailed this gorgeous 20 inch wild 'bow in the skinny fast riffles above Home Pool. Besides this beauty, Howard also got into some dry fly action along with his buddy, Will, using Sulphurs and BWO's on the wild browns and rainbows. Admiral's Sulphur and Sweet Pea were the flies. The West Branch is gin clear, with water temperature a cool 54 degrees and hatches of Sulphurs, small BWO's and a few Caddis. Fog was with us for most of the float trip due to cold water mixing with warm air temperatures in the mid 80's. For those that like to fly fish - the West Branch flows are very good due to more cold water releases in 2011 out of Cannonsville Reservoir. I can't wait to do it again!

Bonus Largemouth!
The beautiful and talented Lady Rose went to town on the scrappy Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass today with over a double limit on today's fishing charter south of Narrowsburg but the big fish was this nice largemouth bass caught and released on a Senko south of Masthope Rapids in the afternoon. Lady Rose, it's always a pleasure having you on board and I wish you light breezes and tight lines for the balance of the season.

Alan Kaufman, The Maestro, plied his angling skills on the Big D today as well. No matter spring, summer or fall - gamefish watch out when Alan is on the water! This time the target was smallmouth bass and the total catch on today's charter went over sixty fish. Perfect conditions for the bass and a great day to be out on the water with great anglers and friends.

It's always a pleasure introducing new anglers to this beautiful river and today I had the opportunity to fish again with Mark Morden and he brought along his son Zach. Here's Zach with one of many Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass he caught on today's fishing charter. This good looking fish taped out to 16 inches and young Zach played this fish with terrific skill. Guys, I had a great time and hope to see you again later this season. Kindest regards and tight lines always!

Big smiles for Ernie Natke who fished the beautiful Upper Delaware River today. And what a day! It felt like mid September! Dry with a light north breeze and plenty of action with the feisty river bronzebacks. Ernie caught over twenty five fish with the best fish taping out at over 15 inches. Great bass fishing conditions continue and I'll post our more of our river adventures for the smallies. I hope you'll join us on the UDR for some great action using Senkos and topwater plugs throughout July and August. Tight lines always!

Welcome Aboard Tim Braunstein! Here's Tim with a nice 15 inch Big D. bronzeback that was caught right after we launched with the Narrowsburg bridge in the background. Tim caught a boatload of smallmouth bass on our afternoon float trip down to Ten Mile River. Tim, it was a pleasure fishing with you and hope we get a chance to fish again on the river this season!

Tim's buddy, Jordan Dorn, got into the action as well. Here's Jordan with a nice looking river walleye that he caught midway on our charter. Jordan also got into the fast action as well with many scrappy smallmouth bass using Senkos.

The Maestro strikes! It's early July and we're still targeting wild rainbows on the Big D.! With all the rain our region has had this spring and summer, all of the Catskill rivers are running above normal which means cooler water temperatures. Today's float had water ranging from 64 to 69 degrees and some nice wild bows up to 18 inches were caught and released in the fast riffles and pocket water south of Hankins. A beautiful day to be out on the water with Alan and Debbie.

Nice Upper Delaware River shad for savvy angler, Rich Hundertmark, who nailed this nice fish in the fast water just above Kunkeli's on today's float trip. Folks, 2011 will go down as one of the best shad seasons in recent history. The shad are back!

Let's welcome newcomer to the Upper Delaware River, Rich Hundertmark, who nailed this beautiful Big D. bronzeback in skinny water a bit south of Callicoon on today's float trip. This nice smallmouth bass taped out to 17 inches. Congratulations Rich!

Yours truly got into the late afternoon action on the Main Stem Upper Delaware River today north of Callicoon and caught this beautiful 17.5 inch wild rainbow. I was using "The Admiral's Sulphur" on 5x tippet when this gorgeous fish ate the dry. This fish went down to the backing twice on furious runs. It just doesn't get any better than this!
What a river - The Upper Delaware River. Thank YOU!

Welcome back to the Big D. Roger Thompson! Nice fish for Roger who caught and released this big 20 inch rainbow near The Sippin' Hole on this afternoon's float trip. Roger, it's always a pleasure fishing with you and I wish you a great season ahead with plenty of tight lines!

Roger's buddy, Mark, also got into the fast action as well with a few shad and smallmouth bass. Here's Mark with a hefty Delaware River shad.

It was wet and wild day for veteran Upper Delaware River angler, Paul Winslow, this afternoon. Paul nailed this nice 18 inch wild 'bow near Sippin' Hole and we were ready to take his photo but Paul's fish had other ideas.

Quick Release!
This 'bow went back in the drink to get bigger and to fight for another day. Great fish Paul!

Welcome Aboard and welcome to the beautiful Upper Delaware River Art Adamski. What a beautiful wild rainbow for Art who caught and released this gorgeous fish near The Sippin' Hole on today's float trip. It was great fishing with you Art and I hope to see you and John again soon. Tight lines always!

Big smiles for Bedros Sakuk who loves fishing the Upper Delaware River and boy does it show! Here's Bedros with a nice 15 inch Upper Delaware River bronzeback which was one of many he caught and released on today's float trip south of Narrowsburg. Bedros, it's always a pleasure fishing with you and I look forward to more river adventures with you in the future! Tight Lines!

Welcome Aboard Fred Stabbert! Big smiles for Upper Delaware River resident, executive and an all around great guy who went to town on the Delaware River shad on today's float trip south of Long Eddy. Fred brought in four nice strong shad to net in addition to a few others who broke off in strong current. In addition to the shad, Fred also nailed a few scrappy smallmouth bass. Fred, it was great fishing with you and hope that we wet a line again this season!

Let's give a big welcome aboard to Steve Posluszny who floated the Upper Delaware River for the first time today. Here's one happy angler who caught and released this 20 inch wild Big D. rainbow near P*** F*****.

(NOTE: In the interest of keeping peace, tranquility and safe passage for this writer/guide/photographer along the river valley, and due to the immense pressure from others that fish this river, we have censored the exact location of where Mr. Posluszny caught this beautiful fish so that others will enjoy the unspoiled rustic beauty along with its fish that is The Upper Delaware River.)

Veteran Upper Delaware River angler, Gregg Kroner, had a ball with a few feisty American Shad on the river today south of Narrowsburg, New York. Here's Gregg with one nice shad along with a handful of smallmouth bass caught and released on our charter this afternoon. Nice fish Gregg!

Gregg's buddy, Jeff Klein, also got into the action with the shad. These fish are still agressive due to the high water we've had this spring and great water temperatures in the low to mid sixties. Decent shad action should continue for the next few weeks!

Alan Kaufman, The Maestro, had heard a lot about the evening action in the Callicoon Pool so we decided to check it out on today's float trip. Here's Alan with yet another fiesty Upper Delaware River Shad. Alan must have had this beauty on his light action rod for ten minutes and said that these fish fight like tarpons on four pound test line. Congrats on some great fishing Alan!

Tick tock...tick tock - and as dusk settled in on Callicoon Pool, we could see more riseforms and suddenly the Pool was on fire! Grey Foxes, sulphurs and March Browns were all coming off and we settled on the Admiral's Sulphur to fool this 18 inch brown that came up to Alan's dry fly on 5x. What a way to end the day! Looking forward to our smallmouth bass floats in a few weeks Alan! Tight lines always!

It was Shad Heaven for The Maestro this afternoon on the Big D.! Veteran angler, Alan Kaufman, was into a few of these huge roes that make the annual spring migration from the Atalantic Ocean each year. Nice fish Alan!

Hey...hey...hey! Rose Jondrow got into the fast action as well with this nice American Shad. Alan and Rose also landed a big wild rainbow and many smallmouth bass on today's river adventure.

Newcomer to the Big D is Roger Ehrler and was his reel screaming when this American Shad nailed his lure. Whatta fight and whatta fish for Roger who I hope makes this an annual angling journey to the beautiful UDR. Besides shad, Roger also caught walleye and smallmouth bass on today's river charter.

Hey, say hello to Fred Chu! Fred fished the upper Main Stem and West Branch today and nailed this gorgeous 19.5 inch wild Main Stem brownie. Fred and his brother, Cliff, brought in a nice mixed bag - rainbows, browns, walleye and smallmouth bass. What a day...and what a fish! It was a pleasure fishing with you Fred and Cliff!

It was a day to meet Mr. Trout for veteran Upper Delaware River angler, Andy Blau! Andy, has fished the Big D. for many years and has slammed the feisty smallmouth bass in the summer and fall. On today's float trip, he was looking for a new experience and found it on the Wild West Branch of the Delaware River with catching a few beautiful brown trout up to 19 inches. Congratulations Andy...and may there be many more browns and rainbows in your net!

Smiling Andy Blau again! This time with a nice 18.5 inch wild West Branch brownie. One of four big browns that he caught today in addition to shad and walleye. It was a pleasure to have you board Andy and hope to see you later this season!

Veteran Upper Delaware River angler, Paul Winslow, plied his angling skills on the wily wild West Branch Browns on today's float trip and landed many 18+ inch trout. Here's Paul with a nice 19 inch fish. It's always a pleasure to have you board Paul and I look forward to our main stem UDR shad float this June!

Newcomer to the Delaware River is Mark Thomases. Well, welcome aboard Mark and congratulations on the first of many beautiful wild trout!

Newcomer to the Upper Delaware River is Sean Michaels who fished on the Big D. today and nailed this beautiful 20 inch wild brown trout. Sean had a great fight on his hands but managed with patience and skill to land this great fish. Congrats Sean!

Watch out Dave! Here's Sean again. This time with a good looking legal 21 inch Delaware River walleye.

Veteran Delaware River angler, Dave Issacson, also got into the action as well on our float trip with a wild Upper Delaware River rainbow. Gents, it was a great trip and Dave, I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks for some fast and furious shad action! Tight lines always.

Big Roe Shad!Who-weee! Veteran UDR angler, Joe Lamberti, has had success with wild trout, walleye and smallmouth bass on the beautiful Upper Delaware River throughout the years but the one fish that has been elusive to Joe has been the American Shad. It all came true for Joe today south of Narrowsburg when he tied into this huge roe that taped out at over 24 inches. What a fight! Joe, congratulations and I look forward to our smallmouth bass floats later this season. Tight Lines!

Yours truly, your Delaware River guide, had to wet a line since the conditions were just right for shad and was rewarded with this big shad that had plenty of spirit and fight in him. There's nothing like fishing - and catching - fresh sea run Upper Delaware River shad! They're here! Come and get 'em!

Yep. Yours truly got into the action in the riff south of the Callicoon Bridge today and caught this buck shad in the fast water. The shad are here...come and get 'em!

Veteran UDR angler, Bill Conley, caught this whale of a shad this afternoon at the tailout in Pine Flats south of Hankins. Great fish Bill!

Whoa Nellie! Here's Bill again. This time with a wild 17 inch Big D. 'bow that took out a lot of line with at least three nice runs. It's always a pleasure fishing with you Bill and I look forward to our smallmouth bass floats this coming summer! Kindest regards and tight lines to you!

Nice Upper Delaware Shad for angler John Tripicchio. This shad was one of three shad that John nailed today. John, it was a pleasure fishing with you and Ron and hope we get a chance to wet a line for smallies this summer!

Nice fish for John Cox! John caught and released this Big D. wild brown trout near Frisbie Island on today's river float trip. This chunky fish taped out to 19 inches.

Let's say hello to newcomer to the beautiful Catskill / Delaware River region, Willie Valdes from the Garden State, who caught and released this hefty 21 inch brown early in his float trip a bit south of Balls Eddy this morning. Great fish Willie!

One more twenty plus incher for Willie. This wild brown was caught by...who else? Willie Valdes! Welcome to the Wild West Branch Willie and may this be the start of many great river adventures in the future. Tight Lines!

Willie's brother, Bob, also got into the action with this beautiful and colorful 16 inch wild Big D. rainbow caught in the afternoon near the stretch past Knights. Guys, it was a fun time fishing with you today!

Say hey to Jim Miller who loves to fish the beautiful UDR and came away with this nice wild brown on today's half day charter.

Here's Jim good buddy, Mike Breen, who caught and released this sweet 16 inch Big D. brownie south of Stockport.

Mike again! This time with a 19 inch Delaware River walleye caught at Jolly Pines Pool before the takeout at Buckingham access. Great fishing with you Gents!

Newcomer to the West Branch, Rich Pellizzi, had a decent amount of action on today's float trip on the West Branch of the Delaware River. Here's Rich with a nice 19 inch wild brownie.

Hey, that's Rich again! Rich took to the Wild West Branch like it was his home waters. Great fishing with you today and hope to see you again! Tight lines!

Father and Son Teamwork!Here's a big 20 inch wild Delaware River West Branch Brown in the net!

And there's Ralph Petricone, Sr. deftly netting his son, Ralphie's, beautiful fish.

Nice Fish Ralphie! Savvy angler, Ralph Petricone, Jr. with a gorgeous 20 inch wild brown caught on today's river adventure on the Wild West Branch with Guide Tony Ritter.

What a day on the Wild West Branch of the Delaware River for Veteran Big D. angler, Larry Fox! Holy Cow! Larry and his buddy, Paul Winslow caught and released over twenty nice size wild brown trout on our float trip today. Here's Larry with a beautiful 21 inch brownie. Great fish Larry!

Another nice fish caught and realeased by Garden State angler, Larry Fox. This trout taped out to 19 inches. It just doesn't get any better than this!

Paul Winslow fished with perfection on today's river adventure with Larry and here's Paul with a dandy 19 inch wild West Branch brown.

One more time! In fact, these guys caught over twenty fish. Here's Paul with an "average" fish on today's charter. This fish taped out to 17 inches. Guys, it's always a pleasure fishing with you both and I look forward to our May trips coming up in a few weeks!

Veteran angler, Joe Angleucci, took on the Wild West Branch Delaware on today's float trip and was rewarded with this dandy 23 inch wild brown trout caught in the Mud Flats near Balls Eddy, PA. It was one of eight fish Joe caught with many fish over 16 inches. Great fish Joe!

Joe's buddy, Keith Hamilton, got into the action as well. Here's Keith with a nice 19 inch trout caught a bit south of Deposit, NY on today's river adventure. It's always a pleasure fishing with you guys!

John Cregan had never fished the Wild West Branch before today and John nailed a few beautiful wild brownies on our float trip this afternoon. Here's John with a nice 19 inch wild brown trout.

Hey...hey...hey! Here's Mike Seltzer of Rockland County, NY who also fished the West Branch today and he had big smiles since he caught this nice looking 19 inch wild trout.

Hawg Wild! West Branch Delaware Brown!Man oh man! Here's Mike again later in the float trip with this trophy brown trout which he released to fight again. This fish taped out to 25 inches. Quite a fish...quite an angler and what a helluva day! Congrats gentlemen!

Wow! What a nice 20 inch wild West Branch Delaware Brownie for Jerry who traveled up to the Catskills from Westchester today to fish this magificent river. Great fish Jerry!

Another gorgeous 20 incher that was caught and released by veteran angler, Rich Quigley, on the West Branch Delaware River near Deposit, NY this afternoon. Great fishing gents!

Wild West Branch Delaware Trout!
Smile for your closeup Big Guy!

Big smiles for Bill Tronolone who fished hard on this afternoon's charter and came away with this nice legal Upper Delaware River walleye caught north of Cochecton, New York. Great fish and it was a pleasure fishing with you Bill!

It was a little chilly on our half day charter on the Upper Delaware River this afternoon. No matter. Welcome aboard Bill Bekisz who nailed two 20+ inch walleye along with his brother Scott who also landed a nice wild brown trout south of Callicoon. The river level is up about a foot and the water is stained. Perfect walleye conditions! Guys, it was a pleasure fishing with you both and hope to fish with you again in 2011!

The water temperature was only in the low 40's on a bluebird bright sunny day but accomplished Upper Delaware River angler, Lady Rose, caught this beautiful 18 inch wild UDR rainbow trout south of Hankins on today's float. Quite a fish for this great angler! Also in today's catch were walleye and smallmouth bass. It's always a pleasure to have you on board Rose and I wish you tight lines and light breezes always.

Newcomer, Russ LeClerc, traveled to the Upper Delaware River this afternoon for a half day float and was rewarded with some hefty autumn river bronzebacks.

There's Russ again - this time with a chunky 16.5 inch smallie. Nice fish!

Walleye's were our targets and Russ came away with a nice brace of river walleyes as well!

This walleye taped out to 21.5 inches. Welcome aboard Russ and it was a pleasure fishing with you and your son!

Veteran UDR angler, Gregg Kroner, fished under windy fall conditions today and brought in this nice 23 inch Big D. walleye. Great fishing Gregg and it's always a pleasure to have you on board. Tight lines always!

Yours truly got into the action as well with this nice 23 inch walleye caught south of Callicoon, New York on today's river charter on the fantastic Upper Delaware River!

Newcomer to the Upper Delaware River on today's float trip was Lee Hoffman. Here's Lee with a beautiful legal river walleye which taped out to 21 inches. Nice fishing Lee!

Hey! There's smilin' Lee again! This time with a good looking 15 inch wild brown trout. Under challenging windy conditions, Lee brought in a nice mixed bag - walleye, trout and smallmouth bass.

It's late fall...and you just never know what you'll find on the UDR. Here's a 25 inch pickeral that came to net for Vince Raupers. Vince caught this fish south of Callicoon on this afternoon's float trip on the Big D. along with a few smallmouth bass.

Hawg Wild! That's veteran Big D. angler, Larry Fox, who nailed this 18 and a half inch river smallmouth bass on today's float trip. Take a look at that fish's girth. He's eating well before winter sets in. Great fish Larry!

Let's not forget about Paul Winslow, another great river angler, who landed this nice bronzeback south of Hankins, New York. It was a pleasure fishing with you gents!

Who-weeee! Another 20 inch wild Delaware River rainbow! The excitement never stops. This time, skillful angler, John Metsger, nailed this sweetheart of a fish south of Callicoon on this afternoon's fishing charter.

Big Marbleeyes! Yes sir! John caught this 25 inch river walleye north of Cochecton along with a handful of smallmouth bass. A beautiful autumn day to be out on the Big D. with a few eagles, beautiful scenery and good fishing!

What a beautiful wild Upper Delaware River rainbow for veteran UDR angler, Albert Yee! This great fish taped out to 20 inches and had a full girth. Congratulations Albert!

Another beautiful trout was caught by Albert on today's charter near Callicoon, New York. Here's Albert with a nice looking 18 inch wild Big D. brown trout.

It's always a pleasure to have Adam Yee on board too. What a fish! Big smiles for Adam with this 25 inch Upper Delaware River walleye. Great fishing guys!

A big day for happy angler, John Cregan, who caught four nice wild 'bows on the Big D. today. Here is John with a hefty 20 inch wild rainbow caught south of Hankins, New York. Great fish John!

John caught more that a handful scrappy smallmouth bass on today's charter. Some of the bass still had a lot of fight eventhough the water temperature was in the 50's.

Wow! Another nice rainbow for John. This fish taped out to 18 inches and was caught close to Cochecton, New York. What a day...what a river!

The elegant and talented Lady Rose graced the Upper Delaware River today. Here's Lady Rose with a beautiful 15 inch river bronzeback which was one of many legal fish Rose caught on today's charter.

Yes Sir! The Maestro, Alan Kaufman, with one of many nice Big D. smallmouth Alan caught south of Narrowsburg. It's always a pleasure to have you both on board and I wish you plenty of tight lines and light breezes for the balance of the 2010 season!

Good lookin' bronzeback for verteran UDR angler Larry Fox! Larry was using Senkos and topwater plugs on today's float and had a ball with these scrappy river smallmouth bass. Great fishing Larry!

Larry's buddy, John Cummings, also fished the main stem for the first time and also was into some decent action. Here's John was a chunky Big D. bass on light line.

Nice fish for Fred Chu! This bass taped out a little shy of 15 inches caught south of Callicoon, New York.

Topwater time for Cliff Chu. Cliff caught this good looking fish late in the day near Skinners with a topwater plug. This bass was 17 inches and it was hard to fit the fish in the frame! We'll post another pix when Cliff emails me the photo. Nice going Cliff!

Welcome Aboard Kevin Bagley! Here's Kevin with a great looking black beauty - a nice 16 inch Upper Delaware River bronzeback!

Young Max Fainkich journeyed up to the Upper Delaware River to fish with his Pop on a half day afternoon float today and was rewarded with many scrappy river bronzebacks. Great to fish with you Max and may you have tight lines for many years to come!

Ed Dunlop ventured all the way from the Hawkeye State to fishing the UDR this afternoon and was he pleasantly surprised with the quantity and quality of the smallmouth bass fishery. Here's Ed with one of many legal bronzebacks he caught on today's float trip.

Veteran UDR angler, Steve Mermey, caught over a double limit of feisty Big D. river bronzebacks today. Here's Steve with a good looking 16 inch bass!

Wow! Bonus wild 16 inch rainbow trout caught on the fast water north of Cochecton by savvy angler, Gary Tubridy. Gary also caught his limit of big river smallies today.

Your guide and host - Tony Ritter - got into the fast action as well with this 16.5 inch smallmouth bass caught on top south of Damascus at twilight. Great topwater action on today's float!

Joe Lamberti with a dandy 16 inch river smallmouth bass.

Lady Rose ventured out on the Big D. and caught over a double limit of river bass today. Here is Rose with a great looking 16.5 inch bronzeback!

Big smiles for Brendan Plunkett who caught this nice sized 23 inch Upper Delaware River walleye on this afternoon's float trip south of Narrowsburg.

What a day for young angler, Colin Plunkett! This was Colin's first float trip on the UDR and he came away with many legal river smallmouth bass. Great fishing Colin!

Hebert with a nice 15 inch river bronzeback.

Hey! Nice fish! There's Drew Alexander with a sleek 16.5 inch smallmouth bass caught on today's float trip south of Narrowsburg, New York. Great fish Drew!

Wow! First time river angler, Preston Reitz, caught this great looking 15 inch black bass in fast skinny water on this afternoon's float trip. Strong fish + fast water + TOPWATER ACTION = Great smallmouth bass fishing. Congratulations Preston!

Yes Sir! All around good guy and another veteran Big D. angler, Joe Lamberti, nailed this nice river bronzeback on today's float trip.

Veteran UDR angler, Andy Blau, with a chunky 15 inch Big D. bronzeback!

John Metsger with a good lookin' 17 inch river smallie!

Phil West with a scrappy 15 inch Delaware River bronzeback.

Joe Morrison with nice 16 inch bronzeback.

Gary Shutz with a hefty 16.5 inch smallmouth bass.

Tim Linehan with 16 inch smallmouth bass.

Tweet this report

Newcomer to the Delaware River, Jack Faccibene, landed this terrific 16.5 inch river bronzeback on today's float trip south of Narrowsburg!

Tweet this report

One more time! Let's hear it for Alan Kaufman who caught this dandy 15.5 inch smallmouth today. It was a pleasure fishing with you Alan!

Tweet this report

Wow! Nice fish Rose! Quite a day for this lovely lady who can really fish. This smallie was high hook on today's charter taping out at 16.5 inches. Mmmmm...Sweet!

Let's not forget about the Maestro, Alan Kaufman, who scored close to a triple limit of bass with this fish measuring 15.5 inches. Nice fish Alan!

Tweet this report

Veteran Big D. angler, Joe Lamberti, had a ball fishing on the Upper Delaware River today south of Narrowsburg. Here's Joe with a nice 15 inch river bronzeback that took a four inch Senko. Great fishing Joe!

Tweet this report

Michael Grant came all the way from Washington D.C. to fish the Upper Delaware today and he was rewarded with this 16 inch UDR bronzeback along with many more legal fish. Way to go Mike!

Tweet this report

Here's John Cregan who fished the Upper Delaware River for the first time today with a dandy 16 inch river bronzeback. Great fish John!

Tweet this report

What a nice smallmouth bass for Jay Hood! Jay fished on the river today and scored well with more than a handful of legal river bass. Nice to have you on board Jay!

Tweet this report

Who-weeee! What a catch! Mark Gutshall, nailed two bass with one cast on today's float. Quite an achievement on the Big D.!

Tweet this report

Nice fish for Rita Rozboril! Rita fished the Big D. today and came away with some beautiful smallmouth bass. It was great fishing with you Rita!

Tweet this report

To Dream the Impossible Dream! Here's veteran UDR angler, David Issacson, with a beautiful Delaware River shad he caught on today's charter.

Dave's buddy, Bedros, got into the action as well.

Hey! With those reels singing, I couldn't resist to wet a line too!

Tweet this report

Alan Kaufman, The Maestro, hit paydirt on today's charter with a Delaware River Grand Slam! Here's Alan with a chunky wild rainbow caught a bit south of Callicoon, New York.

The smallmouth bass have begun to turn on as well. Alan with a nice bronzeback that took a spinner.

Right from the get go out of Callicoon, Alan nailed this nice legal walleye.

Towards the end of the trip near Cochecton, Alan brought in this beautiful shad while wading at Pine Tree Eddy.

Tweet this report

Nice Catch! Here's John McDonnell with one of two shad he caught on today's river float trip on the Upper Delaware River.

Evan McDonnell got into the fast action as well with this nice buck shad caught near Ten Mile River on the Big D.

Veteran UDR angler, Albert Yee, had a dandy fight on his hands with this feisty Shad that he caught this afternoon south of Narrowsburg, New York.

Big smiles for David Lepro with one of two nice shad he caught on today's river adventure along with a few scrappy smallmouth bass.

Big 'Bow!Ralph Petricone, Jr. nailed this beautiful 23 inch wild rainbow south of Hankins on 5x tippet today. This fish had Ralph way down in his backing.

Another photo of this beautiful fish. This trout was one of many - browns and rainbows - that Ralph caught all on dry flies in the same tailout.

One more time! A sweet wild UDR trout ready to be released into the Big D. to fight again!

And let's not forget about Ralph, Sr. who landed this awesome 22 inch wild brown north of Cochecton, New York. Great fishing fellas!

Happy angler, Stewart Epstein, with a nice hefty shad caught midway between Callicoon and Damascus on this afternoon's fishing charter.

Hawg Wild!Wow! Look at that nice 20 inch wild brown trout caught south of Callicoon on today's float trip. That's happy angler John Bonaccorso that had this fish on the line for close to ten minutes before this photo was taken and we put this magnificent fish back into the beautiful Delaware River to fight another day. Great fish John!

In the net! Here's a nice wild rainbow caught and released on today's float trip south of Hankins.

And...the shad are hitting fiercely. This buck shad took a chartreuse dart at the tailout near Pine Flats.

Newcoming to the Big D., Earl Ferguson, had a big day on the UDR today. Earl caught rainbows, browns, smallmouth bass and shad! This pix is with a hefty shad.

Here's Earl with a nice looking wild rainbow.

Earl, again, this time with a brown trout.

O.K. O.K. - Let's not forget about verteran UDR angler, Richard Quigley, who scored big with some big wild 'bows on today's charter.

Yessir! Pine Flats was rainbow heaven for both Richard and Earl today!

Wow! Big fish for Stan Kolodziejski who nailed this gorgeous 20 inch wild brown trout south of Narrowsburg.

What a beautiful fish! Let's see his other side. Great fish Stan!

What a nice UDR wild 'bow for angler Walt Hamill. Great fish Walt!

Here's Walt again! This time with a UDR walleye.

Let's not forget about Walt's buddy - Art Terwilliger. Art nailed this wild rainbow a bit north of the Cochecton Bridge late in the day.

Nice fish Jeff! Here's Jeff Klein with a nice river walleye!

A mixed bag on today's river charter! This time, Jeff caught a good looking wild 'bow near Kellams Bridge.

Dark threatening storm clouds didn't stop Gregg Kroner from landing this nice American Shad on The Big D.!

Yours truly went out for an hour at dusk and was treated with this feisty UDR Shad!

Big smiles for Michael Breen with this gorgeous wild Upper Delaware River brown trout.

What a nice wild rainbow that Gene Hardenberg caught in the tailout south of the West Branch Bridge near Hancock today! This fish took Gene down to his backing. Great fish Gene!

Welcome back to the Big D. Howard Dean! Here's Howard with a nice brown caught on today's charter.

And not to be outdone - all around good guy, Lenny Post, got into the action with this nice looking wild rainbow.

What a rainbow! Big smiles for Larry Fox who caught this beauty just north of the Callicoon Bridge late in the day.

Veteran UDR angler, Joe Lamberti, with a nice wild 'bow. This fish was one of four rainbows that Joe caught today!

Here's Joe again with a healthy golden river walleye.

A mixed bag for Mr. Lamberti! Joe with a chunky wild Big D. brown trout.

Colorado angler, John Ventimiglia, traveled all the way from the Rockies to fish the Big D. with me today and was rewarded with this nice UDR 'bow!

John, again, this time with one of many nice browns he caught on today's float trip.

This was Matt Dogza's first float on the Upper Delaware River. Here's Matt with a nice chunky wild rainbow caught a bit south of Hankins this afternoon.

Mmmmmm...sweet! Let's say hello to newcomer, Keystone angler, Fred Chu, who nailed this nice wild sweet sixteen UDR rainbow in The Islands north of Callicoon this afternoon. Fred also caught a large wild brown and two more rainbows on today's float trip.

O.K....O.K.! Here's Fred's brother, veteran river angler, Cliff Chu, with this nice chunky 16 inch Big D. bronzeback. Great fishing guys!

Walleye Fever...Catch It!Newcomer, Vince Raupers, with a nice Big D. walleye.

And here's Leo Karpinski with yet another golden 'eye caught with Kellams Bridge in the background. Great fishing guys!

In the net! What a nice wild rainbow! This nice rainbow was one of seven wild trout that Albert and Andrew Yee caught on today's river adventure south of Long Eddy.

Veteran UDR angler, Albert Yee, with a good looking 15 inch Big D. smallmouth bass caught north of Callicoon, New York.

Yes Sir! That's newcomer, Robert Denigris, with a great looking 18 inch wild UDR rainbow with Kellams Bridge in the background. This fish was one of three wild trout that Robert caught this afternoon!

Welcome back to the Big D - Rich Toohey! Here's Rich with a chunky 15 inch river smallmouth bass caught late in the trip north of Hollister's.

Wow! Trophy Fish!Bill Conley nailed this hawg a wee bit south of Masthope Rapids on this afternoon's float trip. Bill's buddy, Joe Paucillo, is on the left. Great fishing guys!

Here's another shot of that great looking smallmouth bass with Bill and yours truly.

Let's revive and put that big guy back so that we'll have a better bass fishery in the future!

Here's Bill again. This time with another nice legal bass under bluebird skies on the UDR!

The Maestro - Alan Kaufman! Here's veteran UDR angler, Alan Kaufman, with one of many legal river smallmouth bass he caught on today's river float trip.

Welcome to the UDR Paul Winslow! Here's Paul with a great looking seventeen inch Big D. river bronzeback caught this afternoon south of Narrowsburg. Nice fish Paul!

Big smiles for Larry Fox with this beautiful smallmouth bass. Larry and Paul fished hard and came away with more than a double limit of smallmouth bass on today's river adventure.

After a long absence, a big Upper Delaware River hello goes out to Bob Benson of Long Island! Here's Bob with one of many bronzebacks he caught on today's river adventure.

One more time! Another legal UDR smallie caught south of Narrowsburg today. Great fishing Bob!

Yours truly got into the action as well. What a beautiful day to be out on the UDR!

Savvy angler, Jay Hood, nailed this nice UDR bronzeback early in the float trip just out of Narrowsburg this morning. Great fishing Jay!

Let's say hello to David Issacson a veteran Big D. angler who came on strong in the late innings. Here's smilin' Dave with a gorgeous smallie caught using Senkos. It's always a pleasure fishing with you guys!

Let's hear it for Leslie Lee! This was Leslie's first trip on the Big D. and she hit paydirt with this beautiful 15 inch river bronzeback along with a handful of bass on this afternoon's float trip. Welcome aboard Leslie!

A 20 inch UDR hawg! This was a combined effort by Phil Sr. and Phil Jr. Ottaviano. This was their first trip on the Big D. and were they ever rewarded with this trophy 20 inch river bronzeback that was on Jr's line for over five minutes and then sulked under a large boulder until Sr. coaxed him out! Who-weeeee. Great fishing guys!

Yes! 17 inches of bronze!Newcomer to the Big D, Jane Young, with a hefty smallmouth bass caught south of Callicoon this afternoon.

O.K., O.K. - Yours truly helped Jane to bring the fish in.

This time Jane caught this 20 inch walleye all by herself! Welcome aboard Jane and may you have many tight lines on the UDR for years to come.

Welcome aboard Angelo Roussis! This was Angelo's first trip on the beautiful UDR and here he is with this chunky 15 inch bronzeback caught this afternoon south of Narrowsburg.

Big smiles for Kat Tripaldi who nailed this big UDR 24 inch pickerel in the Horse Farm Pool a tad south of Callicoon this afternoon.

Thumbs up for Rich Novie with one of many Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass caught on Senkos.

Here she is! It's Kat again! This time that smilin' gal has a hefty 16 inch Big D. bronzeback. Great fishing Rich and Kat!

Big Bass!Veteran angler, Steve Mermey, nailed this big smallmouth in the Callicoon Pool late in the day on a Senko. Sweeeeeeet!

Hey! There's Steve again! Same pool...different fish! Another big brusin' bronzeback taken a few mintues after the first whopper. Great fishing Steve!

Let's not forget about Gary Tubridy since he also got into the fast action with this nice smallie. Always a pleasure guys!

Freddie flew in from Chi-Town to give the mighty UDR a try to today and he was rewarded with a nice mixed bag! Here's Fred with a toothy golden river walleye caught right off the bat in the Ten Mile River Pool.

Freddie, again, with a nice bronzeback caught on this afternoon's float trip.

Big smiles for veteran UDR angler, Dave Pilla, with a chunky river smallmouth bass. Great fishing guys!

Laissez les bons temps rouler!
It's Mardi Gras on the UDR!Nice bronzeback for the mysterious and elegant Lady Di! This was Di's first river trip on the Big D. and she came away from the river with close to a limit of legal fish on today's float trip. Next time....please Di! Take off your mask. Great fishing Lady D.!

Big smiles for Craig Barry of the Garden State with this legal UDR walleye!

Yours truly with a scrappy well-fed Upper Delaware River bronzeback caught on this afternoon's half day float near Narrowsburg.

Veteran UDR angler, David Issacson, caught plenty of scrappy river bronzebacks on today's float trip south of Narrowsburg. Here's David with a nice 15+ inch smallie!

David's buddy, Bedros Sakuk, got into the action as well. In fact, Bedros nailed three smallmouth bass from the shore at the PA access while we were shuttling the vehicles before we launched! Great fishing Bedros!

Well, the way the fish were hitting today, yours truly had to get his line wet too. Here's a nifty smallmouth caught on top with a Chug-Bug north of Railroad Bridge #9 near Tusten Mountain.

Return trip for Mark Davis! Mark liked the UDR so much he came back for more river smallmouth bass action! Here's Mark with a nice chunky 15 inch bronzeback caught on this afternoon's river adventure.

Afternoon Dee-Lite on the Big D!Dennis Scanlon looks mighty proud with this beauty of a UDR smallie. Over 16 inches of bronze caught on today's fishing trip south of Narrowsburg. Congratulations Dennis!

Nice bass for veteran UDR angler, Gregg Kroner, who nailed a limit this afternoon on a river float south of Ten Mile River on the Big D.

Strike up the band for...The Maestro - Alan Kaufman! Alan fished hard today and came away with many legal fish. Here's a nice 14 inch UDR bronzeback caught a bit north of the Cochecton - Damascus Bridge on this afternoon's float trip.

Here's Mark Davis in from the Big Apple who caught some fine river smallies on this afternoon's float trip south of Narrowsburg.

Mark again with a nice toothy walleye that came to net late in the day. Mark also caught and released a beautiful 16 inch wild 'bow near railroad bridge #9! Good fishing Mark!

Let's not forget about Jen Davis who had the touch and finesse using Senkos. Jen had a ball catching a handful of bronzebacks on the beautiful UDR!

Big smiles for master chef and savvy river angler, Frank Passalaqua, who boated many nice river bronzeback this afternoon on a half day float trip out of Narrowsburg, New York.

Bass'n season has begun on the Big D!...And who better to kick off the season than veteran UDR angler, Dave Pilla! Here's Dave with a healthy river bronzeback caught today near Ten Mile River south of Narrowsburg.

Whoa! Big smiles for Dave again with this scrappy smallie caught near Diver's Rock north of Zane Grey.

Dave's buddy, Frank Passalaqua, got into the action as well with this feisty smallmouth bass. Nice fishing guys!

Congratulations to young angler, Frank Santana, with his very first Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass! May there be many more Frank...Welcome Aboard!

Not to be outdone, here's Frank's Mom - Laura - with a dandy UDR river walleye caught on this afternoon's float trip south of Narrowsburg.

The Maestro!Veteran angler, Alan Kaufman, with one of two American Shad he caught on today's float trip. This big roe was netted a bit north of Hankins Creek on the Big D. Nice fish Alan!

New York City angler, George Garcia, was all smiles with this nifty UDR walleye that he caught this afternoon.

Give a hand to George's son, Marcus, who also got into the action with this nice walleye!

Last but not least, your guide and host, with his walleye caught on a shad dart!

Big 'Bow!  What a beautiful 18 inch wild rainbow Dennis Scanlon caught north of Callicoon in The Islands this evening! Great fight and masterful angling on the part of Dennis. It doesn't get better than this!

Dennis' daughter, Jacqueline, with one of two river walleye she caught today on her first float trip on the UDR. What a wonderful day to remember and be part of - that father and daughter caught some fine freshwater gamefish on this beautiful river!

Veteran UDR angler, Stewart Epstein, with part of his mixed bag caught on the Big D. Here's Stewart with a strong American Shad netted south of Callicoon.

Stewart's all smiles with this bonus river bronzeback!

Howard Dean of Rockland County fished through the steady drizzle today and nailed this 17 inch UDR wild 'bow at the tail out of Sippin' Hole. Nice fish Howard!

Howard's buddy, Lenny Post, also out of Rockland came away with this nice river walleye at the tail end of our float trip near the Cochecton - Damascus Bridge.

That's sure a nice hefty roe caught by Garden State angler, Roger Thompson, on this afternoon's float trip on the Big D south of Callicoon. This strong fish sure gave Roger a run for his money! Great catch Roger!

Mamma Mia!Look at this hefty roe shad caught by Bob Farrell on this afternoon's float trip south of Hankins! This fish weighed in at over five pounds and had Bob's reel singing! Great fish Bob!

Veteran UDR angler, Albert Yee from Westchester, scored big on today's float on the West Branch and Main Stem eventhough the water was high and off color. Here's Albert with a chunky 15 inch wild brown from the West Branch.

Andrew Yee got into the action as well on the West Branch with this healthy 16 inch brownie.

One more time! Albert again! This time with a beautiful 18 inch wild brown caught near the Hancock Bridge. Great fishing guys!

Wow! Nice fish John! Here's John Imbiano of Westchester with one of two beautiful wild trout he caught on today's float trip on the West Branch Delaware.

Savvy angler, Jay Hood, with a beautiful UDR bronzeback caught this afternoon north of Cochecton, New York.

Here's Jay again - this time with a lanky river walleye caught at the beginning of our float trip near Hankins.

A Closeup of Ol' Marble Eyes! The three boat party on our charter caught in excess of nine walleye on today's float trip!

Welcome to the Big D. Ted Kesten! A big day for Ted who got very close to a UDR Grand Slam. Here's Ted with a beautiful 16+ inch Upper Delaware River bronzeback!

Hold on! There's more! Big smiles from Ted with this nice spunky UDR American shad that came to net in Pumphouse Eddy north of Callicoon. Ted also landed walleye and trout as well.

Veteran UDR angler, Gregg Kroner, is all smiles with this chunky 16 inch smallmouth bass caught north of Callicoon late this afternoon. Gregg also had decent action working on a UDR Grand Slam today with brown trout, a brookie, a close up of a walleye and a handful of scrappy bass that came to net.

Here's Wes Finger from Dutchess County. This was Wes' first trip to the beautiful Upper Delaware River and he was rewarded with a feisty 16 inch UDR wild rainbow. Nice fish Wes!

In the net!
A nice wild West Branch brown trout caught on today's float north of Hancock, New York.

What a fight on 5x! Here's Garden State angler, Anthony Carratura, with his first Upper Delaware River wild rainbow. Anthony caught this beauty on a bead head in fast water at Pine Flats this afternoon. Great fish Anthony!

Smile for your close up...and then released to fight again!

Big smiles for Theresa Castello of Westchester County, NY with this legal UDR walleye. Nice fish Theresa!

Yours truly got into the action with a sweet UDR wild brown at the tailout near the Callicoon Bridge.

Jim Miller, out of Rockland County, fished under tough conditions today but managed to fool a toothy golden UDR walleye north of Callicoon.

Callicoon Bridge and wild rainbow trout! Here's veteran angler, Richard Quigley, with a nice plump UDR 'bow taken at dusk near the tailout of Callicoon Bridge. Richard has something about that location - see another of Richard's wild 'bows: 5/30/2008 on the pull down menu below!

Yours truly with a nice 18 inch wild 'bow caught on a bead head nymph near Pine Flats on this afternoon's float trip.

Stewart Epstein of the Garden State with a dandy wild UDR brown trout he caught today near Callicoon.

Maiden voyage of 2009 greeted Keith Calandra of the Garden State with this beautiful 18 inch UDR wild 'bow! Great fish Keith!

2008 Log Book

2007 Log Book

2005 Log Book

2004 Log Book

2003 Log Book