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The Original Upper Delaware River Fishing Journal and Real Time Blog© -- 2003 through 2018

Tony Ritter's
Gone Fishing Guide Service

The Admiral's® Upper Delaware River Hand Tied Flies
Narrowsburg, New York 12764

What's Hatching? And Other Random Thoughts & Rants about the Big D from 2016 and 2017.

24th year offering half and full day McKenzie driftboat fishing trips on the Upper Delaware River.
Thank you to all my customers.


Upcoming 2018 Fly Fishing Shows and Upper Delaware River A/V Presentations:

The 2018 Flyfishing Show -- January 26, 27 and 28 2018 / NJ Convention and Expo Center in Edison, New Jersey
Will be tying various dry and emerger patterns for wild trout at the Fly Tiers Row!

2018 Rockland Fishing EXPO -- March 1, 2, 3 and 4 2018 / RCC Fieldhouse in Suffern, New York -- NEW Booth! 425: Will be giving two seminars. The topic? Fishing on the Upper Delaware River!

I hope to see you there!

Fishing trips and data from 2015 and beyond are below and fishing trips from 2016 and 2017 are here.

After you have read the report, we invite you to scroll down a bit for our previous river driftboat fishing trips on the "Scenic and Recreational" Upper Delaware River from this year, as well as past fishing seasons dating all the way back to 2003.
In addition, we've also included our no B.S, "hey, you shoulda been here yesterday", real-time, objective USGS river data.

We actually want you to CATCH - and release while you're on our river charters.... and not just fish!

Tight lines...and we'll see you on the river! Tony Ritter; NPS, NYS and PAFBC Licensed Guide

Listed below are tables that represent real time hourly data from the United States Geological Survey.

The numbers will change every few minutes to reflect the changes in water temperatures and water levels at the following stations within the Delaware River drainage.

Optimum water temperatures for the following gamefish are listed below:
B r o w n T r o u t R a i n b o w T r o u t S h a d S m a l l m o u t h B a s s W a l l e y e
48 to 62 degrees54 to 68 degrees52 to 66 degrees67 to 77 degreesBelow 50 degrees

Normal water levels on the main stem are from 2.7 to 3.2 feet or 600 to 1500 cfs.
Anglers should use caution above 3.3 feet and the river is not wadable at 3.5 feet and above.
Upper Delaware River - Callicoon, NYStationDate and TimeHeightCFSTemperature
USGS014275102024-03-29 10:005.01635042
Upper Delaware River - Lordville, NYStationDate and TimeHeightCFSTemperature
USGS014272072024-03-29 09:458.99552040
West Branch Delaware River - Hancock, NY - Penna Route 191StationDate and TimeHeightCFSTemperature
USGS014270002024-03-29 09:15ESTEST39
East Branch Delaware River at Fishs Eddy, NYStationDate and TimeHeightCFSTemperature
USGS014210002024-03-29 09:456.61274040
West Branch Delaware River - Hale Eddy, NYStationDate and TimeHeightCFSTemperature
USGS014265002024-03-29 10:005.03211032
W. Br. Delaware River at Stilesville, NY [CANNONSVILLE RESERVOIR]StationDate and TimeHeightCFSTemperature
USGS014250002024-03-29 10:008.94179040

Note the current CFS for Cannonsville Reservoir [West Branch Delaware River]. When NYC DEP releases UNDER 350cfs - the West Branch Delaware River cannot be floated.
Date Location Depart Arrive Comments A Pix is worth a thousand words...
10-21-15 Miller's Eddy - Callicoon 58
3.4 feet
58
3.4 feet

Another photo of Miller's Eddy on the Upper Delaware River north of Callicoon, New York.
We're now past peak foliage in the Catskills but the wild trout are still looking up to tiny Blue Wing Olives after 3:00pm til dark.

The bruiser to your right took this dainty BWO Hackle Stacker on top this afternoon.
Size 18 on 6 tippet.

Here's a nice wild fattie that took a size 18 BWO Hackle Stacker at about 6:00pm this evening as the sun went behind the ridge.
This fish was in a skinny flat with not much current of no more than two feet of water. At first I thought it was a chub since that location is usually what we consider frog water but after 10 seconds on the reel, it, fortunately, was not.
NYC is still releasing close to 1,000cfs out of Cannonsville and that reservoir is now under 50% capacity.
The freestone tribs are bone dry but we still have plenty of cold water on the Main Stem thanks to the steady water releases to meet the 1954 Supreme Court flow target of 1,750cfs at Montague.
Best times for dry fly is after 3:00pm until dark and I hope to be out on the water again tomorrow.


Congratulations to angler, Julia Grace Ketner, with an IGFA All-Tackle (Length) World Record for American Shad.
Juila caught this record fish with me on the Upper Delaware River on May 4 2013.


Tony was re-elected for a second four year term this past November 2015 to serve the Town of Tusten as Councilman on the Town Board beginning January 2016.

He was awarded the annual 21st Sullivan County 2012 Pride Award for the Town of Tusten by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce.
Read the current article
Tony is also Chairman of the Upper Delaware Council Water Use and Resource Committee.
Meet Tony in the The Upper Delaware Council's Fall / Winter Newsletter

You came up for the day to go fishing.
Loved the area so much and now you're looking for Upper Delaware River / Catskill Real Estate?


Thank you to The Sullivan County Democrat, Watershed Post and GreenDoor Magazine for featuring my Upper Delaware River fly patterns in their most recent 2013 publications.
And also...another big THANK YOU to Cabela's for featuring the West Branch Delaware River as well as my fishing guide service in their most recent magazine called "Outfitter Journal - June 2013".
Please feel free to email me if you'd like any of these publications.



 
Welcome to Gone Fishing Guide Service offering fishing charters on the Upper Delaware River.

My name is Tony Ritter out of Narrowsburg, New York and this is my twentieth season on the river.

I'm licensed by the National Park Service, the New York State Department of Conservation and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

I charter half and full day driftboat float trips for wild trout, walleye, shad and smallmouth bass using fly and light action spin tackle. There's not many places where you can catch all these fish within two and a half hours of New York City...and at the same time see bald eagles, osprey, hawks and have the river to yourself!

I hope you'll take a look at the portfolios of my client's catch of each species by clicking the links or fish below.

Save yourself time and money by checking this page before you drive up to wet a line.

I've begun booking for spring charters in 2016. I hope you'll visit often and if you have any questions please feel free to email me.

Kindest regards and tight lines always.
Tony Ritter
Licensed by the National Park Service, New York State DEC and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
845.252.3657 or 845.701.3894 - MOBILE

The 2015 Season



VIDEO
INFO

Date Location Depart Arrive Comments A Pix is worth a thousand words...
10-24-15 Callicoon - Damascus 50
3.4 feet
51
3.4 feet

Another photo of Miller's Eddy on the Upper Delaware River north of Callicoon, New York.
We're now past peak foliage in the Catskills but the wild trout are still looking up to tiny Blue Wing Olives after 3:00pm til dark.

A nice Upper Delaware River walleye for newcoming to the Big D., Ole Slorer.
Water clarity on the river is slightly stained and the walleyes are beginning to perk up for the fall feed since we've had our first hard frost in the Catskills.
Cannonsville release remains at 900cfs, Main Stem flow is good and the freestone tribs are bone dry - or way below what they should be for mid autumn.

10-21-15 Miller's Eddy - Callicoon 58
3.4 feet
58
3.4 feet

Another photo of Miller's Eddy on the Upper Delaware River north of Callicoon, New York.
We're now past peak foliage in the Catskills but the wild trout are still looking up to tiny Blue Wing Olives after 3:00pm til dark.

The bruiser to your right took this dainty BWO Hackle Stacker on top this afternoon.
Size 18 on 6 tippet.

Here's a nice wild fattie that took a size 18 BWO Hackle Stacker at about 6:00pm this evening as the sun went behind the ridge.
This fish was in a skinny flat with not much current of no more than two feet of water. At first I thought it was a chub since that location is usually what we consider frog water but after 10 seconds on the reel, it, fortunately, was not.
NYC is still releasing close to 1,000cfs out of Cannonsville and that reservoir is now under 50% capacity.
The freestone tribs are bone dry but we still have plenty of cold water on the Main Stem thanks to the steady water releases to meet the 1954 Supreme Court flow target of 1,750cfs at Montague.
Best times for dry fly is after 3:00pm until dark and I hope to be out on the water again tomorrow.

10-01-15 Miller's Eddy - Callicoon 62
3.6 feet
62
3.6 feet

Miller's Eddy.
North of Callicoon, New York

A great pattern that fooled this wary brownie.
A size 18 BWO Hackle Stacker!

The Catskills finally received a healthy does of much needed rainfall a few days ago. The last time we had that much rain was back in early July - 10 weeks ago! Close to four inches fell and the Main Stem is now bank full, cool at 62 degrees with some color.
Hatches this afternoon were small BWO's, October Caddis and some sulphurs.
A nice brown trout caught and released at Miller's Eddy after 5:00pm this afternoon took a size 18 BWO Hackle Stacker on top.

In the net with fallen autumn leaves.

09-20-15 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 68
3.4 feet
70
3.4 feet

You can never have enough flies...

A very nice smallmouth bass caught and released by Bruce Hirschfeld who floated with me on the Main Stem UDR today.
The bite got better by mid afternoon as the water warmed close to 70 degrees and Bruce nailed many smallies using - what else - Kei-Techs!
Not a cloud in the sky with gin clear water - a great day to be out on the water targeting the "gamest fish that swims"... river smallmouth bass on the beautiful Upper Delaware River!

09-19-15 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 69
3.4 feet
71
3.4 feet

Cooler this week. Much cooler.
Yep. It's finally time for trout!

Big smiles for newcomer to the Big D., Jane Keene!
Boy, did Jane give a clinic on the smallies today with close to a double limit exclusively using Kei - Techs. Congrats Jane and I hope to see you next time with a flyrod targeting wild trout on dries. Tight lines!

09-16-15 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 68
3.1 feet
72
3.1 feet

A gorgeous day to be out on the Upper Delaware River! This photo was south of Colang Rapids and for the past few days, we've seen more bald eagles than people on the river!

Here's newcomer to the Upper Delaware River, Rod Jones, who caught and released this beauty - a 16 inch river bronzeback on today's float trip.
A beautiful day to be out on the river. Bright sun, gin clear water, normal levels and outstanding smallmouth bass fishing using Kei - Techs!

09-13-15 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 69
3.2 feet
70
3.2 feet

Really.
How can you get tired of this river?

Cooler and overcast out on the water.
Getting to be that time of the year for those Blue Wing Olives!
Try one of these Hackle Stackers which float flush to the surface and are real easy to see.
Originated by Bob Quigley in California for those tough spring creek trout, I tie these patterns for BWO's and sulphurs in sizes 14 through 18.

The air temperature at 64 degrees this afternoon with cloud cover definately was more falllike than summer with the water warmer than the air at 69 degrees.
Plus, the rainfall we received in the Catskills on Saturday barely put a dent in the fishing conditions. The water is still gin clear and at normal levels. Here's Adriana Merendino with a beautiful 16 inch Upper Delaware River bronzeback! In fact, Adriana caught and released a legal limit of scrappy bronzebacks on her float.
The bass fishing is still in high gear and on today's float, Senkos were the only lure we had to use.
Adriana and Pat, it was great fishing with you again and hope that we'll be doing some flyfishing for wild trout soon!

09-05-15 Callicoon - Skinner's Falls 72
3.3 feet
77
3.3 feet

There's no place like home!

For the past few weeks, the flying ants have been hatching like crazy up and down the Upper Delaware River.
We've been targeting smallmouth bass and the bass have been gobbling up these insects like crazy.
If you seen rise forms, chances are the bass are taking ants. Big time. Many of the fish that we've caught are gorged with ants.

Trout will also enjoy flying ants too so be sure to have a few of these patterns with you this fall.
Pictured above is my pattern which borrows the mono link from Ed Sutryn's "McMurray Ant" but uses foam instead of balsa wood.
In addition, I have used black hackle wound parachute at the base of the head borrowed from Ralph Cutter's EC Caddis pattern.
The fly sits flush in the film and floats well. Thanks guys...it works great!
Available in sizes 12 through 18. With and without the white Z-Lon wing.

What an incredible day Alan and Deb Kaufman had on the Upper Delaware River!
Perfect conditions for the smallmouth and both anglers went over double limits each.
Here's Alan with a hefty 19 inch smallie caught and released south of the Callicoon Bridge. Kei - Techs and Senkos were what the fish were hitting along with a nice topwater bite after 6:00pm.

SWEEEEEET!
Here's Deb with another beauty! This fish went to 18 inches and was caught and released at dusk close to Skinner's Falls.
Alan and Deb, it's always a treat to fish with you both and I'm eagerly looking forward to more good times and lots of tight lines tomorrow!

08-30-15 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 71
3.2 feet
73
3.2 feet

For the past few weeks, the flying ants have been hatching like crazy up and down the Upper Delaware River.
We've been targeting smallmouth bass and the bass have been gobbling up these insects like crazy.
If you seen rise forms, chances are the bass are taking ants. Big time. Many of the fish that we've caught are gorged with ants.

Trout will also enjoy flying ants too so be sure to have a few of these patterns with you this fall.
Pictured above is my pattern which borrows the mono link from Ed Sutryn's "McMurray Ant" but uses foam instead of balsa wood.
In addition, I have used black hackle wound parachute at the base of the head borrowed from Ralph Cutter's EC Caddis pattern.
The fly sits flush in the film and floats well. Thanks guys...it works great!
Available in sizes 12 through 18. With and without the white Z-Lon wing.

What a day Brendan Cavanagh had fishing with his granddad on the beautiful Upper Delaware River!
Both anglers caught and released in excess of sixty fish using Senkos!
Terrific conditions on the water - gin clear, water temps in the low 70's with normal levels plus we had no wind and overcast skies for most of the day.
Here's young Brendan with his best fish of the day - a 15.5 inch beautiful river bronzeback!
Norm, Pam and Brendan - it was great fishing with you and I wish you plenty of tight lines for the balance of the season! Fish On!

08-19-15 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 77
3.2 feet
81
3.2 feet

And speaking of junior anglers, let's welcome, William Farmer, who fished with me on his maiden voyage down the Big D. today.
Young William and his Dad, George, had a ball catching and releasing many smallmouth bass using both Kei - Techs and Senkos like the fish pictured above.
Perfect conditions to introduce your kids to a terrific river and a great freshwater gamefish.
Fish On!

08-18-15 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 77
3.3 feet
81
3.2 feet

Well, one of the gratifying attributes of guiding for over 21 years on the beautiful river is meeting new people and introducing those folks to the beauty of the Upper Delaware River and teaching novice anglers to become more proficient.
On your left is Meghan Decelie about 13 years ago with a big grin after catching (and releasing) a 15 inch Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass with her signature pink Barbie Zebco closed face 202 reel.
Yep. She caught that fish all by herself!

Next week, Meaghan is off to college and through the years, it's been a pleasure to know her and her Dad, Frank. Fishing with them is one of the highpoints of my season and I wish Meaghan all the best as a freshman this fall.

What day for Meaghan DeCelie and her Dad!
Both Meaghan and her Pop have fished with me for over fifteen years and it's always a blast to have them on board.
On today's half day float trip, we caught a combined catch of forty bass - about 40% were over twelve inches.
Both Father and daughther used Senkos throughout the float.
Here's Meaghan with a nice looking 15 inch smallie caught and released south of Narrowsburg, New York.
Frank and Meaghan...until we see each other again - may you have light breezes and many tight lines!

08-16-15 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 76
3.3 feet [WB]
81
3.2 feet [MS]

Masthope Rapids on the Big D.
Looks like Oregon...doesn't it?

We're only two hours northwest of New York City with outstanding smallmouth bass fishing going on right now!
On today's float trip both Matt and Glenn caught and released over eighty fish.

Big smiles for newcomer to the Upper Delaware River, Glenn Majestic!
Glenn and his son, Matt, had a great day on the river under beautiful skies with perfect conditions - gin clear water, normal levels with water temperartures near eighty degrees.
Senkos and Kei-Techs were the go-to lure and the fish were more than obliging.

Nice fish for Matt Majestic!
Guys, it was a pleasure fishing with you both today and I look forward to some dry fly flyfishing later this season.
Tight lines!

08-14-15 Shehawkin - Buckingham 56
3.0 feet [WB]
68
3.3 feet [MS]

Bottom of the ninth with two out and Sy Balsen knocks a solid homer over the left field bleachers with this beautiful wild brown in the glide above the last riff north of Buckingham. Sy nailed this fish on a sulphur.
Very, very few bugs on this stretch today. The water is super clear and beginning to get low. In fact, by the time we reached the Buckingham takeout at 8:30pm the water temp was about 68 degrees.
The culprit is the East Branch, bright warm sun along with a paltry 500cfs release from Cannonsville with Cannonsville still over 70%.
By the time we hit Bard-Parker at 2:00pm the West was registering 56 on the Pennsy side but the East Branch at Point Mountain had no flow and was over 70 degrees.
Two miles down river from Hancock, the Main Stem is 65 degrees + with the mix.
Believe me folks, it was better at 1,500cfs a few weeks ago and it would be a hell of a lot better at 800cfs.
Your charts are at the left. Tight lines. We'll be fishing for smallies until we get some rain or the air temps begin to get cooler.

08-02-15 Long Eddy - Callicoon 60
3.8 feet
66
3.8 feet

A beautiful evening to be out looking for sippers on the Upper Delaware River north of Callicoon and south of George's Rock with the flow at 1,500cfs out of Cannonsville. At day's end the water temperature on a bright and sunny day was only 66 degrees and bank full.
Plenty of targets to be had with hatches of Isos, Sulphurs, Caddis and Olives.

Well, you knew it couldn't last. Per NYC DEP press release statement of yesterday, Sunday, August 2nd, Cannonsville will now be cut back to 500cfs from 1,500cfs by this Wednesday and the glorious Main Stem coldwater trout fishery that has been on fire - yes, Peter - all the way to Callicoon, New York - for the past three weeks will revert back to the awful release schedule of the FFMP.
It was great while it lasted. Thank you NYC!

It was great to meet and fish with Mark Barth on today's float from Long Eddy to Callicoon.
Here's Mark with a fat and healthy wild Upper Delaware River rainbow that nailed yet another Cutter's Iso!
Tight lines always Mark and Jannette!

07-31-15 Shehawkin - Buckingham 52
3.9 feet
60
3.9 feet

The old standby.
The Admiral's SparkleDun
Available in sizes 14 through 18.

Paging Dr. Kolesar of FFMP fame.
Do you see the above USGS chart Doc?
That's 1,500cfs out of Cannonsville (West Branch Delaware) on a sunny late July day and the water temperature on the Main Stem is great for wild trout all the way south to Callicoon.
Now, look at Fishs Eddy on the East Branch and you'll see it's in red. Over 68 degrees. In fact, it went up to 75 degrees today due to warm water in the lower Beaverkill and NYC cutting back on the releases from Pepacton.
Doctor, doctor...don't you think it's better to give more water to increase the glorious wild trout fishery on the Main Stem when you know you can't do much for the lower East Branch due to: 1) distance from Pepacton of 30+ miles 2) warm water from the Beaverkill 3) reluctance of NYC to release water from Pepacton due to its superior quality
Take a memo Peter.

It's always a blast to fish with Mark Freemyer and today was no different.
Here's Mark with a nice looking wild Big D. rainbow which he caught on top and released near Stockport in mid afternoon on a size 14 Sulphur SparkleDun.
Boy, did this fish wallop that bug! Great fish Mark and tight lines always!

07-29-15 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 68
3.9 feet
72
3.9 feet

Wow!
Did we have a scorcher out on the river today with highs in the low 90's by 4:00pm!
Our target today was smallmouth bass down near Narrowsburg on the Big D. and theese feisty fish did not disappoint.
The water temps were ideal - ranging from 68 to 72 degrees and we caught many bronzebacks up to 16 inches using Kei-Techs.

Now that's a big smiles and a nice healthy river smallmouth bass caught and released by newcomer Vivian Cary Jenkins.
It was terrific fishing with Vivian on today's float trip and I hope we'll get a chance to fish for wild trout upriver this fall.
Kind regards and tight lines Vivian!

07-27-15 Shehawkin - Buckingham 54
4.1 feet
60
4.1 feet

What a great day to be out on the river!
Great hatches of sulphurs, BWO's, caddis and Isonychia's. The water temps are in the upper 50's to low 60's and we had plenty of targets along with happy fish on today's float trip.
Folks, this is a once in a lifetime phenomena that NYC is releasing this much cold water creating a world class trout fishery all the way to Callicoon during the dog days of summer.
Take advantage of it before they cut back the releases!

Map showing the distance from Cannonsville Reservoir at the West Branch of the Delaware River near Deposit, New York to Callicoon, New York on the Main Stem Upper Delaware River.
About 40 miles.

My good friend and great angler, Howard Braunstein, with a bruiser of a wild brown that inhaled one of my ties called a Cutter's Iso on today's float trip near Warner's.
Yes. The same Cutter's Iso that I've been using with great success for the past three weeks.
You can't beat the conditions for wild trout right now - it's late July with air temps at 90 degrees and the trout fishing is fantastic!
We had water temps from 56 to 60 degrees, levels are up and the clarity is excellent thanks to New York City's abundant bottom coldwater releases out of Cannonsville Reservoir at 1,500cfs.

Here's Howard again with another nice wild brownie caught on top with dries. This fish fell for one of my Snowshoe Sulphurs.
Great fishing Howard...let's get another trip in on the Big D. before NYC cuts back the cold water! Tight lines always!

07-22-15 Callicoon Pool 64
4.0 feet
64
4.0 feet

We finally got a break from the mini-heat wave in the Catskills and today was sunny, dry with highs in the low eighties. More importantly, nighttime lows are in the 50's.
New York City continues to release a limit up of 1,500cfs out of Cannonsville on the West Branch Delaware keeping the Main Stem Upper Delaware River cool all the way past Callicoon, New York.
I got on the water tonight at 6:30 and fished until 8:45pm and the water temperature was 64 degrees. Perfect for wild trout. Clarity is excellent and the river is up a foot from normal summer levels.
The last two weeks has been an amazing phenomena that the Main Stem UDR, as far as Callicoon, a distance of over 40 miles, is producing wild trout - consistently - in the middle of the summer owed solely to the heavy bottom releases due to the 2015 Drawdown of Cannonsville due to a drilling mishap by New York City in preparation of a hydroelectric facility.
As long as NYC DEP continues to release this amount of water and the water temperatures at Callicoon USGS register below 68 at 6:00pm, I intend to fly fish the last two hours of each evening providing I don't have any commercial charters.
This certainly qualifies as empirical evidence that the main stem Upper Delaware River, as far south as Callicoon, is a quality wild trout fishery throughout the summer. The fish do not migrate to cooler areas to the north and that there is an ample hatch of caddis and mayflies, provided there is a heavy amount of cold water flow being released from Cannonsville Reservoir.

Map showing the distance from Cannonsville Reservoir at the West Branch of the Delaware River near Deposit, New York to Callicoon, New York on the Main Stem Upper Delaware River.
About 40 miles.

In the net!
A nice wild Upper Delaware River brown that inhaled, yet again, a size 10 Cutter's Iso.
I might as well leave all my other flies at home. This fly has been so successful on the Bid D this season that to say it's a confidence builder would be an undertstatement.

And the release so that this fish can get back in the water to fight another day.
As Lee Wulff once said, "A gamefish is too valuable to be caught only once."
Amen to that.

07-17-15 Callicoon Pool 63
4.1 feet
63
4.1 feet

Same Pool.
Same Fly.
Different day but this time a plump wild brown nailed Cutter's Iso!

Outstanding dry fishing to be had at The Callicoon Pool from 7:00pm til dark.

The same conditions greeted me in Callicoon this evening with targets beginning late - at around 8:00pm.
This beautiful fish took me down to the backing and walloped Cutter's Iso #10 drifting right down the foam line.
What an astounding fly pattern! A client also had good luck with the same pattern I tie up at Knight's on the Main Stem north of Buckingham.
Try one and see for yourself!

07-16-15 Callicoon Pool 64
4.2 feet
64
4.2 feet

For the better part of late spring and early summer, the Upper Delaware Region has experienced record breaking rain.
June 2015 was a record with over eight inches of rain falling in the Catskills when the historical average for that month is three inches.
What is astounding is that June's deluge of precipitation came after a very dry and hot May with minimal releases from New York City (eventhough their reservoirs were over 98%) which caused water temperatures to exceed 72 degrees from Lordville, New York south for many weeks.

At this point in mid summer, New York City has ample storage in their reservoirs (more than 95% for mid July when the historical average is below 90%) and due a drilling malfunction a week ago, have been releasing in excess of 1,500cfs from Cannonsville Reservoir on the West Branch of the Delaware River near Deposit, New York.
The net result is that the Main Stem and West Branch are at least a foot plus higher than normal with fast flows.
They certainly cannot be waded.
The Main Stem as far south as Callicoon has stayed below 68 degrees by the end of the day due to increased cold water bottom releases.
Last evening, I spent the last two hours at Callicoon Pool looking for heads and with a few sulphurs and Cahills coming off after 7:00pm caught a nice rainbow taping out to 17 inches on the above pattern, which has been dynamite, this season - an adaption of Ralph Cutter's E/C Caddis which I call - "Cutter's Iso".
The smallmouth bass fishing has suffered this season due to colder water temps and higher flows. Only time will tell how the second half of the summer shakes out.
Angler's planning a trip to the Catskills / Upper Delaware River region would be wise to check the USGS tables below. They are updated every hour. Tight lines!

A nice looking Upper Delaware River wild rainbow crushed the EC Iso on top tonight in the Callicoon Pool.
Most of the targets showed after 7:00pm and were way below "The Wire" due to increased flows but were still found in mid current. Water is in the grass.

06-26-15 Shehawkin - Buckingham 58
3.0 feet
64
3.9 feet

As the sun starts fading behind the ridgeline during summertime, Ricky Lapidus, has the river to himself as well as tight lines at Knight's on the Big D.!

This was the go-to fly we used today to imitate the large Isonychia's found on the Big D. which will be hatching throughout the summer and fall.
Try using this fly, tied in size 10, in skinny oxygentated riffles with a small bead head caddis pupa or PT as a trailer on 5x.
When it comes to flies, it's confidence and a good attitude in what you're throwing to the fish and this fly is a keeper!

A nice 21 inch lanky wild brownie was caught in the fast oxygenated water by Ricky this afternoon using one of my handmade ties.
This fish nailed a size 10 Iso Parachute with trailing shuck and deer hair post.
The brown tore line off and it raced upstream in heavy current and Ricky was down to his backing in no time!

Smile for your closeup!
What a great fish...what a terrfic river!

06-24-15 Balls Eddy - Buckingham 55
3.1 feet
66
4.2 feet

Fish On! There's nothing more satsifying than to stalk wild trout at dusk and get them to hit dries on the surface.
Here's Ian Brister playing a nice wild rainbow at Warner's midway between Hancock and Buckingham on the Main Stem Upper Delaware River late this afternoon.

John Checchia with a hefty 19 inch wild brown that crushed one of my hand tied Snowshoe Rusty Spinners at dusk.
Water temps are ideal for trout on this stretch of river with NYC now releasing 500cfs out of Cannonsville.
Iso's showed after 5:00pm along with sulphurs. Water clarity is lightly stained and the levels are excellent for floating. Very light traffic. We saw only two other driftboats all day.

Everybody gets in the act!

06-19-15 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 68
4.0 feet
72
4.0 feet

Big smiles for John Settembrino with a nice feisty river bronzeback that you can excpect to catch plenty of on the Upper Delaware River.
Catches of 25 to 30+ fish are common on half day floats. Your average smallmouth usually tapes out to about 12 inches with plenty of bass between 15 and 20 inches which are great fun on light line.
This fish, as you can see, nailed, a 3.5" Kei -Tech.

06-15-15 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 76
3.6 feet
81
4.3 feet

Eel Weir Here's a panoramic view of the foundation of an eel weir south of Narrowsburg, New York.
From north (left) to south (right).
There are about five active eel weirs left on the Upper Delaware River and most weirs, or traps, will be rebuilt by early August before the eels leave the river and head down to the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean to spawn.
When the ice breaks up in the spring, the ice floes break up the rocks which form the wings of the dam and they have to be rebuilt in the summer months when the river is warm and low prior to the dark of the moon in August which begins the annual eel run.
The wings of the weir reach from shore to shore - a distance, at times, of more than 300 feet wide. As the current builds downstream in the funnel, eels become caught in the force of the river and drop into wooden boxes at the tip of the "V" to be collected by the owner and sold to brokers in the city.
In the event of heavy late summer / early fall rain in the Catskills / Poconos, the river will rise and the eels go right over the trap thus the owner might lose the entire run to high water.

Here's Bill Yeager, Sr. - 83 years young! - who's a great angler and loves the beautful Upper Delaware River, with one of many smallmouth bass he caught and released on today's float trip. Bill used mostly Kei - Techs and went over 25 fish.

And, there's Bill Yeager III, who also joined in the fun and got into a lot of action with the river bronzebacks.
The water started out gin clear but rose throughout the afternoon from heavy downpours upriver.

06-14-15 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 76
3.5 feet
80
3.5 feet

Eel Weir Here's a panoramic view of the foundation of an eel weir south of Narrowsburg, New York.
From north (left) to south (right).
There are about five active eel weirs left on the Upper Delaware River and most weirs, or traps, will be rebuilt by early August before the eels leave the river and head down to the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean to spawn.
When the ice breaks up in the spring, the ice floes break up the rocks which form the wings of the dam and they have to be rebuilt in the summer months when the river is warm and low prior to the dark of the moon in August which begins the annual eel run.
The wings of the weir reach from shore to shore - a distance, at times, of more than 300 feet wide. As the current builds downstream in the funnel, eels become caught in the force of the river and drop into wooden boxes at the tip of the "V" to be collected by the owner and sold to brokers in the city.
In the event of heavy late summer / early fall rain in the Catskills / Poconos, the river will rise and the eels go right over the trap thus the owner might lose the entire run to high water.

A nice chunky bronzeback made veteran Upper Delaware River Adam Yee's day! Adam caught and released this dandy fish in very skinny water of less than two feet on top.
In addition, to the fish hitting topwater plugs, both Adam and Leslie used Kei-Techs about 90% of the float this afternoon and they went over forty fish for a half day river trip.
Superb smallmouth bass conditions continue with warm temperature making the bass frisky as well as gin clear and normal levels.

06-13-15 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 75
3.5 feet
79
3.5 feet

Glenn Catanzariti gave the Upper Delaware River a shot this afternoon on a half day float trip with his Pop.
No biggies today but plenty of action. Father and son caught and released over forty fish. The action was non-stop from put in to take out with crystal clear water, great levels and water temps in the mid 70's - perfect conditions for the Big D. bronzebacks!

06-12-15 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 72
3.6 feet
78
3.5 feet

Need we say more for the next three months?

Newcomer to the Big D. is Andresz Delle who scored big on today's float with over a double limit of smallmouth bass.
Lots of hot non-stop action...and it was hot on the river as well as the water topped 78 degrees by the time we took out at Ten Mile River.
Andresz used Kei-Techs 100% of the time and went through a few packs of these Japanese soft smelly baits that bronzebacks crave.
They're so squishy and fishy that on the package it says: NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Not to worry. The fish nailed all of the Kei-Techs we brought for the float trip so there was no chance that there would be anything left over at the end.
Terrific river fishing folks! As long as we don't receive torrential downpours which will muddy up the tribs and river, the smallmouth action will remain great for the next three months. Any questions about fishing the Upper Delaware River for river bronzebacks? Please feel free to email or text me. Tight lines!

06-07-15 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 72
3.3 feet
75
3.3 feet

The Main Stem of the Upper Delaware River has many types of river locations: riffles, pools, runs, pockets, backwash, flats to name a few.
Anglers should take the time to mentally jot down areas of river that they have had success in finding fish as well as other important factors such as water temperature, weather, fronts and the time of year.
Here's a backwash area north of Ten Mile River that harbors some mighty big fish.
As you can see it's a deep eddy of more than ten feet of water with some blowdowns but it's also close to the main channel which brings down forage, such as hellgrammites, eels and minnows for the fish to feed on.
Don't pass these areas up on your river float. You might be surprised what you'll find!

Wow!
Look at that girth! And...look at that smile from veteran Upper Delaware River angler, Andy Vallardares, who nailed this trophy river bronzeback on today's river adventure south of Narrowsburg, New York.
This fish nailed a Kei -Tech and smoked Andy's reel across the river! We thought it was a striper at first but it torpedoed out of the water and we knew it was, as Dr. James Henshall said: "The gamest fish that swims"!
What a specimen of this fabuous resource that I call home. This smallie went to 19 inches but the coloration and girth is superb for a river fish.
Congrats Andy...this photo belongs in "Field and Stream"!

06-06-15 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 69
3.3 feet
72
3.3 feet

Did you know?
That the Erie Lackawanna Railroad was built along the Upper Delaware River in the 1840's. The railroad, the major industry in these parts for close to 120 years ran from Jersey City, NJ to Dunkirk, NY near Lake Erie.
Here's scenic Railroad Bridge Number 9 which spans the river about one mile north of the confluence of Ten Mile River south of Narrowsburg, New York.
Most of the river towns - Port Jervis, Narrowsburg, Callicoon, Long Eddy, Lordvlle and Hancock, were built around the commerce the railroad brought in the way of transportation of goods, services like hotels and restaurants - and the railroad tracks still run through these towns and hamlets.

Red Numbers!
Listed above are the end of the day water temperatures north of Callicoon via USGS.
See those red numbers in Lordville and Callicoon on the Main Stem? Not good if you're targeting trout.
And those are 4:00pm readings...so forget about the evening hatch. Way too warm to fish for trout with a paltry Cannonsville release of 275cfs. Heck, and the West Branch is too low to float!
Please don't fish for trout when the water temperature exceeds 68 degrees. Fish for smallmouth bass instead.
The bass fishing south of Callicoon is great right now on the Big D and will continue to be for the next three months.
On half day driftboat float charters, we're catching and releasing more than 35 fish on most river trips. Double that on full day driftboat float trips.
It's exciting, fun and also a great way to introduce youngsters to big river fishing!
So, forget about the trout until the fall and zero in on those scrappy river bronzebacks that will really put a bend in your light action spin rod or flyrod!

Big smiles for savvy angler, Steve Slobadsky, who fished with his Dad on today's float trip for smallmouth bass south of Narrowsburg, NY. And, yes, these guys caught and released a lot of bass. Over 40 for a half day float trip.
The water is gin clear and in the low seventies with normal levels making it smallmouth bass heaven!
You might say it's a little bit early in the season for the scrappy river bronzebacks but due to no rain and awful NYC reservoir releases, we're now in the summer mode all along the Big D.
Kei - Techs and Senkos are all you need for a fast and furious day on the Upper Delaware River. Tight lines!

06-01-15 Callicoon - Damascus 66
3.3 feet
66
3.3 feet

Don't forget to bring some bead head caddis pupas on your fishing trip on the Upper Delaware River.

Carmine Parisi is a terrific angler and a great guy to be with on our annual river adventures on the beautiful Upper Delaware River.
Here's Carmine with a nice river walleye caught and released south of Callicoon this afternoon.
The river clarity is stained to about four feet due to the rainfall we've received. In addition, within the last 36 hours the river temperature has dropped almost 15 degrees.
Hatches today were plenty of BWO's in #18 and #20 but not many targets. Great conditions however - dead calm, overcast and cool. The water temp was much warmer than the air which registered only at 53 degrees.

05-25-15 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 69
3.2 feet
72
3.2 feet

Low water levels on the river and a stiff south wind in your face throughout the day make for some challenging navigating through various rock gardens on the river.

Did you know that the National Park Service has jurisdiction on the Upper Delaware River and publishes a roster of current licensed guides who have federal permits to work this river?
Here it is.
This roster has the names and NPS numbers of each current licensed guide.
There are currently 57 approved National Park Service guides that have permits to operate commercially on this river.
Every NPS licensed Upper Delaware River driftboat guide has an NPS arrowhead on the port and starboard of each craft with the corresponding federal number of each guide on the roster list above.
Please don't target wild trout when the water temperature exceeds 68 degrees. Wait a few days until the water temps cool...or fish for smallmouth bass south of Callicoon.
Currently, there are no New York or Pennsylvania regs that prohibit fishing for trout when the water temperature exceeds a certain level.
But, science has proven that there is oxygen depletion when the water gets too warm and a fragile resource, like our wild Upper Delaware River trout, should be left alone until the water temperature cools. This is just as important a conservation measure as Catch and Release has become.
If you see somebody, who should know better since they are a licensed guide and under commercial / professonal permit to preserve and protect this special resource, targeting trout when the water is over 68 degrees, you'll know who it is.
Thank you.

5:00pm readings via USGS for the Upper Delaware River with a 241 cfs release from Cannonsville Reservoir on the West Branch and they are pretty awful.
Warm water in Callicoon recorded at 73 degrees all the way north to Lordville, New York on the Main Stem Upper Delaware River which is at 70 degrees and only 10 miles from Hancock which is at 66.
Lower East Branch also warm at 68.
Anybody that tells you that's it's o.k. to fish at dusk during a heatwave is dead wrong. The water temp will take a lot longer to cool down even after the sun goes down.
The coolest time for the water will be about 4:00am when most folks are sound asleep and dreaming of catching and releasing wild Delaware rainbows.
So much for all the talk about FFMP.
Low water + exposed streambed + hot sunny days + minimal NYC water releases and you've got this. Great for smallmouth bass...not good for trout for a "tailwater" fishery.

When the weather gets too hot, go for smallmouth bass and give the trout on the river a break.
Right now, the Catskill region has been dry and warm with water temps exceeding 72 by 6:00pm. Wild trout shouldn't be fished for when the water exceeds 68 degrees. Most guides, not all, pay attention to water temps by taking along a stream thermometer and so should you!
The water is gin clear and a little below normal with regards to levels at 3.2 feet. Plenty of rocks to navigate around.
Here's Alan Kaufman, my client who scored big yesterday with the huge shad, scoring again south of Ten Mile River with this 18 inch river bronzeback.
Alan used Kei - Techs about 90% of the float with me today and the quality and quantity of the bass this early in the season was impressive. Totals? Over 60 fish.

Alan's wife, Deb, who's great company on board and a terrific angler as well, also caught and released some very impressive bronzebacks.
Here's a nice photo of Deb with a 16.5 inch Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass.

Not as big as hubby Alan's huge roe shad but respectable nonetheless. Deb nailed this feisty buck shad at the tailout of Ten Mile River rapids on a red/whit shad dart to begin the trip.
Alan and Deb, looking forward to fishing with you on The Fourth! Tight lines always!

05-24-15 Soaring Eagle - Callicoon 61
3.2 feet
66
3.2 feet

Don't forget to bring some bead head caddis pupas on your fishing trip on the Upper Delaware River.
Both shad and wild trout love these shiny nymphs and some mighty big fish, like the one Alan caught and released, will eat these small dainty morsels like those patterns shown above.

Wow! Big shad for veteran Upper Delaware angler, The Maestro - Alan Kaufman - who nailed this strong fish north of Callicoon on today's river adventure.

Alan also was into wild Big D. rainbows in the fast water north of Hankins, New York.
This beauty took a bead head caddis pupa on 5x tippet in about 2 feet of skinny water and took off like lightning! Great fish and great angling Alan!

05-23-15 Callicoon Pool 64
3.2 feet
64
3.2 feet

This spring, both the Callicoon Pool and Pine Tree Eddy Pool near Cochecton, New York have been exciting places to be with both wild trout and shad taking flies on top at dusk.

A nice healthy and plump wild Upper Delaware Rainbow was fooled by an Admiral's Snowshoe Rusty Spinner at dusk.

Who says that the "Poor Man's Salmon" aka the American Shad can only be caught using darts?
This fellow nailed an E/C Caddis on top and took line like a bonefish this evening!

05-21-15 Soaring Eagle - Callicoon 60
3.3 feet
63
3.3 feet

What a great way to start the day.
No wind, overcast skies, water temp at 60 degrees and many sulphurs and cahills littered the back eddy when I put the boat in at Soaring Eagle this morning!
That was the hatch today. Sulphurs, Cahills, Grey Fox, March Browns and Caddis - BUG SOUP!

But THIS was the fly pattern that slayed both trout and shad today. The E/C Caddis.
Attitude and confidence in what you're throwing to the fish is more than half the battle and this fly, designed by Ralph Cutter in the Sirerras in the early 1980's, and tied via internet, by yours truly has been great this spring. Order a few and see for yourself. In #12, #14 and #16.

Big fish for newcomer to the Big D., Ron Savarese, who nailed this big shad on 5x tippet on an E/C Caddis on top during today's float trip near Hankins, New York.
This fish tore off line and raced upstream in heavy current but Ron was steady eddie at the reel and managed to bring this beauty in. Great fish Ron!

05-20-15 Calicoon - Damascus 63
3.5 feet
63
3.4 feet

Public Service. Please don't target wild trout when the water temperature exceeds 68 degrees.
Thank you.

It's always great to fish with Mike Breen - a great guy and we always have a lot of laughs on board.
Here's Mike with a nice walleye he caught and released on today's float trip near Pine Tree Eddy north of Cochecton, New York.
It was windy out there with a stiff north wind up to 25mph. In addition, the air temp barely hit 50 with mostly cloud cover.
The water temperatures have now dropped into the low sixties all the way south to Damascus and will continue to fall since they are calling for lows in the 40's tonight.
Fly fishing should be excellent this coming week once the winds abate. Hatches will be BWO's, Caddis, March Browns and Sulphurs.

05-18-15 Soaring Eagle - Callicoon 65
3.6 feet
68
3.5 feet

Veteran Big D. angler, Tom Bidermann, with a nice legal river walleye caught and released south of Hankins, New York on today's float trip.
The water has risen in the last 48 hours due to the rain we've received in the Catskills and it has also stained the river with visibility to about four feet.
Hatches were off today possibly due to an ongoing south wind. A few small olives and caddis along with one or two March Browns but no targets to be had.
The boys had rainbows on the line on three separate occasions but the fish had other plans. L.D.R. - Long Distance Release. Cooler weather by Wednesday.

05-16-15 Callicoon: Miller's Eddy 67
3.2 feet
67
3.2 feet

Fog enshrouds Miller's Eddy during the Evening Hatch as an angler flyfishes to sipping wild trout near Callicoon, New York.

Pictured above is my Snowshoe Rusty Spinner that I tie in either 12, 14 or 16.
It's been a great fly on the Upper Delaware River for the wild trout.
Don't believe me? Tie one on at dusk!

You can't beat this corner office!

Busman's holiday for yours truly who caught this nice 20 inch wild brown at dusk in Miller's Eddy on a Snowshoe Rabbit Rusty Spinner.
Boy, did that fish slam that fly!

NYS and NPS Licensed guide, all around nice guy and great angler, Rich Hudgens out of Baxter House, saw that this fish was taking a lot of line down to the backing and rowed over in his driftboat with his clients, hopped out of his boat and helped me net my fish.
Rich's younger, more limber and has...well, state of the art equipment.
Thank you Rich!

And, here's one more close up of the star of show...Mr. Brownie, before he is released into the beautiful Upper Delaware River to fight another day.
What a great river!

05-15-15 Callicoon - Damascus 62
3.1 feet
66
3.1 feet

Any nymph tied with peacock will work on these fighting wild rainbows!
Here's a great bead head with a little hot spot of orange ice dub that works like a charm. Remember to size down your nymphs depending on the clarity and velocity of the riffle you're fishing. Right now - stay with #14 and #16's.

Smiling Mike Tripaldi with a healthy wild Upper Delaware rainbow caught and released south of Callicoon, New York.

05-14-15 Callicoon - Damascus 62
3.1 feet
67
3.1 feet

When the sun is strong and high in the sky and you've got bluebird skies like we did today, your choice is nymph the riffles with bead head nymphs.
Bead Head PT's, Bead Head Caddis Pupas and Bead Head Prince in size 14's and 16's.
Wild 'bows like the fast oxygen rich areas of the river where there is an abundance of aquatic insects under rocks - caddis, mayflies and stoneflies. These little nymphs get dislodged and, being clumsy swimmers, fall prey to wild trout who wait for the feed behind submerged rocks and boulders. Look for foam lines and color changes for that is where the fish will be.
Next time you're on the river and it's a sunny day with no surface targets, try a bead head...or two - on a tandem rig on 5x tippet.

There's John Paul Farrell who traveled all the way from Maine to fish the Upper Delaware River today.
John caught and released this pretty rainbow in the Campground chute south of downtown Callicoon.
The water is crystal clear and at the lowest level that I've seen in the past two years due to no rain in the Catskills and very small NYC reservoir releases.
After the heat wave we had last week when trout fishing ground to a standstill, the nighttime temps are back to seasonable with lows in the 40s making the water temperture in the low to mid sixties - ideal for the wild Upper Delaware River rainbows.

05-06-15 Tower Rd. - Callicoon PA Access 63
3.5 feet
66
3.4 feet

A Buon Giusto!
This Upper Delaware River brownie devoured a #14 Snowshoe Rusty Spinner this evening in the Callicoon Pool.

Pictured above is my pattern for a Snowshoe Rusty Spinner that I tie in either 12, 14 or 16.
Snowshoe rabbit is not only a geat material for emergers and duns but also for the spent wings of spinner. You can see them in low light and the material is buoyant.
Rounding out the pattern is superfine burgundy dubbing by Umpqua and two Microfibbets splayed.
This fly has accounted for more low light sipping fish than I can count.

Here's the EC Caddis that I tie, and is also for sale, which has been very effective with the wild trout on the Upper Delaware River.
Credit for the original design of this pattern goes to Ralph Cutter who used this pattern in the Sierras on the Truckee River in California.

In the net!
The Callicoon Pool was on fire tonight with many targets and bugs after 7:00pm.
As long as the water temperature stays below 68 degrees we should have superb dry fly fishing on the Big D for most of May and into June.
Caddis was the primary hatch along with Blue Quills, Red Quills, Spinners and Hendricksons.

This gorgeous Upper Delaware River wild rainbow crushed an EC Caddis this afternoon at the tailout near Hollisters north of Callicoon, New York.

I guess the brownies liked those EC Caddis as well.
This fish wacked the living daylights out of that pattern late in the afternoon near Tower.
I'll have the EC Caddis that I tie on the blog tomorrow. All hand tied patterns are tied by me and are available.
What a great river and resource we have! Fish On!

05-04-15 Kellams Bridge - Callicoon 58
3.6 feet
65
3.6 feet

The Islands...north of Callicoon.
The water braids through these islands with riffles that are wonderful holding areas for wild trout - both browns and rainbows as well as American Shad.

The rainbows are getting into high gear with the water temperature in the low sixties. Here's a nice wild Upper Delaware 'bow caught and released by Mike Leonetti on today's float trip.

Feisty wild browns were also caught on our float trip as well.
Here's Jim Parilli with a Big D. brownie caught in the skinny flats north of Callicoon.
Hendricksons, Blue Quill and Caddis were the hatches with Caddis the primary hatch in the afternoon.

05-03-15 Kellams Bridge - Callicoon 57
3.6 feet
61
3.6 feet

Callicoon Pool.
Glassy calm.
An excellent place to finish up a float trip while tying into wild 'bows and browns with the dry fly.
For the next month, try a Snowshoe Rusty Spinner on 5x and you'll see what I mean!

Here's veteran Catskill / Upper Delaware angler, Albert Yee with a nice chunky brown trout to wrap up the day caught and released in Callicoon Pool at dusk.
Hatches were Hendricksons, Blue Quill and Caddis starting after 3:00pm.

05-02-15 Kellams Bridge - Callicoon 56
3.7 feet
60
3.7 feet

It's always nice to see smaller wild trout in the Main Stem since that's a great sign that we have a healthy year class of trout for future seasons ahead.
Rainbows were caught and released on our float trip today. No biggies but a wild trout on a fly rod in the current is always a blast.
Hatches were Blue Quill, Hendricksons (see Snowshoe pattern at left which has been very effective) and Caddis mostly starting at 3:00pm and lasting until 6:00pm.
The water is dropping, clear and hit 60 degrees by the time we took out at Tower Road.

05-01-15 Callicoon - Damascus 56
3.7 feet
58
3.6 feet

This is why we fish.

This was Adam Kean's first trip to the Big D. and Adam caught and released this healthy looking wild brown south of Callicoon on today's float trip.
This fish was caught on top using a pattern to duplicate The Admiral's Snowshoe Hendrickson.
Hatches began at around 2:30 with Hendricksons, Blue Quill and Caddis. Targets were good in the mid afternoon period but both hatches and rise forms petered out after 5:00pm.
Hendrickson and Red Quills should be very good to excellent this week with no rain forecast and highs near 70 degrees.
Water is gin clear and in the upper 50's.

04-30-15 Miller's Eddy - Callicoon 58
3.8 feet
59
3.8 feet

The water temperature all along the Main Stem Upper Delaware River has finally stayed in the fifties.
It took all of April to get here but Hendricksons, and a few targets, showed this afternoon after 3:00pm.
The water is gin clear and at normal levels but is now too low to float the West Branch due to minimal NYC releases from Cannonsville.
Hatches today were Hendricksons (just starting), Caddis, and Blue Quill.
This healthy wild brown nailed a Hi - Viz Quill Parachute at Miller's Eddy north of Callicoon, New York.

11-8-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 44
3.4 feet
46
3.4 feet

We have been having a ball with the wild rainbows and browns on the Main Stem the past fall with teeny tiny BWO's and RS2's.
When October rolls around with colder water temps, your hatches are pretty simple...Baetis!
Small Blue Wing Olives will appear during the warmest part of the day which will be from say 2:30pm until 5:00.
Don't leave home without a few #18 and #20 BWO Parachutes along with some RS2's designed by my man, Rim Chung, for the South Platte River in Colorado. These Upper Delaware River are finicky but they'll take an RS2 on 5 or 6x in no time!
Fish On! Flies are always available by emailing me .
This was the go-to fly today and the trout devoured the imitation in size 18.
Tight lines! TR

Wow!
What a beautiful 21 inch wild brown for newcomer Gregg Shoen who fished with me and his Dad on today's float trip. Yep. That's Fraser's Bluff in the background on the incredible Big D.
The water temperature has gotten cold since we're now into mid November but we're still catching!
From 1:00pm until 3:30pm, Baetis, Blue Wing Olives, in size 20 weere the bugs. Fool those wild fish with an RS2 in size 18 or 20 - pictured at left.

Wild trout wasn't the only quarry we sought. Here's Gregg with a legal walleye taping out to 21 inches. It was a great day to be out on the river!

10-26-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 51
3.4 feet
51
3.4 feet

We have been having a ball with the wild rainbows and browns on the Main Stem the past fall with teeny tiny BWO's and RS2's.
When October rolls around with colder water temps, your hatches are pretty simple...Baetis!
Small Blue Wing Olives will appear during the warmest part of the day which will be from say 2:30pm until 5:00.
Don't leave home without a few #18 and #20 BWO Parachutes along with some RS2's designed by my man, Rim Chung, for the South Platte River in Colorado. These Upper Delaware River are finicky but they'll take an RS2 on 5 or 6x in no time!
Fish On! Flies are always available by emailing me .
This was the go-to fly today and the trout devoured the imitation in size 18.
Tight lines! TR

Veteran Upper Delaware River angler, Albert Yee, with a dandy wild brown trout that he caught and released south of Hankins this afternoon!
On today's float trip, Albert caught The Grand Slam - nice browns, rainbows, walleye and smallmouth bass. That's great fishing! Congratulations Albert and I look forward to more fishing adventures in 2015!

This feisty smallie was a bonus and measured close to 17 inches caught and released north of Callicoon, New York.

Late October on the Upper Delaware River and we're still catching strong wild browns (and rainbows too!).

Lunch stop in Hankins, New York with Albert Yee a great angler and a good friend. Tight lines always!

10-25-14 Callicoon 51
3.4 feet
51
3.4 feet

Showtime on the Upper Delaware River!

It's a wrap!

The Upper Delaware River is the real star.
What a river!

Closeup of a beautiful wild Upper Delaware River 'bow!

Another closeup of a feisty bronzeback!!

10-13-14 Callicoon - Damascus 55
3.4 feet
57
3.4 feet

Here's a fly for those overcast, damp and drizzly days as well as NOW - late season in the northeast such as October / early November...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 .
This was the go-to fly today and the trout devoured the imitation in size 18.
Tight lines! TR

Same stretch as yesterday but this time we were targeting differnt quarry...and newcomer to the Big D. succeeded!
Here's Justin Brooks with a nice river walleye he caught south of Callicoon on today's river adventure.

10-12-14 Callicoon - Damascus 55
3.4 feet
57
3.4 feet

Here's a fly for those overcast, damp and drizzly days as well as NOW - late season in the northeast such as October / early November...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 .
This was the go-to fly today and the trout devoured the imitation in size 18.
Tight lines! TR

Here we are in mid October and we're still fishing...and catching!
The Main Stem UDR has been fishing superbly for the past ten weeks due to cool nights and excellent water releases from Cannonsville with bottom releases running anywhere from 700 to 1100cfs.
Whereas most freestones and tribs are bony, the West Branch and, especially, the Main have been in excellent shape this fall with plenty of wild trout and good hatches of BWO's, sulphurs and Iso's.
Today's float found us south of Callicoon and towards dusk we found sippers past Pine Tree Eddy.
This nice wild bow slammed an Admiral's® Snowshoe Spinner in size 14.
The levels and clarity are perfect and decent trout fishing will continue until the water chills into the low to mid 40's. Right now it's in the mid 50's - so get your last licks in and fish!

The guide should never be allowed to fish with a client (unless, of course, the client has granted that privilege to the guide or if the guide is instructing the client on say - a reach mend cast - then it's o.k.
But it's never o.k. to show up the client.
But there are times when the light is going down, the season is closing and the fish are gently sipping on the glistening waters of the Main Stem of the beautiful Upper Delaware River that the urge becomes too great for a seasoned river guide to ignore.
Thus this beautiful close up of a nice wild rainbow caught at dusk near Cochecton on an Admiral's® Snowshoe Spinner with the guide ingonito.

10-06-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 54
3.4 feet
56
3.4 feet

Here's a fly for those overcast, damp and drizzly days as well as NOW - late season in the northeast such as October / early November...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 .
This was the go-to fly today and the trout devoured the imitation in size 18.
Tight lines! TR

Here's Bill Hook with a bruiser of a wild rainbow caught and released on today's float trip south of Long Eddy, New York. This fish had a huge girth and went over 21 inches.
The water temps have now cooled down to the mid 50's and the clarity and levels are ideal.

Bill had a great day fishing on the Big D. today.
In Miller's Eddy north of Callicoon he nailed this fat wild brown!
Hatches began today at around 3:00pm with small Blue Wing Olives in #18 and #20.
In between the south wind, targets could be had in Sippin' Hole and well as Miller's at dusk with a decent spinner fall of #14 Rusty Spinners.

10-02-14 Callicoon - Damascus 59
3.4 feet
62
3.4 feet

You can't beat a hand tied Admiral's Snowshoe Sulphur to fool these wild Big D. rainbows!
Be sure to have a few in your flybox this fall!

Now that's a real nice wild rainbow that Kevin Kearsey caught and released south of Callicoon on today's float trip.
This beauty went close to 22 inches. Absolutely gorgeous!

It's always a pleasure to fish with Dave Isaacson. He's great company on board and a terrific angler.
Here's Dave with a nice UDR bronzeback that taped out at over 16 inches. This fish was one of many legal fish caught and released on today's drift.
All in all, a great day with a nice mixed bag - wild trout both rainbows and browns, bass and a decent size walleye which unfortunately was dropped.
The Upper Delaware River...an angler's paradise!

10-01-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 59
3.5 feet
62
3.5 feet

You can't beat a hand tied Admiral's Snowshoe Sulphur to fool these wild Big D. rainbows!
Be sure to have a few in your flybox this fall!

Big Bad Brown!
And big smiles for newcomer to the Big D. - Mark Grose!
Mark nailed this sweetheart of a brownie which taped over 22 inches on today's float trip near The Basket in Long Eddy. What a fish!
Besides this brown, Mark caught and released more browns and rainbows but this fish was big boy on today's river adventure.
Mark, it was a pleasure fishing with you and I look forward to more tight lines in the future!

9-30-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 58
3.5 feet
61
3.5 feet

You can't beat a hand tied Admiral's Snowshoe Sulphur to fool these wild Big D. rainbows!
Be sure to have a few in your flybox this fall!

Happy angler Gregg Gulden with a nice Big D. rainbow caught on a dry north of Hankins this afternoon.
Gregg used a Iso Compardun to fool this fish and it absolutely crushed the fly and Gree was off to the races!
Great fish Gregg!

Here's the star of the show...
A beautiful wild Upper Delaware River rainbow!
You cannot mistake the look of these fish - vibrant colors, healthy girth and a helluva fight!

9-22-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 58
3.5 feet
61
3.5 feet

You can't beat a hand tied Admiral's Snowshoe Sulphur to fool these wild Big D. rainbows!
Be sure to have a few in your flybox this fall!

An outstanding day on the river was had by Joe Malanga. Here's Joe with a gorgeous wild Upper Delaware River rainbow that taped out to 18 inches!
Look at that girth! This fish was caught on the stretch south of Hankins, New York and was one of eight that the boys caught and released.

Big smiles for John Cortez...and why not?
This fish would make any angler smile. John's wild 'bow went over 18 inches and was caught a bit north of Callicoon, New York.
What a day boys...and what a river!

9-21-14 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 61
3.5 feet
64
3.5 feet

Fall begins tomorrow but the Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass are still very active!
Here's Alan Kaufman with a nice 16.5 inch bronzeback that Alan caught and released on today's float trip south of Narrowsburg. Great fish Alan!

The fishing was so solid this afternoon on the river that yours truly had to get his line wet too!

Plenty of Doubles! We had many times on today's float that both anglers had fish on at the same time.
Today we used KeiTechs about 100% of the time and the mid afternoon to evening smallmouth bass bite was on fire!
And believe it or not...on today's float trip, we did not see one other person taking advantage of this beautiful resource only two hours northwest of New York City!

9-19-14 Miller's Eddy (Callicoon) 60
3.3 feet
60
3.3 feet

For the past few days we've had ideal conditions for dry fly activity on the wild trout at dusk.
The water is in the low 60's, gin clear and at normal levels. Plus, the days have been crisp with very little wind. Hatches have been sulphurs, olives and a few Isonychias.
This wild brown was fooled by a Snowshoe Sulphur about a half hour before dark this evening.

9-14-14 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 59
3.4 feet
62
3.4 feet

Making a slight modification to the original Gartside Gurgler by adding another strip of closed cell foam makes the "Double Gurgler" a great topwater fly pattern for smallmouth bass!
The extra bulk from the foam gives the lip of this fly terrific buoyancy in the water and makes the splash and gurgle from this bug even more pronounced to the fish.
Tied on a TMC 300 hook and available in sizes 1 and 2 in chartreuse/white; brown/orange; black/silver, blue/white Fish On!

Here's Mike with a big 23 inch walleye caught near Ten Mile River on this afternoon's float trip on the beautiful Upper Delaware River.
The water temperature chilled right down to 59 degrees at Narrowsburg when we shoved off around noontime and only went to 62 by takeout.
The bite was light to start but we mangaged a decent catch of smallies and a brace of walleye to make the day.
Beautiful fall like weather, many bald eagles and only a couple of kayakers were on the river today. All in all...a great day to be out on the river!

9-12-14 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 66
3.4 feet
68
3.4 feet

Making a slight modification to the original Gartside Gurgler by adding another strip of closed cell foam makes the "Double Gurgler" a great topwater fly pattern for smallmouth bass!
The extra bulk from the foam gives the lip of this fly terrific buoyancy in the water and makes the splash and gurgle from this bug even more pronounced to the fish.
Tied on a TMC 300 hook and available in sizes 1 and 2 in chartreuse/white; brown/orange; black/silver, blue/white Fish On!

A good lookin' toothy walleye was a nice catch for Lee Serota on his float south of Narrowsburg today under bluebird skies. The water temperature had chilled somewhat to the upper sixties and was certainly warmer than the air temps which were in the low 60's.
In addition, to Mr. Marble Eye's, Lee caught and released many smallies on Kei-Techs.
Great river levels and gin clear water! No question that the bronzeback bite gets better by mid afternoon towards dusk.

9-6-14 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 73
3.3 feet
77
3.2 feet

Making a slight modification to the original Gartside Gurgler by adding another strip of closed cell foam makes the "Double Gurgler" a great topwater fly pattern for smallmouth bass!
The extra bulk from the foam gives the lip of this fly terrific buoyancy in the water and makes the splash and gurgle from this bug even more pronounced to the fish.
Tied on a TMC 300 hook and available in sizes 1 and 2 in chartreuse/white; brown/orange; black/silver, blue/white Fish On!

What a nice dark bronzeback that John Pela caught and released on this afternoon's float trip south of Narrowsburg!
We're having perfect conditions for the river smallies right now. Gin clear water, temps in the mid 70s and normal levels!
On our half day float today, we had in excess of forty fish - twice with triples! Three anglers with fish on at the same time!

8-24-14 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 69
3.5 feet
72
3.4 feet

Making a slight modification to the original Gartside Gurgler by adding another strip of closed cell foam makes the "Double Gurgler" a great topwater fly pattern for smallmouth bass!
The extra bulk from the foam gives the lip of this fly terrific buoyancy in the water and makes the splash and gurgle from this bug even more pronounced to the fish.
Tied on a TMC 300 hook and available in sizes 1 and 2 in chartreuse/white; brown/orange; black/silver, blue/white Fish On!

Bonnie Beresford with a nice Upper Delaware River walleye!

8-20-14 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 71
3.3 feet
75
3.3 feet

What a good lookin' smallmouth bass for newcomer to the Big D., David Bridges!
David fished with his buddy, Gerry, on our float trip south of Narrowsburg today and caught in excess of 60 fish. The smallmouth bass conditions on the river are perfect. Gin clear water, great levels and water temps in the low 70s.
Senkos and Kei-Techs are all you'll need for a successful outing. It was great fishing with you guys! Tight lines always!

8-17-14 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 69
3.3 feet
72
3.3 feet

Pictured above is a great topwater fly for the Upper Delaware River bronzebacks.
It's a Gartside Gurgler designed the legendary fly tyer extrodinare, Jack Gartside of Boston. Gurgler's, are also terrific patterns on saltwater fish like Specs, Reds, Blues and Stripers on 1/0 and 2/0 hooks.
I tie these for my smallmouth river clients in smaller sizes like 1, 2 and 4 and the bass wallop these bugs in skinny riffles as well as foam lines.
Give one a try and see for yourself!
Good friends, excellent anglers, nobody on the river, a few bald eagles, the river smallies are on the feed with catches over 50+, great weather and a few ice cold Stella's - believe me, it just doesn't get any better than that!
Folks...this Heaven on Earth is less than two hours from NYC and it's called the beautiful Upper Delaware River!
If you've never experienced this great river and its' fishing feel free to contact me by text, voice or email. Tight lines!

Well, you couldn't ask for better conditions for river smallmouth bass fishing than we had on today's float trip. It was a bit breezy with a north wind when we shoved off after 12 noon but by the time we left Barnes Eddy and anchored up near Crandall's we were into fish big time. Here's one of many smallmouth that Deb Kaufman caught and released on today's float south of Ten Mile River.
We used Senkos an Kei-Tech's for about 95% of the trip and the bass nailed them very aggressively.

Pictured above is Alan Kaufman with another beauty!
Between Alan and Deb, we caught and released over sixty fish and many fish were legal. The conditions for smallies are superb - the water is gin clear, at normal levels with the water temps hitting 72 by the end of the day near Zane Grey. Another bonus has been the Catskill weather - not too warm and very dry for August. I didn't want the day to end! Alan and Deb, it was great fishing with you and hope to see you for another trip this coming fall! Tight lines always!

8-14-14 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 68
3.5 feet
70
3.5 feet

Pictured above is a brace of my Isonychia Snowshoe Emergers which the wild rainbows love in September - especially on the Long Eddy to Callicoon stretch.
Fish these guys in the pockets and riffles on a tandem rig trailing a bead head and the trout will take you for a ride - sometimes down to your backing.
Available in size 10 and 12.

It's always a fun time to fish with Gary Tubridy and his buddy Steve Mermey.
Time marches on but Gary doesn't seem to age! Here's Gary with one of many fesity Upper Delaware River that both veteran anglers caught and released on today's float trip.
Senkos and Kei-Techs were the rule along with decent topwater water activity using Chug-Bugs. What a day!
Gents, it's always a pleasure fishing with you both and hope we'll get a chance to fish once again this fall! Tight lines always!

In gin clear water, downsize your offerings.
Pictured above is a Kei-Tech FAT 2.8 inch Swing Impact in Green Pumpkin Fire. We went from a normal 4 inch grub to these dainty morsels on a sixteenth ounce jig and it made a world of difference.


8-8-14 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 71
3.4 feet
75
3.4 feet

One of the few eel weirs along the main stem of the Upper Delaware River.
Eels are freshwater fish that will migrate to the Atlantic Ocean during the dark of the moon in August and their spawning run lasts until early October.
Folks will trap them as the Lenape indians used to do and a few people still smoke them.
Believe you me! Those cherry-smoked eels are sure tasty...especially with some super sharp cheddar or stilton, Beach Lake bread and an ice cold Yeungling!
It doesn't get any better that that!

I had the opportunity to fish today with Brendan and Colin Plunkett. Here's Colin with one of many scrappy Upper Delaware River bronzebacks he caught south of Narrowsburg using Kei-Techs. In fact, that's all we used!
The smallmouth bass conditions are superb - the water is gin clear with warm temps in the low to mid seventies putting the fish on the feed.
On today's trip both father and son caught and released in excess of 35 fish!

8-3-14 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 71
3.5 feet
75
3.5 feet

A standard Caddis like this hand tied fly by yours truly will also work on the smallies!

It's summertime and we all know that kids like to CATCH...not just fish - BUT CATCH.
Well, the Upper Delaware River certainly won't disappoint the youngster's. Here's Julia Ketner, who fished with her granddad on this afternoon's float trip south of Narrowsburg.
What a smile on Julia's face!
That's what's it all about in the summer on the Big D. Lots of smiles and lots of fish!
On today's float, granddad and granddaughter caught in excess of 25 fish.
Great smallmouth bass fishing right now - water temps in the 70s, gin clear and at great levels.

8-2-14 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 69
3.6 feet
72
3.6 feet

Did you know...
that the fiesty Upper Delaware River bronzebacks will eagerly take a greased size 12 or 14 X-caddis skittering across the foam lines in mid Summer?
Give it a try the next time you're out on the river!

Here's Tim with a nifty Big D. smallmouth bass. Tim caught over twenty five fish on our half day afternoon float today.
Great smallie conditions right now! The water levels are terrific, the clarity is clear and the temps are in the low 70's!
Fish On!

7-30-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 61
3.7 feet
67
3.7 feet

One of the three bead head nymphs I used today with good success. The hot spot of orange ice dub at the head is a must.
This pattern also goes by the name of "Frenchy"... whatever - it's a take off on the venerable Pheasant Tail tied way back by Frank Sawyer and the wild rainbows love them!

Flyfishing for wild trout in late July? It must be Montana!
Nope. It's the beautiful Upper Delaware River...near Callicoon!
The Catskills has been blessed with cool evenings in the 50s of late and a lot of water this summer which has meant water temps below 70 north of Callicoon and water in the feeders keeping the Main Stem cool in addition to the constant 600cfs out of Cannonsville for the past month.
One of five wild trout caught and released on the Long Eddy stretch today. Two others which were larger were dropped. All fish were caught in the fast riffles with bead head nymphs...Goldfinger, Purcell's Fancy and Prince. Weighted and in size 14.

7-24-14 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 68
4.2 feet
72
4.2 feet

Every day and in every way we are catching (and releasing) nice size walleye on the Upper Delaware River.
Most folks think 1) the only time to catch walleye is in the fall when the water gets cold...like below 50 degrees and 2) they don't bite on sunny summer days and 3) only live bait will catch walleye.

Wrong!
Book a summer trip for smallies and not only will you catch over 40 fish in a day per angler but your chances for walleye from 19 to 24 inches are in the cards as well. No need to travel to Canada or Minnesota when great walleye fishing is two hours from New York City!

AND More Walleye! Here's Brenda Gent who made the journey from Binghamton to fish with me today on the Big D.
Brenda sure knows her stuff when it comes to angling and she had a great day on the river. This photo is of Brenda with a 21 inch walleye that nailed a Kei-Tech south of TMR.
Great fish Brenda!

7-23-14 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 70
3.9 feet
74
3.9 feet

It's hot!
On our boat...the lager is always under mounds of ice when the air temps are close to 90 degrees!

More Walleye! Savvy angler, Mitch Rutter, traveled from Gotham to fish with me on the Big D today and nailed this dandy river walleye - close to 20 inches. Look at that girth. Great fish Mitch!
The river levels continue to drop but are still about a foot up from where they should be. The water clarity has improved day by day with visibility down to about 5 feet or so. An eighth ounce lead head jig tipped with a four inch Kei-Tech in silver shad or green sparkles will do the trick. In fact, that's all we've been using for the past week. As the water levels drop further, try an unweighted four inch Senko rigged wacky style. Go get 'em!

7-22-14 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 70
4.0 feet
72
4.0 feet

That's all you need to use...4 inch Kei-Techs!...Great bass fishing!

Newcomer to the magnificent Upper Delaware River is Olivia Mende who all by herself caught and released double digit smallmouth bass on today's float trip with her Pop. Here's Olivia with an a nice Big D. bronzeback that she put back into the river to fight again. Nice fish Olivia!

7-21-14 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 69
4.1 feet
72
4.0 feet

They make ice cream too!...but at the end of the trip when our throats are parched...we choose a bottle of lager that's been on ice for 7 hours for the final stretch.
The river is finally back to fishable levels as well as decent color. The level is still about a foot above where it should be with visibility to about 5 feet but, no matter, the fish were certainly hungry today.
We used 4 inch Kei-Techs on an eighth ounce lead head jig for most of the trip and the action was non stop.
The quality of the smallies was great - with many fish over 14 inches. In quick current fish the shoreline indentations, side eddies and foam lines downstream of large submerged boulders.

Now that's a nice 21 inch walleye that Rick Carney caught and released on today's float trip. Rick had a great day on the river fishing with his son, Pat, and between the two of them, they caught close to 50 bass and bonus walleye.

Whoops! Your guide, Tony Ritter!
Had to get into the action as well. Not as big as Rick's, but hey, who's counting? This walleye went to 19 inches.

There's Pat Carney with a nice 16 inch river bronzeback! Guys, it was a pleasure fishing with you both today!

6-21-14 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 72
3.8 feet
76
3.7 feet

Mmmmmm...Icey Cold!
At the end of your river float trip!

The first day of summer on the Big D and we're in smallmouth bass mode with Nick Kolupanowich and this feisty river brozeback which Nick caught and released today along with about 25 other bass! Senkos and Kei-Techs were the ticket. An nice ice cold Long Trail Ale and some willing river bass on light line in fast pocket water is all you'll need for the next three months on the beautiful Upper Delaware River! Tight lines!

6-12-14 Callicoon (Miller's Eddy) 63
3.4 feet
63
3.4 feet

A close up of Uncle Wabbit's® Snowshoe Sulphur in size 14.
A great fly for wild rainbows...and shad!

American Shad 2014 - The Run is Done.
Alosa sapidissima taking The Drt Fly in Miller's Eddy this afternoon. This shad ate Uncle Wabbit's® Sulphur in size 14.

6-7-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 62
3.5 feet
69
3.5 feet

The Prince Nymph. Also known in the Catskill region of New York state as "Bead Head Bernie".
Bead or no bead. They're available in sizes 10, 12, 14 and 16.
I usually use a tandem rig with with the fly patterns at size 14 and 16. However, under high water...or if it's stained, you might want to try a 12 / 14.
For the third day in a row, this fly pattern has been the pièce de résistance for the Upper Delaware River wild rainbows! Try it and see!

"You can always tell when the groove is working or not." ~ Prince

Newcomer to the Big D., Sean McCune, fishing in The Basket this morning, nailed this dandy 20 inch wild rainbow.
This fish walloped the offering and heading downstream in a hurry!
Great fish Sean!

Here's a close up of Sean's fish. Look at that girth and colors! It's unmistakably a wild fish...it's a wild Upper Delaware Rainbow!

Sean's bro...Tom, also got into the fast action as well. Here is Tom with a 22 inch fatty that was caught at Pine Flats.
The Upper Delaware River! What an astounding fishery!
Guys, it was a pleasure fishing with you today and I hope we'll wet a line on the Big D in the future! Tight lines always!

6-6-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 63
3.6 feet
69
3.5 feet

Besides a bead head "Purcells Fancy" in size 12 or 14 depending on water velocity, my second go-to nymph would be a Prince - with bead or without.
The Upper Delaware River wild rainbows seem to crave peacock herl which both patterns have. I'll fish these flies as a tandem rig on 5x with about 8 to 10 feet of leader. Fish this tandem nymph rig in skinny oxygenated water of 2 to 4 feet during non-hatch periods which, like today, during bright sunny late May / June days there will be plenty of.

A great day to be on the river!
Fish On!

What a gorgeous Upper Delaware River wild rainbow! This beautiful fish was caught this afternoon at Pine Flats by newcomer to the Big D., Ben Altman on a bead head Prince nymph. Great fish Ben!
Ben caught and released shad and rainbows on today's float trip.

A close up of the Star of the Main Stem Upper Delaware River before release back into the Big D.!

6-4-14 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 71
3.6 feet
76
3.9 feet

Goldfinger.
The one and only.

John de Reeder with a nice American shad caught at the tailout of Ten Mile River this morning.
With the summerlike conditions, I thought it best to move south in search of shad and leave the trout be until the water temps cool down a bit. When we launched out of TMR it was 71 and when we finished up at Zane Grey it was a very warm 76 degrees. Let's hope we get some decent rain this evening and Thursday to cool down the river in the 60's with cooler air temperatures.

Rain coming our way. Radar from 8:55pm tonight.
Let's hope it cools down the water temps for more trout action in June!

6-1-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 64
3.5 feet
69
3.5 feet

We've started to see the first of the big yellow and orange stoneflies in size 8 that make their appearance all along the Main Stem UDR in late May and early June.
Try using "Goldfinger" as one of your two nymphs when fishing the riffles between Long Eddy and Callicoon!

What a beautiful day to be out on the river. Sunny, calm and dry with river levels and clarity at ideal late spring conditions. On days like these with high contrast and bluebird skies, you have to know how to - and want to - nymph fish. Most of your late spring / early summer hatches will not begin until after 6:00pm so if you want to catch trout, you will have to probe the riffles using bead heads.
The fish are still eating - but subsurface.
Fishing a tandem nymph rig, at two different tailouts, yours truly took a few casts and was rewarded with this nice wild rainbow at Basket riff and another 'bow at Pine Flats. My guess is that if I had fished every riff (and there are many) on today's float trip 'tween Long Eddy and Callicoon, I could have picked up more rainbows. But the clients wanted to see how it is done and the pleasure was all mine to accomodate them. Hopefully, we will receive some rain mid week to cool down the water temps back into the low 60's since they had been close to 68 degrees by this afternoon and I will postpone any trout trips once they hit 70 degrees. Good fishing!

5-31-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 62
3.6 feet
68
3.5 feet

Besides a bead head "Purcells Fancy" in size 12 or 14 depending on water velocity, my second go-to nymph would be a Prince - with bead or without.
The Upper Delaware River wild rainbows seem to crave peacock herl which both patterns have. I'll fish these flies as a tandem rig on 5x with about 8 to 10 feet of leader. Fish this tandem nymph rig in skinny oxygenated water of 2 to 4 feet during non-hatch periods which, like today, during bright sunny late May / June days there will be plenty of.

Here's veteran Upper Delaware River angler, Adam Yee, with a good lookin' wild Big D wild rainbow caught in the skinny waters north of Callicoon on today's float trip. What a nice fish! It's always great to fish with Adam along with Leslie. They're both terrific anglers and great company on board.

Adam with another 'bow caught and released south of Long Eddy. All in all, Adam nailed both rainbows and browns on today's float trip.
Absolutely gorgeous conditions for our river adventure today. The water levels are great, clarity is excellent and the water temps are in the low to mid sixties which is primo for both rainbows and shad.
Hatches today were late - after 6:00pm - with Grey Fox, Cahills and sulphurs leading the list but unless you stay until dark targets were few and far between until after 7:30pm.

5-30-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 61
3.7 feet
67
3.6 feet

When in doubt...go subsurface. Which is what we did today with the bright sun, lower water levels, not much food on the table and few targets on top.
Pictured above is "Purcell's Fancy" - a nice generic bead head nymph that I have had success with when the water temps are in the 60's. Best to use this bead head in size 12 and 14 on a tandem rig in fast oxygenated riffles of 2 to 4 feet. Follow the foam lines and seams in soft water and high stick these nymphs covering water.
You will be rewarded like Jim!

It's always a terrific time to fish with Jim Phillips and today was no different!
Here's Jim with a beautiful 18 inch wild Upper Delaware River rainbow that he caught and released at the tailout near Sippin' Hole north of Callicoon. Nice fish Jim!
All in all, our boat caught over seven rainbows and a few browns with a few more that went LDR...or Long Distance Release.
The water levels and clarity are the best all spring but the hatches - such as sulphurs - never really materialized. Topwater targets were few and far between so we opted to go subsurface and was rewarded many times over. A great day to be out on the beautiful Upper Delaware River!

5-27-14 Callicoon - Damascus 65
4.1 feet
68
4.0 feet

Yet another version of the GQ Flash Pupa which is available in sizes 12, 14 and 16. However, with the high water levels, the size 12 did the trick.
Yes. These flies should be outlawed.

BIG BOW! That's Carmine Parisi with a huge Upper Delaware River wild rainbow caught near the tailout of Pine Tree Eddy this afternoon.
The fish went to 21 inches and put up one heckuva fight but Carmine, being the savvy angler he is, played this trout like the pro he is. Look at that girth and that fine pink band! What a fish! What a river!

Besides the rainbows that we caught and released on today's float trip, Carmine and Marg also caught five nice American shad.
Here's a nice fat shad that Carmine caught and released in the fast oxygentated riffles that shad...as well as wild rainbows crave!

Here's Marg Parisi with a gorgeous 19 inch wild Upper Delaware River rainbow. Marg played this strong fish with grace and patience and was rewarded with this fine example of why the Upper Delaware River is unquestionably one of the best, if not THE, best wild rainbow rivers in the Eastern United States. Tight lines and I hope to see you both later this season!

5-25-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 57
4.3 feet
61
4.2 feet

Another version of the GQ Flash Pupa which accounts for more than its fair share of wild rainbows and shad..

More of a mixed bag on today's trip on the same stretch of water. The trout were a tad smaller with a brace of rainbows going to 15 inches along with walleye, browns and smallmouth bass.
The Maestro with a nice American shad.

5-24-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 54
4.5 feet
59
4.4 feet

Big Fish...Little Fly!
Pictured above is The GQ Flash Pupa.
Try using these babies in the riffles of 2 to 4 feet of water as well as the tailouts on the Upper Delaware River when the water temps are in the upper fifties to mid sixties and the shad are running.
Friend... these flies don't just catch rainbows!

Big Roe Shad! Check out the girth on this sea run American Shad caught by The Maestro, Alan Kaufman, on his river adventure today.
Alan and Deb, veteran Big D anglers had a great day floating from Long Eddy to Callicoon with a nice mixed bag. Wild rainbows, browns, smallies and shad came to net and were quickly released to fight again.

Here's a nice wild bow caught in fast water by Deb Kaufman a bit south of Pine Flats.
It's always a fun to fish with both Alan and Deb - great company on board and excellent anglers too!

5-23-14 Balls Eddy [WB] - Buckingham [MS] 53
4.7 feet
58
4.6 feet

How Sweet it Is!
Livin' The Dream in The Catskill / Upper Delaware region.
Pictured above is The Lordville Poo - Pah

Nice fish for birthday boy, Woody Irwin! Here's Woody with one of a few brownies he caught and released on today's float on the lower part of the West Branch and upper Main Stem. Woody will be 83 years young this coming Monday, Memorial Day, and I wish him many more healthy and happy returns along with plenty of tight lines for years to come. Woody, it was a pleasure fishing with you today. Have a great season this year!

5-21-14 Balls Eddy [WB] - Shehawkin [WB] 55
5.4 feet
57
5.2 feet

Yet again this slender quill fly with snowshoe rabbit wing and microfibbets continues to produce on these wily and wild trout. Pictured above is the Snowshoe Red Quill.

This afternoon after 3:00pm under overcast skies we saw many targets that were making splashy rises. Caddis were in the air. After tying on a size 16 LaFontaine ESP with about 8 inches of 5x to the bend of the Snowshoe RQ we scored bigtime. Many times the fish hit the caddis not on the dead drift but at the end of the swing as the fly was making its way up the water column.

Big Brown for Andy Valledares!
Fishing with Andy is always a treat and today was no different. We fished the West Branch and Andy came away with browns and 'bows. Best fish went up to 18 inches. Overcast with no wind made for a perfect day north of Hancock with very good hatches of caddis and size 16 dark Red Quills as well as the larger size 14 Hendos. Plenty of targets after 4:00pm too!

Here's Andy with one of a few wild rainbows that was caught and released during our float trip on the lower part of the West Branch this afternoon. Great fishing Andy and I look forward to seeing you again for some fast smallmouth action on the Big D.! Tight lines always!

5-20-14 Balls Eddy [WB] - Shehawkin [WB] 54
5.9 feet
56
5.8 feet

They're still eating these guys on the West Branch! Pictured above is a sleek Snowshoe Red Quill in size 14.
Eventough it's May 20th, on our float on the West this afternoon, many Red Quills, small Dark Hendrickons in #16 as well as caddis were observed. The mayflies made their appearance after 4:00pm and there were plenty of targets in midcurrent eventhough the river levels are up over two feet and the current is swift.

It's always a blast to fish with Dan Ryniec. Here's Dan with a healthy wild West Branch brownie that he caught and released on today's river adventure. Nice fish Dan! Looking forward to seeing you for 'bows and shad in a few weeks on the Main Stem! Tight lines!

5-10-14 Callicoon / Miller's Eddy 59
4.2 feet
59
4.2 feet

Pictured above is a blow up of my snowshoe Hendrickson pattern - Hendo, for short - which I tie in either size 14 or 16.
The fish to the right took this fly with no doubt late this afternoon at Miller's Eddy north of Callicoon. What looked like a small riseform turned into a real nice fish and a great fight which makes the Upper Delaware River, a fishery unto its own and can make any fly angler addicted for life.
It's a pretty simple pattern: Tiemco T100 dry fly hook; Olive Dun Uni 8/0 Thread; Brown Antron Shuck; Mix of Urine Stained Fox (chopped) with some Harrop Hendrickson dubbing topped off with dun colored snowshoe rabbit for the wing. It can also be tied with cream / tan snowshoe depending on the contrast and glare of the river and light.
Great silohuette, easy to tie, floats well, rides in the film...and caught this 21 inch brownie! Tight lines!

Busman's Holiday for yours truly.
The weather forecast earlier had called for T-storms in the afternoon so my half day P.M. float was scrubbed. With the extra time after a few chores, I decided to head up to Callicoon and put in at Tower Road to fish Miller's Eddy from 4:30pm until 7:00pm. Overcast, humid with no wind...perfect conditions! I didn't need to row more than a few hundred yards and there were plenty of rise forms. One other boat anchored up in the eddy with four rigs in the lot. Using a Snowshoe Hendrickson in size 14 nailed this nice wild brown which took a lot of line and stayed deep. After a few minutes I managed to net him, took a quick photo on my cellphone and released him pack into the beautiful Big D. A gorgeous wild brown with a nice girth...what an enjoyable late afternoon in Callicoon!

5-9-14 Callicoon - Damascus 49
4.0 feet
55
4.2 feet

Pictured above is Big Bad Red - a Red Quill imitation with snowshoe rabbit wings and dun microfibbets splayed for the tail.
This fly was very sucessful on the river this afternoon. I tie this fly in sizes 14 and 16 when the Hendrickson hatch is on the water. The quill is stripped peacock and then dyed to red using RIT. The primary hatch on the stretch of river we fished today was caddis for most of the day but from 3:00pm on, Red Quill, Hendos and the smaller BQ's, or Paraleps, were observed.
Tying this fly on 9 to 10 feet of 5x and then a LaFontaine Caddis ESP on the bend was the ticket for success!

A close up of Big Bad Red. Those fish seem to love those delicate quill segments in the abdomen and a full thorax. The winging material of snowshoe makes this fly easy to see and it floats like a cork!

Hey! That's Mike Breen with a great looking brown trout that was caught and released on today's float south of Callicoon, New York. Nice fish Mike!

More big smiles for Mr. Breen, who has become quite an accomplished river angler. This is one of two beautiful wild rainbows caught and released by Mike.

And, there's Jim Miller who nailed this feisty walleye on our float. Tell you the truth, both Jim and Mike caught and released browns, 'bows, smallmouth bass and walleye on this dynamite 6 mile stretch of river today. Callicoon to Damascus...it might sound biblical but it sure is heaven to these savvy anglers. Great fishing!

5-7-14 Buckingham - Long Eddy 49
4.1 feet
55
4.0 feet

Pictured above is Big Bad Red - a Red Quill imitation with snowshoe rabbit wings and dun microfibbets splayed for the tail.
This fly was very sucessful on the river this afternoon. I tie this fly in sizes 14 and 16 when the Hendrickson hatch is on the water. The quill is stripped peacock and then dyed to red using RIT. The primary hatch on the stretch of river we fished today was caddis for most of the day but from 3:00pm on, Red Quill, Hendos and the smaller BQ's, or Paraleps, were observed.
Tying this fly on 9 to 10 feet of 5x and then a LaFontaine Caddis ESP on the bend was the ticket for success!

A close up of Big Bad Red. Those fish seem to love those delicate quill segments in the abdomen and a full thorax. The winging material of snowshoe makes this fly easy to see and it floats like a cork!

It was a banner day for savvy angler Norm Price!
Here's Norm with one of five beautiful wild Big 'bows that he caught and released today. All fish were caught on flies and three on top using my Red Quill Snowshoe pattern aka "Big Bad Red" and two subsurface using a BH Purcell's Fancy and BH Prince.
This fish went to 19 and a half inches and was caught near Fly Rock on a tandem LaFontaine ESP along with a Snowshoe Red Quill. Great fish Norm!

Norm with another nice wild rainbow. This fish went to a tad over 18 inches. Look at that girth...these fish are in great post spawn condition.

Yet another nice looking wild rainbow caught and put back into this remarkable fishery to fight again. Norm, it was a pleasure fishing with you and I eagerly look forward to our trips later this season! Tight lines always!

ENCORE!
One more time for Norm and those great fighting wild Upper Delaware River rainbows! This time a bit north of Dark Eddy on the UDR.
Stand up and take a bow...I mean, stand up and release a 'bow. Whatever...it's time for a Yeungling! What a great day!

5-4-14 Long Eddy - Callicoon 49
4.5 feet
53
4.4 feet

Pictured above is The Admiral's Snowshoe Hendo in size 14...one of my best selling flies. And NOW is the time to use it in the Catskills / Upper Delaware River region.

Eventhough on today's fishing trip on the Main Stem UDR, we had north winds at our backs with gusts to 30+ mph, the Hendricksons did show - and right on schedule! We got to the tailout near Sippin' Hole at around 3:15pm and there were hundreds of size 14 Hendo's floating in the water like little sailboats as well as size 16 Blue Quills which began at around 2:00pm

Targets, however, were tough to find due to the wind and chop. When the wind did lay down for a few minutes there were risers.

This hatch will only get better this week...let's hope for less wind and more targets! The hatch lasted until around 5:00pm and this was the best Hendrickson hatch so far this year...and better than Stockport on Friday.

3:00pm. Be there...for some great topwater action!

The Wild Upper Delaware River Rainbow's Have Returned!
Here's Keith Hamilton with a beautifully colored post spawn wild Big D. 'bow! Keith caught and released this dandy 17 inch fish a bit south of Long Eddy today. Great fish Keith!

Double your pleasure...double your fun with a brace of nice healthy rainbows for Mr. Hamilton. Besides rainbows, Keith was into browns and smallmouth bass on today's river adventure.

4-21-14 Balls Eddy - Buckingham 41
5.4 feet [WB Delaware]
49
5.2 feet [Main Stem Delaware]

Pictured above is a sweet fly that I've had success with, it's a size 18 Admiral's Blue Quill which imitates one of the first early season Catskill mayflies - the Blue Quill or, if you want to get fancy...a Paraleps. Hatches usually start in late April when the water temperature consistently reaches the 50 degree mark and this fly usually hatches around 1:00pm.


Here we go again...the Maiden Voyage of 2014... which is my 20th Year!
A BIG thank you to all my customers throughout the years!
The river levels on the tailwaters throughout the Catskills and Upper Delaware River are currently quite high, water is in the grass and the current is moving swift due to both NYC reservoirs - Cannonsville (WB) and Pepacton (EB) spilling.
On today's trip, we saw very few bugs, both on the WB and Main, and those we observed were mostly small dark caddis in #18 and some early black stones. One or two BQ's - paraleps but nothing to write home about.
The levels are high which, I believe, are hampering insects, like BQ's and Hendricksons, to fully hatch as well as any surface action. Your best bet are streamers to imitate baitfish / sawbellie forage in the water until river levels drop.

Chuck Nemier with a very nice Main Stem 18 inch wild brown...but why the frown?

That's more like it!
Big smiles...and that's a great looking brownie! What a river! The Main Stem of the Upper Delaware River!

The 2013 Season!


Catch of the Day
Big wild 'bow for Joe Ebersole
who nailed this big fish on 5X near Hankins! See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
Nice wild 'bow for Caleb Dmochowski
who caught and released this feisty rainbow north of Callicoon! See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
Big smiles for angler Jim Bray
who caught and released this nice 'bow in the fast water on 5x near Hankins! See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
Newcomer to the Big D. is Ezzy Johnson
with a nice 21 inch walleye caught south of Narrowsburg, NY! See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
4 Pounder for The Maestro!
Alan Kaufman with a huge Big D. Bronzeback!
See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
We LOVE Smallies!
Deb Kaufman with a beautiful river smallmouth bass!
See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
Nice fish for Mark!
Mark Freemyer with a chunky 16 inch Upper Delaware River smallmouth!
See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
Welcome to the Big D. Daniel!
Daniel Ryniec with a good lookin' 16.75 inch river bronzeback!
See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
Mixed Bag on the Big D.!
Ernie Natke with a beautiful golden 23 inch walleye
and yours truly with a nice plump 17 inch Delaware River bronzeback. See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
Nice fish Caden!
Young angler, Caden Leidich, fished with me along with his Dad today
and they both caught many scrappy river smallmouth bass! See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
Beautiful Bronzeback Bass'n!
Newcomer to the river, Paul Biasucci with a dandy 17 inch smallmouth bass
caught on today's river adventure south of Narrowsburg, NY! See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
17 inch chunky Big D. Bronzeback!
All around good guy and veteran river angler, Pat Linehan, caught and released this beautiful fish
on today's river adventure south of Narrowsburg, NY! See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
20 inch wild Main Stem UDR Rainbow!
Veteran river angler, Adam Yee, caught and released this beautiful fish
on today's river adventure south of Long Eddy, NY! See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
Wow! Big 23 inch wild brown trout
and BIG smiles for angler, Sameer Raina on today's float trip.
See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
Carmine Parisi with a brace of big wild browns!
Newcomer to the Catskill - Delaware region, Carmine Parisi
had a day to remember fishing both the West Branch and Main Stem today!
See the full fish report below!


Catch of the Day
20 Inch Wild Big D. Rainbow caught with Dry Fly on 5x!
Savvy river angler, Norm Price, used all of his skills to catch
this beautiful fish on today's river adventure on the Big D!
See the full fish report below!


Big 22 inch wild Delaware River rainbow!
The Maestro...Alan Kaufman sure didn't waste any time catching and releasing
this trophy fish on Monday's river adventure on the Big D!
See the full fish report below!

The 2013 Season

Date Location Depart Arrive Comments A Pix is worth a thousand words...
10-12-13 Long Eddy - Callicoon 55
3.3 feet
61
3.2 feet

Water levels continue to drop by an inch a day and the clarity is super clear. On top of that, we had bright bluebird skies on our float trip today so it was all nymphing the riffs and pockets to try to drum up a trout or two. Here's Joe Ebersole with a dandy fish! Joe played this fish like a real pro in very fast water on light tippet using a bead head. After 7 minutes of racing upstream and darting in and out of large boulders, we netted this gorgeous fish for a quick photo and released this grand fish into the majestic Upper Delaware River to fight again! Great fish Joe and Nunzio. Tight lines always!

Besides my valued clients for whom I thank for without them I wouldn't be in business after nineteen years, the real star of the show is this guy...an Upper Delaware wild rainbow trout. Here's one more close-up of Joe's fish!

10-10-13 Long Eddy - Callicoon 55
3.4 feet
56
3.3 feet

What is a nice medium rare 20 ounce New York strip sirloin to you and I is, at times, many teeny tiny size 14 Pheasant Tail nymphs to the wily wild and hungry Upper Delaware River rainbows.
Man, do theese fish love to gobble 'em up! We fish these nymphs on a tandem rig. Sometimes different size nymphs like a #12 and #14, or sometimes a bead head P.T. and an Iso or March Brown emerger and sometimes two different patterns altogether -- like a Pheasant Tail and a Prince Nymph.
Whatever the entree..the Big D. fish crave them. Maybe it's the peacock herl or could it be that big bulging throax...whatever it is - DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM!
Need a few handtied nymphs for next Spring? Please feel free to contact me.Tight lines...and bon appetit!

What a beautiful wild rainbow for Caleb Dmochowski! Caleb and his Pop, Rich, fished with me today and the guys were into browns, rainbows and more than a few smallmouth bass. Caleb nailed two dandy 19 inch wild 'bows along with a browns and his Dad did pretty good as well. The water is gin clear and at normal levels. The water temperature has chilled down to a cool 55 degrees and we had an overcast windless day to top off a great day on the Upper Delaware River. Guys, it was a real treat to fish with you and I look forward to more river adventures in 2014!

P.S. - Hey, let's not about the feisty and scrappy Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass! Here's Caleb with a nifty 17 inch river bronzeback!. Besides those big wild rainbows and browns, Caleb and Co. managed to top a double limit on the smallies today!

One of the great things about this business of being a fishing guide after 19 years is introducing new anglers to this fabulous resource - The Upper Delaware River! Here's a pix of Caleb and yours truly during a lunch break midway through our river float in Hankins, NY taken by Caleb's Dad, Rich. Caleb, it was a pleasure to fish with such an accomplished angler, good luck overseas and you, as well as all those in the armed services of this great nation, have our greatest respect.

10-02-13 Callicoon - Damascus 62
3.4 feet
64
3.4 feet

What a beautiful day on the river! It's October and we're still wearing shorts believe it or not! Here's Dan Ryniec with a nice 16.5 inch smallmouth bass that he caught and released on today's river float south of Callicoon. The river is crystal clear, the levels are normal and the fish are on their fall feed! It's also peak fall foliage all along the Upper Delaware River valley. Get your last licks in before the weather strarts turning crummy with a nice mixed bag on the big beautiful Big D.! Wild trout, walleye and smallmouth bass...they are all on fire right now!

09-28-13 Long Eddy - Callicoon 58
3.2 feet
63
3.2 feet

The water levels on the Main Stem UDR are the lowest I've seen them all this year....all the way back to May. Gin clear water and bright bluebird days makes for challenging flyfishing. However, newcomer to the Big D., Jim Bray, fished hard and wading midriver north of Hankins today caught and released this healthy wild rainbow on a tandem nymph rig on 5x tippet. This fish was on Jim's line for over ten minutes and had him down to his backing in fast current. Great fish Jim and I hope to wet a line with you and Steve in the Spring of 2014! Tight lines always!

09-24-13 Callicoon - Damascus 58
3.3 feet
60
3.3 feet

Newcomer to the Big D. is Marg Parisi. What an angler and look at that smile! Here's Marg with a good looking river smallmouth that nailed a Kei-Tech in crystal clear water south of Callicoon on this afternoon's river adventure. Nice fish Marg!

O.K. O.K. With the beautiful weather and clients catching fish, Carmine and Marg let me try my luck casting a few Kei-Techs too! Here's your truly with a nice Upper Delaware River smallie. The water levels are lowest I've seen it this year and the clarity is gin clear. The temps are beginning to get cold as well. The autumn colors are beginning to peak all along the river valley!

09-14-13 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 62
3.8 feet
64
3.8 feet

Wow! Let's welcome newcomer to the Upper Delaware River, Ezzy Johnson. Here's Ezzy with a dandy 21 inch walleye that he caught a bit north of Railroad Bridge #9 on today's float trip. Ezzy also caught a few nice smallmouth bass to round out the afternoon float fishing adventure with his Granddad. Great fishing Ezzy and I hope to fish with you many more times on this beautiful river!

Here's Ezzy's Granddad, Mark Scarlett, who was great company on board this afternoon and no slouch when it comes to river fishing. Eventhough Grandson outfished this seasoned veteran of the Saint Lawrence River, there was no mutiny on board and everybody acted like true sportsmen. Here's Mark with a chunky 15 inch Big D. smallie. Guys, it was a treat to fish with you and I look forward to more river adventures in the future. Tight lines!

09-07-13 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 65
3.7 feet
69
3.6 feet

Newcomer to the magnificent Upper Delaware River is Allen Denny who caught over his limit of big brusin' smallmouth bass on today's river adventure. Here's Allen with a hefty 16 incher caught using Kei-Techs. The water is gin clear and in great shape.

One more time for Allen with another fat sweet sixteen Bronzeback. The guys had their hands full for most of the day nailing fish right and left in pockets, riffs and pools. Boys, it was a treat to fish with you again and I hope we'll wet a line for trout later this season or next spring! Tight lines always!

09-06-13 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 65
3.8 feet
68
3.7 feet

Welcome back to the Upper Delaware River Chris Bahara! Here's Chris with a dandy 16 inch river bronzeback caught and released on today's river float trip south of Narrowsburg. The bite was light when we launched but got hot by mid afternoon and reallt turned on after 5:00pm with a terrifc topwater bite north of Railroad Bridge 9 with over 10 bass caught on top within a half hour. Great fishing and nobody else out on the water on this beautiful fall like day except for a few eagles.

09-01-13 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 71
3.5 feet
75
3.5 feet

What a gorgeous river bronzeback! Here's Alan Kaufman with a dandy Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass that he caught and released on today's river adventure. Look at this fish's girth! A four pounder! Alan, a veteran UDR angler, was using Senkos and Kei-Techs throughout the day and nailed many legal fish but this one took the cake (or worm!). It's always a blast to have Alan and Deb on board. Great anglers and terrific people. Tight lines and I hope to wet a line with you both one more time for a mixed bag of trout, walleye and bass in the colorful Catskill fall!

We Upper Delaware River fishing!

08-31-13 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 73
3.5 feet
76
3.5 feet

Outstanding bass conditions greeted Alan and Deb as we embarked from Ten Mile River to catch a few smallies. Overcast, no wind, water temps in the 70s and clear water. Here's Deb with one of many legal fish caught on today's river float south of Narrowsburg, New York. The Dynamic Duo caught in excess of a triple limit with the tally of bass over sixty fish.
The smallmouth bass fishing on the Upper Delaware River for the past six weeks has been nothing short of superb. The river, a mere two hours from a city of eight million people, is one of the top five smallmouth rivers in the country. Take advantage of this great resource and enjoy a great day on the beautiful Upper Delaware River!

08-29-13 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 71
3.5 feet
74
3.5 feet

Newcomer to the Big D. is Eugene Slobadsky and can this younster fish! Here's Eugene with a nice 16 inch river bronzeback that took a Senko on our float trip today south of Ten Mile River in Western Sullivan County in the Catskills.

One more time for Eugene! Eugene and his pop, Steve, caught their double limit of smallies on this productive trip today using both Senkos and Kei-Techs. Guys, it was a pleasure fishing with you both and hope we'll wet a line for wild trout and walleye this coming fall! Tight lines always!

08-27-13 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 72
3.5 feet
75
3.5 feet

Big smiles for Stevie Grumet! Welcome back Stevie to the Upper Delaware River! Here's Stevie with one of many legal smallies this young angler caught on today's float trip. It was a tad slow in the morning but Stevie came on strong after our streamside lunch for great fishing in the afternoon using Senkos.

Let's not forget about Stveie's Pop, Seth Grumet, who also held his own against his son. Here's Seth with one of many many fish caught on today's river adventure south of Narrowsburg, New York.

What a day! Lot's of fish, great weather and very few boaters on the Big D. today. Here's a quick shot of Stevie and your host at day's end as we embarked at the Zane Grey Access. Seth and Stevie, it was a blast fishing with you both and I eagerly look forward to our next fishing trip!

08-26-13 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 72
3.4 feet
75
3.4 feet

It's always great to fish with Mark Freemyer. Mark and I have fished together for over ten years and he's a very accomplished angler - both fly and light action spin. Today, Mark and I floated for bronzebacks south of Narrowsburg on a half day charter and were rewarded with over a double limit of bass. The best fish taped out at 16 inches. For the past month, we have experienced outstanding smallmouth conditions on the UDR. Gin clear water, water temps in the 70s and normal current speeds. Today's top choices were (what else?) Senkos and Kei-Techs. Mark also nailed a few bass on the pockets and riffs using Pop-R's. Great fishing Mark and hope I'll see you for some dry fly action on the wild trout as the water gets cooler. Tight lines always!

08-21-13 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 70
3.6 feet
73
3.5 feet

Here's newcomer to the Upper Delaware River, Daniel Ryniec. Big smiles for Dan on today's float trip especially as he masterfully caught and released this beauty - a nice healthy Big D. bronzeback a tad shy of 17 inches. Many other bass were caught and released and we had the river to ourselves. Great river conditions. Gin clear water, great floating levels and water temps in the afternoon hitting in the low 70's. Fish On! Dan, it was great fishing with you and I hope we get a chance to fish for wild trout later in the fall.

08-19-13 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 68
3.6 feet
71
3.5 feet

It's always a treat to fish with Gary and Steve and today was no different. We embarked with overcast windless conditions. The water is clear with good flows and in the upper 60s to about 70 by 6pm. Both guys found the bite a tad light in the morning but picked up after 2:00pm with many legal fish. Here's Gary Tubridy with a nice 14 inch brozeback caught above Kunkeli's. It was great fishing with you guys and hope to see you once again this fall for a mixed bag!

08-16-13 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 67
3.6 feet
70
3.6 feet

Here's Ernie Natke with a great looking 23 inch Upper Delaware River walleye caught north of the Zane Grey Pool this afternoon. What a great day to be out on the water with crisp early fall like weather. Perfect conditions for the river smallies! Using Kei-Techs and Senkos, we netted over sixty fish with close to a third of legal size.

And with the great river conditions and weather, the clients allowed me to get my rod wet too. Here's yours truly with a nice plump 17 inch smallmouth bass that ate a 4 inch Kei-Tech on a jig south of Ten Mile River.

08-07-13 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 72
3.3 feet
73
3.3 feet

Another great day for smallmouth bass on the beautiful Upper Delaware River. On this trip I fished with newcomers, Brian and Caden Leidich. Both father and son caught many smallmouth with the best fish caught and released by young Caden which taped out at 16 inches. Kei-Techs and Senkos were the lures we used. Overcast with no wind, it was a perfect fishing day. Tight lines guys and I hope to fish with you later this season!

08-06-13 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 72
3.3 feet
75
3.3 feet

Newcomer to the Big D is Paul Biasucci. Well, the scrappy river bronzebacks pulled out the welcome may for him and his Pop today and they landed over fifty fish with many legal smallmouth in the mix. Here's Paul with a hefty 17 inch smallmouth bass that took a Kei-Tech south of the Ten Mile River launch. All in all, it was a great day with near perfect conditions - gin clear water, normal levels, water temps in the 70s and no river traffic to speak of except for a few bald eagles. A great day guys and I hope we get a chance to fish again. Tight lines always!

07-29-13 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 72
3.4 feet
76
3.4 feet

It's always a fun time to fish with Pat Linehan and his brother Tim and today was no different. Here's Pat with a great fish. This bronzeback taped out to 17 inches and was one of many legal fish that the guys caught and released on today's half day charter south of Narrowsburg. The river is in great shape for terrific bass action. Water temps are in the 70's, the clarity is gin clear, the levels are normal with a nice flow...and best of all there are more bald eagles on the river than people. Plus, for the past few days, the weather has felt more like early September than the Dog Days of Summer. During Pat's float, all we used were Kei-Techs and Senkos and the boys caught in excess of forty fish in four hours! What a great river!

07-20-13 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 82
3.4 feet
85
3.4 feet

Wet and Wild! The Maestro, Alan Kaufman, with a huge17 inch Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass! Excellent smallmouth bass fishing continues on the Upper Delaware River. Today's catch was over 70 fish with over 50% legal. Most of the float, it was Senkos and Kei-Techs, for the smallies. The water is crystal clear, in the 80's and at normal levels. What a fishery! The UDR is on the five best smallmouth rivers in the U.S.A. Don't take my word for it...since "Field and Stream" wrote us up a few years ago. FISH ON!

Sweet 16! Here's Deb Kaufman with one of many legal fish she caught on today's river charter. A hot Saturday in July and all we could count were a few canoes. Anytime you can count more bald eagles and legal bass than rafters and canoes is a good day in my book and that's the way its been on the river. We had the river to ourselves with plenty of feisty smallmouth bass. Tight lines!

07-17-13 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 82
3.5 feet
85
3.4 feet

Big Bass for Mike Faccibene! Mike and his son, Jack, fished with me on a half day morning charter today south of Narrowsburg, New York and the boys were into over forty fish in four hours. About 50% of the smallies were legal with the best taping out to 16 inches. All of the fish were taken on either Senkos, Kei-Techs as well as topwater action in the skinny riffs using Baby Torpedos. It's hot out there... and so is the bass'n! Remember to drink plenty of fluids!

07-12-13 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 74
3.7 feet
78
3.6 feet

Great river conditions greeted Tom Warner and his son today. Here's Tom with a dandy 15 inch smallie caught and released south of Narrowsburg. We used Kei-Techs on an eighth ounce jig for all of the float trip and on a half day charter caught close to forty fish! I'd say close to 30% were legal fish.
Excellent river conditions with the clarity GIN CLEAR, the levels dropping and the water in the mid seventies. PLUS, today, we had overcast skies and it was dead calm which added to the superb fishing.

BONUS CATCH! It's a... STRIPER! Here's Tom with a small striper caught before Railroad Bridge #9 which was a surprise and a nice walleye also came to net along with the forty odd bass we caught today. Tom, it was great fishing with you and I look forward to seeing you this fall! Tight lines always!

07-09-13 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 72
3.9 feet
78
3.8 feet

It's always a blast fishing with John Cregan and today was no different on the Upper Delaware River. Here's John with one of many legal river smallmouths he caught and released on today's charter south of Narrowsburg. John was using Kai-Techs with an eighth ounce jig for most of the day and our boat went over fifty fish. Great bass conditions on the river with the water levels are receding back to normal and the clarity is getting better day by day!

07-07-13 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 75
4.0 feet
79
3.9 feet

When it's 90 degrees and you've caught a triple limit of beautiful Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass, had a few laughs, seen a few eagles and been surrounded by beautiful scenery, there's nothing better than an ice cold Yeungling Lager that's been sitting on ice cubes for about five hours!
ICE COLD.

The beautiful, lovely and skilled, Deb Kaufman, fished with me last week on the East Branch when the Main Stem was blown out, and feeling the urge to experience some big river bass'n, Deb and Alan called me to see if I had any openings for a float trip on the Big D. today - and IF the river was back to normal.
I toold them I had been out yesterday and did very well and yes - today was their's if they wanted it.
Floating from Ten Mile River to Zane Grey, we nailed about 50 bass and lost quite a few more with about 85% of the action on Kei-Techs with a eighth ounce Gamakatsu. Now, that's more like it! As always, it's a pleasure to fish with you Deb and I look forward to more fun times and feisty smallies in a few weeks!

07-06-13 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 73
4.1 feet
76
4.0 feet

And....we're back!
Back to clearer water and decent flows after the deluge the Catskills - Pocono region received a week and a half ago. For the most part, the Main Stem was shot, or blown out, to use the vernacular, for the past ten days with muddy chocolate water and heights to seven feet making any fishing a wishful dream.
That's changed and now you'll find the Big D. near Narrowsburg in excellent shape for the bronzeback blitz with water temperatures in the 70s, moderate flows and a light stain with visibility to about four to five feet.
Let's hope it stays that way for a few weeks since July through September is Smallmouth Heaven on the beautiful Upper Delaware River.

John Koenig traveled all the way from South Carolina to fish the Main Stem with me today. John used Kai-Techs and was into feisty bronzebacks from the get-go. The water is lightly stained and about a foot above normal but we managed to catch and release some fine looking bass in indentations close to the shoeline with soft plastics.

06-29-13 Cadosia [EB] - Hancock [EB] 66
4.0 feet
69
4.0 feet

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Boat Access at Shehawkin, Pennsylvania, a mile or so south of Hancock, off of PA Route 191, after Friday's monsoon.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Boat Access at Balls Eddy, Pennsylvania, about 4 miles north of Hancock, NY on Winterdale Road. Access is ripped up from monsoon rainfall with debris and mud mixing in to the river and flowing downstream into the Main Stem Upper Delaware River.
Rainfall totals for June 2013 in some places of the Catskills and Poconos are over 10 inches. 75 year historical normal amounts for June are 4.5 inches.

Savvy and gorgeous angler, Deb Kaufman, with a well fed East Branch Delaware River smallmouth bass!
Since the Main Stem AND the West Branch were blown out due to heavy (4+ inches of rainfall in 12 hours) in Wayne County, PA which muddied the tribs along with chewed away at the state boating accesses (see photo at left), we had no choice but to either scrap the trip or try the East Branch north of Hancock today.
Making lemonade (yes...it' 85 degrees) out of lemons, we took a nice slow float on the East Branch out of Cadosia and was immediately into a few rainbows in the riffs as well as a few smallies and dropped a few larger fish as well. The clarity on the East Branch was about four feet and we had a great time and the river to ourselves. Great fish Deb!

06-24-13 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 71
3.9 feet
77
3.8 feet

Summer Conditions...which means Smallmouth Bass Time on the Big D.!
Here's Jim Suermann with a nice looking 16 inch Upper Delaware River bronzeback caught a bit south of Ten Mile River on today's river float trip.
The water clarity is excellent and so are the water temps for the scrappy bronzebacks with temps ranging in the low to upper seventies. On today's float trip we caught and released close to forty bass. Kai-Techs accounted for the majority of the smallies.

06-23-13 Long Eddy - Callicoon 62
4.0 feet
70
3.9 feet

Adam Yee!

20 inch wild rainbow!

Albert Yee!

06-21-13 Balls Eddy [WB] - Buckingham [MS] 50
4.4 feet
62
4.4 feet

It's always a pleasure to fish with Bedros Yavru. What a guy who's got a great attitude when it comes to fishing and life. Well, Bedros was rewarded with a nice rainbow as well as browns today. Here's Bedros with a beautiful Main Stem wild brown! Great fish Bedros!The levels are now dropping and the clarity on both the West Branch and Main Stem is excellent with hatches of BWO's and Sulphurs.

06-20-13 Balls Eddy [WB] - Buckingham [MS] 56
4.6 feet
61
4.6 feet

Small fly...
BIG FISH!

Big fish and big smiles for newcomer to the UDR, Sameer Raina who caught and released this trophy wild brown trout on his first voyage to the Main Stem on today's float. Great fish Sameer!

Like Son...like Father! Here's Pavan Raina, who traveled half way 'round the world to fish the majestic waters of the Catskill - Delaware system and did not come away disappointed. Nice fish Pavan. Guys, it was a pleasure fishing with you and hope you'll come back again to enjoy and fish our wonderful resources that make Catskill - Delaware region an Angler's Heaven!

06-19-13 Balls Eddy [WB] - Shehawkin [WB] 58
5.0 feet
61
4.9 feet

Nice hatches of sulphurs were with us as we embarked from Balls Eddy on today's float trip.
The water is still high, moving fast and in the grass from reservoir spillage so the only way to fish the West Branch is to have a boat.
Be sure to have a few of these on hand when fishing the West and Upper Main. Feeel free to email me if you'd like to try a few of these sweet sulphurs...they're candy to the West Branch Delaware trout!
Tight lines!

Randy Keldner traveled to the West Branch today for a half day jaunt and was rewarded with a few nice wild browns. Here's Randy with one of those feisty trout that were released to get bigger and fight again!

06-04-13 Balls Eddy [WB] - Buckingham [MS] 61
4.3 feet
64
4.4 feet

This weighted tandem nymph rig has accounted for more trout during non-hatch periods (which, believe me, there are many) than I can say.
Trout have one thing on their puny minds and that is to eat. That's it.
Of course, if the water gets too warm, their first priority is oxygen and they could care less about feeding. But... during optimal water temps from 54 to 68 degrees - what these fish want is to EAT.
Most of their feeding is subsurface and they'll grab any aquactic insect - that's nymph to you - such as a caddis, stonefly, mayfly...even a hellgrammite - which is a nymph of the dobsonfly.
Nymphs live on fast flowing riffles and chances are trout will hang out behind a boulder or some other obstruction near the end of the riff and at the head of pools looking for some helpless nymph that's gotten dislodged and is now floating down the chowline to get gobbled up by Mr. Trout.
And...if you're going to nymph - you might as well throw two for the price of one.
Pictured above is one of my favorites on the Big D and I fish these on 4 or 5x tying the second nymph with about 8 inches of tippet using a clinch knot at the bend of the hook of the first nymph.
If you use a strike indicator, place it twice the depth you're fishing which is about five to six feet up the leader.

Moral of the story:
When nymphing, it's "Double Your Pleasure...Double YOUR Fun!"

What a Day! Newcomer to the Catskill - Delaware region, Carmine Parisi with one of two 20 inch wild browns that he caught and released on the West Branch Delaware River on today's float trip. All of the fish were taken subsurface. This guy looks like a male...check out the kype on the lower jaw. Besides the two 20+ browns, Carmine had close to 8 more trout in the net that measured less than 20 inches as well as two big rainbows on the Main Stem.

There's Carmine again! This time with another big brown trout also on the West Branch. The water clarity is lightly stained and Cannonsville Reservoir is still spilling which might account why these bruisers nailed any streamer pattern agressively. The water levels are still high and in the grass and wading is out of the question due to level and speed of the current.

Let's not forget about Carmine's buddy, Joe Nardone. Here's Joe with another nice wild brown. Guys, it was a treat to fish with you on the river today and a day like this doesn't come often. Looking forward to seeing you later in the season for some fast river bronzeback action. Have a great season and tight lines always!

06-03-13 Balls Eddy [WB] - Buckingham [MS] 62
4.5 feet
63
4.5 feet

Another great pattern to try in the riffles is the Iso-Iso.
Pictured above is an Isonychia Emerger that can be fished as a trailer to a heavier bead head nymph or on its own. I tie these flies in sizes 10 and 12 on a scud hook and the trout will agressively strike these wet flies, or, emergers, as they swing in the fast riffles where the naturals hatch and swim as they become duns.
The time for Slake Drakes, or Isonychia, is summer and fall. You'll see these bugs hatch when the water is in the 50s to mid 60s mostly on humid and overcast days in the afternoon.
Besides your arsenal of Blue Wing Olives and Sulphurs...be sure to have a few Iso-Iso's as well as Snowshoe Iso's!

That's a nice chunky 19 inch wild brown trout caught and released by Ray Williams on today's float trip on the West Branch Delaware River. Ray was fishing a tandem nymph rig on 4x using a bead head Prince and a Bead Head Pheasant Tail both in size 12. Ray scored big with the PT.
Both the West Branch and the Main Stem have some stain and the levels are up but have come down about a foot from this past weekend. The East Branch is much clearer that the West Branch. Hatches were just o.k. today - Lots of BWO's, caddis and sulphurs later in the day but the targets were few and far between so we opted to go subsurface with nymphs.

05-29-13 Long Eddy- Callicoon 54
4.1 feet
59
4.4 feet

Here's the fly that Norm fooled a few wild trout on today on the Main Stem.
It's The Admiral's Snowshoe Sulphur which I tie in sizes 14 and 16. It's an easy and durable pattern which has proven itself time and time again on tough wild trout.
I like this pattern sits it sits flush in the film and with the trailing grey Z-Lon shuck can represent a cripple or stillborn dun.
Topped off with some snowshoe rabbit hairs the wing floats well and is very easy to see on the water.
This pattern can be adapted to almost every mayfly - just vary the coloration of the body / thorax as well as the size of the hook to match the natural you wish to match.

Wow!Norm Price went to town on the Main Stem UDR near Callicoon today and nailed this gorgeous 20 inch wild rainbow on top with an Admiral's Snowshoe Sulphur in size 14. We'll have the photo of the fly up tomorrow for you to see. Hatches were less than the previous three days but there were enough bugs on the table for decent targets. Sulphurs, Grey Fox, Caddis and BWO's are the primary hatches with terrific water temps in the mid to upper 50s.

Norm again! This time a sweet 17 inch wild 'bow taken on top at The Sippin' Hole on - yes - an Admiral's Snowshoe Sulphur!
Norm, it was great fishing with you and Pam and I wish you a great season ahead with plenty of tight lines and light breezes. Hope to see you later this year!

05-27-13 Long Eddy- Callicoon 54
4.0 feet
61
4.0 feet

Now, we're not saying that you'll catch a trophy 22 inch wild rainbow on The Admiral's Tent Caddis. But you never know...right?
Here's the newest addition to The Admiral's line of flies which has been a spectacular success on the big river.
I'll tie these caddis imitations in sizes 12 through 16 on a Tiemco T100 dry fly hook using turkey quill for the wing, micro chenille for the underbody as well as Hare-Lon dubbing material either in green, grey or tan and a touch of ice dub for the head.
Fish On!

Big smiles for veteran angler, Alan Kaufman, who skillfully caught and released this trophy wild rainbow on today's float trip. This fish went over 22 inch and look at the girth! The river is bug soup - Sulphurs, Drakes, Grey Fox, Caddis, Spinners - a buffet for the trout and the fishing should remain great through this week.
Great fish Alan and I look forward to seeing you on the river in late June! Tight lines always!

05-26-13 Long Eddy- Callicoon 52
4.0 feet
57
4.3 feet

And speaking of gold...take a look at this nice golden walleye that veteran Upper Delaware River angler, Alan Kaufman, caught today. This fish was one of three that The Maestro tagged on today's river adventure! We had blustery north wind that wouldn't quit throughout the day with gusts to 35mph but Alan and Deb managed to catch trout, walleye and bass before we headed into Callicoon.

05-20-13 Soaring Eagle- Callicoon 59
3.5 feet
65
3.5 feet

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!

05-18-13 Soaring Eagle- Callicoon 59
3.6 feet
60
3.5 feet

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!

05-17-13 Long Eddy - Callicoon 59
3.7 feet
64
3.6 feet

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.

05-10-13 Long Eddy - Callicoon 59
3.9 feet
65
3.8 feet

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!

05-07-13 Callicoon / Tower - Callicoon PA Access 68
3.4 feet
68
3.4 feet

Sometimes it a good idea to go back a year to see what was hatching and what was working.
If we go back to May 7 2012, you'll see that these two anglers (Howard and Mark) that fished with me on the same strech of water that Andy did used the same pattern with great success.

The Admiral's March Brown!® The fly can be tied in size 10 and 12 and is basically a sparkle dun using coastal deer hair for the wing. I tie these flies beefy - not svelte - since that is what the natural looks like. It's a big nice meal floating down the foam line for a hungry trout to eat...just like if you were waiting for a nice 20 ounce sirloin steak with hash browns and a Ceasar Salad from The Palm. Mangia!

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)

05-05-13 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 62
3.5 feet
67
3.5 feet

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!

05-04-13 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 62
3.6 feet
67
3.5 feet

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!

05-01-13 Long Eddy - Callicoon 55
3.9 feet
60
3.8

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!

04-28-13 Long Eddy - Callicoon 55
3.9 feet
58
3.8

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!

04-24-13 Callicoon - Millers Eddy 56
4.2 feet

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.

04-22-13 Long Eddy - Callicoon 43
4.4 feet [WB]
50
4.3 feet [MS]

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.

04-21-13 Balls Eddy - Buckingham 43
3.2 feet [WB]
50
4.5 feet [MS]

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!

04-20-13 Hancock - Buckingham 50
4.8 feet
51
5.1 feet

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!

04-19-13 Callicoon - Damascus 50
4.1 feet
53
4.0 feet

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!

04-16-13 Hancock - Buckingham 45
4.2 feet
47
4.1 feet

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.

04-15-13 Hancock - Buckingham 42
4.3 feet
47
4.2 feet

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!

04-14-13 Balls Eddy - Buckingham 42
3.2 feet [WB Delaware]
46
4.6 feet [Main Stem]

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!

04-5-13 Long Eddy - Callicoon 38
3.8 feet
46
3.7 feet

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.

The 2012 Season

Date Location Depart Arrive Comments A Pix is worth a thousand words...
10-18-12 Callicoon - Damascus 49
3.3 feet
53
3.3 feet

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!

10-9-12 Long Eddy - Callicoon 52
3.4 feet
58
3.4 feet

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!

10-8-12 Hancock - Buckingham 53
3.4 feet
57
3.4 feet

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!

9-28-12 Hancock - Buckingham 53
3.4 feet
57
3.4 feet

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!

9-26-12 Callicoon - Damascus 58
3.6 feet
60
3.6 feet

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.

9-12-12 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 66
3.1 feet
70
3.1 feet

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!

9-2-12 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 74
3.1 feet
78
3.1 feet

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!

9-1-12 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 74
3.3 feet
77
3.3 feet

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!

8-30-12 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 76
3.3 feet
78
3.3 feet

 

Stevie Grumet!

8-23-12 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 76
3.3 feet
78
3.3 feet

 

Chris Park!

8-20-12 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 76
3.3 feet
78
3.3 feet

 

Steve Alexander!

8-19-12 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 76
3.3 feet
78
3.3 feet

 

Jeff Hock!

8-18-12 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 76
3.3 feet
78
3.3 feet

 

Steve Oritt!

8-9-12 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 79
3.3 feet
81
3.3 feet

 

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!

8-8-12 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 79
3.3 feet
81
3.3 feet

 

Tony Ciccio with a nice bass!

8-7-12 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 78
3.3 feet
82
3.3 feet

 

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!

8-3-12 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 78
3.2 feet
82
3.2 feet

 

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!

7-25-12 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 76
3.2 feet
80
3.2 feet

 

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.

7-22-12 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 76
3.2 feet
81
3.2 feet

 

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.

7-21-12 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 77
3.3 feet
81
3.2 feet

 

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!

7-19-12 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 78
3.3 feet
84
3.2 feet

 

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.

7-18-12 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 79
3.4 feet
83
3.3 feet

 

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!

7-16-12 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 79
3.4 feet
81
3.5 feet

 

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!

7-15-12 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 79
3.3 feet
82
3.3 feet

 

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!

7-14-12 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 78
3.3 feet
83
3.3 feet

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!

7-11-12 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 74
3.3 feet
78
3.3 feet

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!

7-5-12 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 76
3.3 feet
85
3.3 feet
The Catskill / Upper Delaware River is now in the Summertime mode with sunny days and air temps near 80 degrees so we're heading downstream closer to Narrowsburg to target those feisty and scrappy Black Beauties of the Big D. -- The River Bronzebacks or Smallmouth Bass, the gamest freshwater fish around!
These fish are plentiful and on many floats we catch in excess of 50 fish with some bass taping out to near 20 inches!
Four inch Senkos rigged Wacky Style are used about 90% of the time in water levels of 3 to 6 feet near submerged boulders and structure. Topwater plugs like Tiny Torpedos, Chug-Bugs and Pop-R's get the nod as well in skinny oxygenated water and on overcast days.

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.

6-28-12 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 70
3.3 feet
76
3.3 feet
The Catskill / Upper Delaware River is now in the Summertime mode with sunny days and air temps near 80 degrees so we're heading downstream closer to Narrowsburg to target those feisty and scrappy Black Beauties of the Big D. -- The River Bronzebacks or Smallmouth Bass, the gamest freshwater fish around!
These fish are plentiful and on many floats we catch in excess of 50 fish with some bass taping out to near 20 inches!
Four inch Senkos rigged Wacky Style are used about 90% of the time in water levels of 3 to 6 feet near submerged boulders and structure. Topwater plugs like Tiny Torpedos, Chug-Bugs and Pop-R's get the nod as well in skinny oxygenated water and on overcast days.

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!

6-10-12 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 70
3.7 feet
72
3.6 feet
The Catskill / Upper Delaware River is now in the Summertime mode with sunny days and air temps near 80 degrees so we're heading downstream closer to Narrowsburg to target those feisty and scrappy Black Beauties of the Big D. -- The River Bronzebacks or Smallmouth Bass, the gamest freshwater fish around!
These fish are plentiful and on many floats we catch in excess of 50 fish with some bass taping out to near 20 inches!
Four inch Senkos rigged Wacky Style are used about 90% of the time in water levels of 3 to 6 feet near submerged boulders and structure. Topwater plugs like Tiny Torpedos, Chug-Bugs and Pop-R's get the nod as well in skinny oxygenated water and on overcast days.

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.

6-9-12 Callicoon - Damascus 62
3.8 feet
67
3.7 feet

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!

6-3-12 Long Eddy - Callicoon 60
4.0 feet
64
3.9 feet

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.

5-27-12 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 66
4.0 feet
73
3.9 feet

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!

5-25-12 Long Eddy - Callicoon 62
4.3 feet
68
4.2 feet

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!

5-23-12 Callicoon - Damascus 62
4.4 feet
66
4.4 feet

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.

5-21-12 Long Eddy - Callicoon 59
4.3 feet
63
4.2 feet

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.

5-20-12 Long Eddy - Callicoon 59
4.4 feet
66
4.3 feet

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.

5-14-12 Callicoon - Damascus 58
4.1 feet
63
4.0 feet

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!

5-13-12 Long Eddy - Callicoon 58
4.3 feet
64
4.1 feet

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!

5-11-12 Long Eddy - Callicoon 52
4.7 feet
56
4.5 feet

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!

5-10-12 Balls Eddy - Shehawkin 52
3.1 feet
54
3.1 feet

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!

5-9-12 Balls Eddy - Buckingham 54
3.4 feet
56
5.3 [MS] feet

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!

5-7-12 Tower Rd. / Callicoon - PA Access / Callicoon 60
3.9 feet
60
3.9 feet

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!

5-3-12 Kellams Bridge - Callicoon 54
3.8 feet
60
3.9 feet

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!

5-2-12 Callicoon - Damascus 53
3.6 feet
54
3.7 feet

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.!

4-28-12 Kellams Bridge - Callicoon 46
3.9 feet
50
3.8 feet
 

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!

4-25-12 Callicoon - Damascus 48
4.4 feet
50
4.3 feet
 

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.

4-21-12 Kellams Bridge - Callicoon 58
3.2 feet
64
3.2 feet

Folks have been emailing me about the Admiral's® Blue Quill.
Well, here is a photo using stripped quill for the abdomen. I also tie this pattern with a few strands of pheasant tail twisted as well instead of the quill for the abdomen. The coloration is about the same. Tie this baby in size 18 on a Tiemco 100 dry fly hook. Wing is snowshoe rabbit, tail (shuck) is Antron and the throrax is grey superfine dubbing.
Flies are always available by emailing me at: tony.ritter@gmail.com
Tight lines! TR

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.

4-20-12 Callicoon - Damascus 58
3.1 feet
64
3.1 feet
 

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!

Date Location Depart Arrive A Pix is worth a thousand words... Upper Delaware River Merch!
4-12-12 Long Eddy - Callicoon 48
3.3 feet
52
3.3 feet

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

The 2011 Season

Date Location Depart Arrive Comments A Pix is worth a thousand words...
11-12-11 Callicoon - Damascus 46
4.0 feet
46
3.9 feet


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!

11-08-11 Long Eddy - Callicoon 46
4.1 feet
48
4.0 feet


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!

Date Location Depart Arrive Comments A Pix is worth a thousand words...
10-14-11 Hancock (EB) - Buckingham (MS) 55
4.4 feet
57
4.4 feet

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

Date Location Depart Arrive Comments A Pix is worth a thousand words...
10-11-11 Hancock (EB) - Buckingham (MS) 56
4.5 feet
59
4.4 feet


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!

10-10-11 Callicoon - Damascus 58
4.5 feet
61
4.5 feet


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!

10-09-11 Long Eddy - Callicoon 56
4.5 feet
60
4.5 feet


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.

10-08-11 Balls Eddy (WB) - Buckingham (MS) 58
4.6 feet
59
4.6 feet


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!

10-07-11 Balls Eddy (WB) - Buckingham (MS) 58
4.7 feet
57
4.8 feet


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!

10-06-11 Balls Eddy (WB) - Buckingham (MS) 56
4.7 feet
57
4.9 feet


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.

10-04-11 Hancock (EB) - Buckingham (MS) 54
5.5 feet
56
5.4 feet


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.

10-02-11 Balls Eddy (WB) - Buckingham (MS) 59
5.3 feet
56
6.0 feet


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.

09-25-11 Hancock (EB) - Buckingham 59
5.1 feet
62
5.0 feet


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!

09-24-11 Balls Eddy - Shehawkin 58
5.2 feet
59
5.1 feet


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!

09-23-11 Balls Eddy - Buckingham 56
4.6 feet
58
4.5 feet


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!

09-19-11 Callicoon - Damascus 56
4.6 feet
59
4.5 feet


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!

09-18-11 Callicoon - Damascus 54
4.6 feet
57
4.5 feet


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.

09-17-11 Balls Eddy - Buckingham 53
4.9 feet
57
4.8 feet


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!

09-16-11 Deposit - Balls Eddy 56
5.0 feet
60
4.9 feet


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!

08-26-11 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 66
4.1 feet
72
4.0 feet


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.

08-22-11 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 68
4.0 feet
72
3.9 feet


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.

08-15-11 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 68
4.0 feet
69
4.0 feet


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.

08-13-11 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 71
3.9 feet
73
3.8 feet


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.!

08-11-11 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 72
4.1 feet
73
4.0 feet


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.

08-01-11 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 76
3.4 feet
81
3.3 feet


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.

07-20-11 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 76
3.3 feet
81
3.3 feet


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!

07-18-11 Balls Eddy - Shehawkin 54
3.0 feet
54
3.0 feet


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!

07-16-11 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 74
3.7 feet
77
3.7 feet


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.

07-15-11 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 74
3.8 feet
77
3.7 feet


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!

07-14-11 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 72
3.8 feet
76
3.8 feet


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!

07-13-11 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 71
3.9 feet
75
3.9 feet


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.

07-02-11 Long Eddy - Callicoon 64
4.2 feet
69
4.1 feet


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.

06-21-11 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 72
3.6 feet
78
3.5 feet


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!

06-20-11 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 71
3.8 feet
74
3.7 feet


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!

06-16-11 Long Eddy - Callicoon 62
3.9 feet
68
3.8 feet


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!

06-15-11 Long Eddy - Callicoon 62
4.0 feet
67
3.9 feet


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.

06-14-11 Long Eddy - Callicoon 62
4.1 feet
62
4.0 feet


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!

06-13-11 Long Eddy - Callicoon 62
4.2 feet
62
4.1 feet
Within 72 hours the water temperature has gone from over 75 degrees in the Callicoon vicinity into the low 60's. Heavy rain and cooler nighttime readings are the cause. The water clarity is heavily stained with visibility to three feet and the levels are about a foot above normal. No matter - we caught a mixed bag on today's float with decent hatching activity beginning after 5:00pm. Good hatches of sulphurs, cahills and Grey fox as well as caddis were in the air and by 7:00pm there were a few targets in the Callicoon Pool.

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!

06-07-11 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 68
3.8 feet
72
3.7 feet
Summertime conditions greeted us on the Big D today. Hot and bright with air temperatures close to 90 degrees by 4:00pm out on the river. The smallmouth bass have begin to get active with the warmer water and they were fooled by spinners and Senkos on today's charter. The river is gradually coming down to normal water heights and the clarity is very clear.

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!

06-06-11 Long Eddy - Callicoon 62
3.9 feet
67
3.8 feet
What a beautiful day to be on the magnificent Upper Delaware River. Partly sunny and dry with air temps in the high 70s for most of the trip. We sighted many bald eagles, a nice buck and turkeys - as well as catching smallmouth bass, many shad and after dusk - two nice wild rainbows at 18 and 19 inches using dries in the Callicoon Pool. Sorry...no photos of the rainbows since it was getting dark and my videocam has no flash but for the last half hour the pool came alive and 'bows ate the Admiral's Sulphur like it was candy. What a day - thank you Fred, Howard and Harry!

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!

06-04-11 Long Eddy - Callicoon 61
4.1 feet
64
4.0 feet
What a day! Perfect conditions on the Big D. today. And... What are prefect conditions? In my book, it's no wind, overcast, water temperatures in the low 60's and receding water. That was the mixture for probably the best hatches in 2011. From 12 noon until 3:30pm it was a slow go but by mid afternoon, we had hatches of March Browns, Grey Foxes, Sulphurs - large and small - along with Caddis. In addition, there were plenty of rising trout as well. Our charter caught the Delaware Grand Slam today which were brown trout, rainbow trout, walleye, shad and smallmouth bass. All in all, a great day to be out on the river!

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.)

Hey there's Steve again! This time it's a beautiful hard fighting American Shad which was one of five that Steve nailed north of Callicoon on this afternoon's river adventure on Tony Ritter's Gone Fishing Guide Service river adventures. Steve and Doug, it was a pleasure to fish with you both and I wish you a great season!

06-03-11 Narrowsburg - Zane Grey 65
4.3 feet
65
4.2 feet


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!

05-29-11 Long Eddy - Callicoon 64
4.7 feet
69
4.6 feet


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!

05-28-11 Long Eddy - Callicoon 63
4.8 feet
67
4.7 feet


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.

05-27-11 Callicoon - Damascus 61
5.0 feet
65


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.

05-25-11 Balls Eddy - Buckingham 59
5.0 feet {WB}
62
5.2 feet {MS}


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!

05-23-11 Balls Eddy - Buckingham 57
6.0 feet {WB}
57
5.5 feet {MS}


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!

05-22-11 Deposit - Balls Eddy 58
6.5 feet {WB}
58
6.3 feet {WB}


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!

05-18-11 Long Eddy - Callicoon 58
4.4 feet
58
4.5 feet


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.

05-16-11 South of Narrowsburg 58
4.3 feet
58
4.3 feet


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!

05-15-11 Callicoon - Damascus 58
4.1 feet
58
4.0 feet


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!

05-13-11 Long Eddy - Callicoon 59
4.3 feet
62
4.2 feet
What started out as an overcast and chilly day gave way to partly sunny and warm by mid afternoon. The river level continues to drop and our catch on today's float was a mixed bag - browns, rainbows, smallmouth bass and shad. Very few Caddis and March Browns with no risers throughout our float. We are expecting cloudy and cooler weather for the next week which might start the trout to feed on the surface. Stay tuned!

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!

05-12-11 Long Eddy - Callicoon 59
4.5 feet
64
4.4 feet
The Shad are Here! Another beautiful spring day in the Catskills! Warm, dry and sunny with a light breeze. Today's float trip featured a mixed bag with wild trout, smallmouth bass and a few shad in the net. Not many bugs observed today. March Browns - the next hatch - should be coming 'round the bend in a week or so. Cloudy and cooler is forecast and that might bring up the trout to the surface in the next week.

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!

05-10-11 Buckingham - Long Eddy 53
4.9 feet
58
4.7 feet


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.

05-9-11 Balls Eddy - Buckingham 52
5.3 feet {West Branch}
54
5.0 feet {Main Stem UDR}
Bluebird skies, a light north breeze and beautiful, springtime weather made for a great day out on the water. Caddis is still the predominant hatch with a few Hendricksons after 3:30pm thrown in for good measure. The water levels on both the West Branch and Main Stem continue to drop with clarity very good on the UDR. Water temperatures are now ideal - in the mid 50s.

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!

05-7-11 Shehawkin - Buckingham 49
6.0 feet {West Branch}
52
5.6 feet {Main Stem UDR}
Mostly sunny on this half day river float trip today found that the West Branch is still running high and stained whereas when you pass Point Mountain and the West Branch merges with the East Branch south of Hancock, the Main Stem begins to clear the futher south you float. By the time we passed Stockport, the visibility on the Big D. was at least seven feet. Plenty of tan caddis were hatching on our float as long as the sun was out but very few Quills or Hendrickson. Caddis was the primary hatch. Alas, no targets to speak of except for two in the Stockport Pool. The catch was brown trout with a walleye thrown in for good measure.

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!

05-6-11 Deposit - Shehawkin 49
6.6 feet
52
6.5 feet
A sunny pleasant day out on the water with some south winds in the afternoon. The river is still over six feet which means the current is running fast and the fish are hugging the shoreline and indentations. Many Hendricksons showed on the surface by 2:30pm and the further south we floated towards Shehawkin, we saw many caddis as well. Very few rising fish due to wind, high water and fast currents. Even with these conditions, our boat landed over 12 wild trout with two fish close to 20 inches and one at 21 inches.

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!

05-5-11 Deposit - Balls Eddy 49
6.9 feet
51
6.9 feet
We had a wicked north wind at our backs for most of the day with wind gusts up to 30mph and bluebird skies. That, along with water levels on the West Branch at a little under 7 feet made for a fast trip. Most of the trout were hugging the shoreline and indentations. Over 12 nice trout came to net with the best fish taping out to 20 inches. Very good hatches of both Hendrickson and Blue Quill showed up after 2:00pm but no targets to speak of due to fierce wind and heavy fast current. Not a bad day considering the challenging conditions on the Wild West Branch of the Delaware River.

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.

05-3-11 Deposit - Balls Eddy 49
5.9 feet
54
5.7 feet
Overcast with breaks of sun and quite warm out on the river today - close to 80 degrees! We had a south breeze for most of the day in anticipation of a front coming in from the west. The rain never developed and all in all - it turned out to be a banner day on the West Branch of the Delaware River. A very good hatch of both Blue Quills started in early afternoon with Hendricksons joining in by 2:30pm. Not many fish were rising possibly due to the river being about two plus feet above normal with a fast current. No matter - the anglers on board caught in excess of twenty wild brown trout with the best fish taping out at 21 inches.

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!

04-22-11 Deposit - Balls Eddy 39
5.2 feet
41
5.1 feet
It was a cold, damp and overcast day on our float today with the air temps never getting above the mid 40's and the water temperature holding steady in the low 40s. A nasty south wind added to the chill. No matter - our boat netted 10 nice wild browns with the best fish taping out to 23 inches. Good hatches of Blue Quill appeared throughout mid afternoon but there were very few targets. Rain is on the way for Saturday which will keep the levels up and the water temperatures cold.

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!

04-21-11 Deposit - Balls Eddy 41
5.5 feet
42
5.4 feet
Overcast and blustery for most of the day on the West Branch Delaware River. The cold north winds were at our back for most of the day and with the wind chill, it felt like November out there. The water is high, moving fast and has a nice stain to aid spin anglers. We netted over 15 trout with the majority of fish over 16 inches. Best fish taped out to 25 inches. Very good hatch of Blue Quils appeared by 2:00pm throughout the afternoon but no risers due to very windy conditions.

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!

04-15-11 Deposit - Balls Eddy 39
5.2 feet
42
5.2 feet
Maiden voyage of 2011 and it was a beauty! Overcast with not much wind made for an enjoyable outing on the West Branch of the Delaware River. The river levels remain high and the current is swift so wading is out of the question. However, fishing from a driftboat was excellent with over 20 wild brown trout in the net. Many fish caught over 18 inches. The water is chilly and stained and any hatches were very sparse which were Blue Quills appearing in mid afternoon. Subsurface is the way to go.

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!

The 2010 Season

Date Location Depart Arrive Comment A Pix is worth a thousand words...
11-20-10 Callicoon - Damascus 41
4.2 feet
42
4.1 feet


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!

11-19-10 Callicoon - Damascus 41
4.4 feet
43
4.3 feet


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!

11-11-10 Hankins - Damascus 41
4.0 feet
45
3.9 feet


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.

11-6-10 Callicoon - Damascus 42
4.3 feet
43
4.2 feet


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!

10-29-10 Callicoon - Damascus 51
4.2 feet
53
4.1 feet


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!

10-22-10 Hankins - Callicoon 46
3.9 feet
48
3.8 feet


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.

10-21-10 Callicoon - Damascus 47
4.0 feet
49
3.9 feet


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.

10-20-10 Hankins - Damascus 47
4.1 feet
50
4.0 feet


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!

10-19-10 Hankins - Damascus 47
4.2 feet
50
4.1 feet


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!

10-17-10 Hankins - Damascus 47
4.7 feet
51
4.6 feet


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!

10-11-10 Hankins - Damascus 52
4.2 feet
54
4.1 feet


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!

09-25-10 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 70
3.1 feet
74
3.1 feet


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!

09-24-10 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 66
3.1 feet
72
3.1 feet


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.

09-22-10 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 60
3.1 feet
66
3.1 feet


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!

09-21-10 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 62
3.1 feet
66
3.1 feet


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

09-19-10 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 64
3.1 feet
66
3.1 feet


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!

09-17-10 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 62
3.0 feet
65
3.0 feet


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.

09-07-10 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 64
3.0 feet
70
3.0 feet


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!

09-05-10 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 70
3.1 feet
72
3.1 feet


Joe Lamberti with a dandy 16 inch river smallmouth bass.

09-04-10 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 70
3.1 feet
72
3.1 feet


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!

09-02-10 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 70
3.1 feet
72
3.1 feet


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!

08-31-10 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 70
3.1 feet
72
3.1 feet


Hebert with a nice 15 inch river bronzeback.

08-18-10 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 70
3.1 feet
74
3.1 feet


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!

08-17-10 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 70
3.1 feet
74
3.1 feet


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!

08-14-10 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 70
3.1 feet
74
3.1 feet


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

08-13-10 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 70
3.1 feet
74
3.1 feet


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

08-10-10 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 78
2.9 feet
84
2.9 feet


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

08-09-10 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 78
2.9 feet
84
2.9 feet


Phil West with a scrappy 15 inch Delaware River bronzeback.

08-07-10 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 78
2.9 feet
84
2.9 feet


Joe Morrison with nice 16 inch bronzeback.

Gary Shutz with a hefty 16.5 inch smallmouth bass.

08-02-10 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 78
2.9 feet
84
2.9 feet


Tim Linehan with 16 inch smallmouth bass.

07-21-10 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 78
2.9 feet
84
2.9 feet
Outstanding river smallmouth fishing continues on the Big D. near Narrowsburg. Today's trip started with overcast conditions and no wind then becoming partly sunny by afternoon. The water is gin clear, in the 80's and at normal levels. Over seventy fish were netted on today's charter with Senkos the top lure. At least 50% of the fish were legal at over 12 inches with about 25% over 14 inches and the top bass was 16.5 inches. A great day on the river!

Jul 21st fish report 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!

07-15-10 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 77
2.8 feet
85
2.7 feet
Sunny, warm and humid but that didn't slow down the Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass on today's float trip. Senkos and topwater plugs were again the ticket and our boat netted close to 50 fish. Back to back on the same stretch, both Alan and Rose caught over 130 bass with over 35% of the fish legal and many bass going over 14 inches. The Upper Delaware River is one of the premiere smallmouth bass fisheries in the United States.

Jul 15th fish report 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!

07-14-10 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 74
2.9 feet
78
2.8 feet
It doesn't get any better than this for great Upper Delaware River smallmouth bass fishing. The water clarity is great, water temperatures are back into the mid 70's and the levels are low. Our float trip today caught over sixty fish - with many on topwater plugs like Chug-Bugs and Tiny Torpedos. Windless and overcast to start and becoming partly sunny in the afternoon. All in all - a great day on the river!

Jul 14th fish report 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!

07-10-10 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 81
2.9 feet
87
2.9 feet
It just doesn't get any better than this! Very few people out and about on the river this season. Gin clear water + water in the upper 70's = Great bass fishing for scrappy smallies! One man on board today and the catch was great with a double limit of bass. It was all Senkos....leave all your other lures at home!

Jul 10th fish report 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!

07-09-10 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 80
2.9 feet
86
2.9 feet
More great weather on the river today with very little canoe / raft traffic for a Friday in the summer. The water is gin clear and warm. Most of the bass took Senkos and topwater plugs with a very good bite and by day's end we had over forty fish in the boat with many legal fish.

Jul 9th fish report 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!

07-07-10 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 82
3.0 feet
88
3.0 feet
Hot...hot...hot! We're in the middle of a fierce heat wave and the water temperature on the river came close to 90 degrees this afternoon. The clarity is excellent and the levels are low. The bass didn't seem to mind the warm water and were found in fast moving oxygenated riffles. The fish took both Senkos and topwater plugs with aggressive strikes. Over a double limit caught and relased on today's float trip.

Jul 7th fish report 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!

07-3-10 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 75
3.0 feet
82
3.0 feet
Sunny and warm on today's float trip south of Narrowsburg. The river traffic wasn't bad considering this was a three day holiday weekend. Many legal smallmouth bass came to net on today's charter. The river continues to be crystal clear, low and warm. Perfect smallmouth bass conditions!

Jul 3rd fish report 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!

06-19-10 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 72
3.3 feet
78
3.2 feet
It's a Saturday out on the beautiful Upper Delaware River...but where are the people? You'd think it was a weekday since we had the river to ourselves today. Great conditions to be fishing for bass with over forty fish landed and many legal. Senkos and topwater plugs were the ticket for the scrappy bronzebacks.

June 19 fish report 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.!

06-08-10 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 72
3.0 feet
79
3.0 feet

June 8th fish report Tweet this report



Bluebird skies and the water is gin clear and at normal levels. A very good day today using Senkos and our charter netted over a double limit of very scrappy smallmouth bass.

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!

05-25-10 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 72
3.3 feet
77
3.3 feet
It felt like mid July out on the river today with bright sun and highs in the mid 80's. The water is clear and at normal levels but by the end of the day the water temperature had hit 77 degrees! Very good shad action was had along with some nice scrappy smallmouth bass. Some even hit topwater plugs in the fast skinny water. And -- it's only May!

May 23rd fish report 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!

05-23-10 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 66
3.5 feet
71
3.4 feet
A Delaware River Grand Slam!
The Maestro, Alan Kaufman, had a helluva day on the river today. Wild rainbows, wild browns, shad, walleye and smallmouth bass! It doesn't get any better than that! Partly sunny, the water is clear and at normal levels. Very few hatches throughout the day.

VIDEO of Alan playing a feisty Upper Delaware River shad!

May 23rd fish report 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.

05-22-10 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 64
3.5 feet
70
3.5 feet
Overcast for most of the day along with a stiff south wind making casting and manuevering the boat a challenge. We had four strong shad along with many smallmouth bass on today's float trip. The water is clear and at normal levels.
VIDEO clip of today's fast shad action!

May 22nd fish report 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.

05-21-10 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 60
3.6 feet
71
3.5 feet
It was hot on the river today - felt like mid July! Water temperatures popped over ten degrees and closed out the day over 70 degrees. The water is clear but we found the fishing tough with a brace of shad and a handful of small smallmouth bass coming to net. We did see a few Green Drakes on this stretch. More info at: www.twitter.com/catskillangler

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.

05-20-10 Hankins - Damascus 58
3.6 feet
66
3.6 feet
What a difference a day makes! Today was clear, bright with bluebird skies. Dry with a light north breeze and the fishing was tough to the bright sun and clear water. A few shad came to net along with smallmouth bass. No rising fish were sighted throughout the day. A few sulphurs and caddis along with a stray March Brown were on the surface. More info at: www.twitter.com/catskillangler

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.

05-19-10 Hankins - Damascus 57
3.6 feet
60
3.7 feet
What a day! Nine gorgeous wild trout up to 23 inches mostly caught on top using 5x. Overcast and windless for most of the day and the river is clear. Primary hatches: Sulphurs, Caddis and a few March Browns / Grey Fox with sulphurs the choice of food. Hatches seem to be better in the late morning. Along with the trout, our boat caught walleye and smallmouth bass too! A great day on the UDR! We will have a VIDEO of Ralph, Jr. and the 23 inch wild rainbow on the site tomorrow.

And now for a VIDEO!
Yesterday we caught a beautiful 22 inch wild Upper Delaware River rainbow on film which we'd like to share with you! Click
Enjoy and good fishing to you!


More info at: www.twitter.com/catskillangler

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!

05-17-10 Hankins - Damascus 58
3.7 feet
65
3.6 feet
Partly sunny to start and then becoming overcast and windless. The water is clear and at normal levels. Again the amount of bugs was minimal with a few caddis and sparse hatches of sulphurs and not many targets on the surface. Shad and smallmouth bass were the fish in the net today. More info at: www.twitter.com/catskillangler

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

05-15-10 Hankins - Damascus 57
3.8 feet
64
3.8 feet
Stiff North winds were at our backs for most of the day making casting a challenge. Mostly sunny and in the 60's. However, we landed a beautiful 20 inch trout along with many LDR's (Long Distance Releases) of rainbows and shad throughout our float trip. Hatches were Sulphurs and caddis in the morning and then decerased as the afternoon wore on. Very few risers on top. More info at: www.twitter.com/catskillangler

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!

05-14-10 Hankins - Callicoon 53
3.8 feet
62
3.8 feet
A beautiful day to be out on the river! Light breezes and partly sunny. The water is clear and up about a half foot Hatches were minimal. Here and there would be March Brown, sulphurs and caddis but not that many and risers were non-existent. No matter since we had decent action with the rainbows and shad along with a few smallmouth bass on today's river float trip. More info at: www.twitter.com/catskillangler

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.

05-07-10 Hankins - Damascus 59
3.6 feet
66
3.6 feet
What a day! Light breezes, sunny and dry. Great action with the trout from Hankins to Callicoon on today's float. Hatches are sparse but no matter - the clients caught a decent amount of trout along with smallmouth bass and shad. The Federally designated Upper Delaware River --- one of the best rivers in the Northeast - if not the U.S.A. More info at: www.twitter.com/catskillangler

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!

05-06-10 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 61
3.7 feet
67
3.7 feet
Another beautiful day to be out on the river! However, today, we had a north wind along with gusts at our back for the better part of the float which made manuevering and casting difficult. Anchoring in tailouts we were into some nice shad with incredible strength. Bonus catches of smallmouth, walleye and a beautiful 20 inch wild brown trout topped off the day. There was no trace of Didymo - or rock snot - on this stretch of river.
More info at: www.twitter.com/catskillangler

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!

05-05-10 Hankins - Damascus 59
3.8 feet
67
3.8 feet
What a beautiful day to be out on the water! Bluebird skies, sunny and a light breeze. For the second day, there were no hatches and no risers. We're waiting for the March Browns but I haven't see one. The water is clear but has plenty of Rock Snot. In fact, it was reported today that the Esopus now is confirmed by the NYS DEC to have didymo, an invasive algae. A mixed bag and the anglers came very close to The Delaware Grand Slam with every freshwater gamefish - browns, rainbows, walleye and smallmouth boated and two shad dropped. More info at: www.twitter.com/catskillangler

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.

05-04-10 Long Eddy - Callicoon 60
3.9 feet
66
3.9 feet
Unsettled weather for our float trip today. What started out partly sunny became cloudy with thunderstorms by mid afternoon. The water is clear but there is a lot of floating algae - or Didymo - making casting a chore for the anglers since it clings to the line. The alage appeared in every pool and suspends in the water column throughout this 14 mile stretch. Very few bugs to speak of and no risers. I believe the Caddis and Hendrickson are now long gone and the next hatch south of Long Eddy will be March Browns.

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.!

05-03-10 South of Narrowsburg 67
3.9 feet
67
3.9 feet
Busman's Holiday!

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

05-01-10 Hankins - Callicoon 56
4.0 feet
60
4.0 feet
Partly sunny and warm on today's half day float - in the mid 80's. Less caddis hatching on this stretch than up river. We shoved off before 10:00am and were off the river after 2:00pm. I believe the caddis hatch is waning south of Long Eddy. A mixed bag of rainbows and browns made up today's river adventure. Next up: March Browns.

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

04-30-10 Hancock - Buckingham [WB]49
3.3 feet
[MS]58
4.0 feet
What a beautiful day to be out on the water. No wind, sunny and warm. The water is clear and there was caddis hatching throughout the day along with Rusty Spinners, Blue Quill and Hendricksons after 3:00pm. Targets were few and far between. Best areas were Junction Pool and Sharp Rock Riff.

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!

04-22-10 Hankins - Damascus 53
3.6 feet
58
3.6 feet
Warm and sunny to begin and then scattered showers and clouds by early afternoon. After the cold front passed by we had a brisk north wind to end up the day. The water is crystal clear and warming to the upper 50's. Caddis were hatching and a few blue quills. Not many targets on today's float - possibly due to the wind and abundance of caddis pupas in the water.

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.

04-20-10 Long Eddy - Callicoon 48
3.7 feet
55
3.6 feet
Bluebird skies with highs in the 60's and a light breeze. The water continues to drop and is gin clear. We had a massive caddis (Shad Fly) hatch that began at around noon and continued throughout the afternoon. Very few targets due to the ample food supply making their way through the water column. We had to work for our fish today and came away with a handful of rainbows, one brown and a smallmouth bass coming to net.

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

04-19-10 Hankins - Damascus 46
3.8 feet
52
3.7 feet
For most of the float trip today, the wind was out of the north and at our back. The water is crystal clear and at normal levels - for late May! But, this is mid April! In any event, one man on board today and we caught four rainbows, two browns and a walleye. Most of the action was in the afternoon as the water warmed into the 50's. Very good hatches of Hendrickson, Blue Quill and Apple Caddis from mid afternoon on.

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.

04-15-10 Long Eddy - Callicoon 48
4.0 feet
53
3.9 feet
First float trip of 2010! We pick up where we left off back in mid November of 2009 with the water temperature about the same as well as the river levels. The water is gin clear and it was in the upper forties as we left Long Eddy at about 10:00am. Light breeze and mostly overcast conditions. The water warmed to about 53 by 7:00pm in Callicoon. A decent amount of Hendricksons showed from 3:00pm until 6:00pm with some targets south of Sippin'Hole. In addition, Blue Quills and Caddis were also on the water. A decent mix of wild 'bows and wild browns as well as one walleye came to net.

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.

The 2009 Season

Date Location Depart Arrive Comment
11-15-09 Long Eddy - Callicoon 48
3.7 feet
51
3.7 feet
A nice mixed bag to end out the 2009 season. We floated from Long Eddy to Callicoon and had the river to ourselves today. Beautiful late fall weather with highs near sixty degrees and no wind. Smallmouth bass, wild rainbows and a legal walleye came to net today. All of the leaves are off the trees, the water levels were up about a half foot and there was some stain to the water. Bonus to our trip - many eagles and an osprey were sighted.

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.

10-22-09 Long Eddy - Callicoon 52
3.3 feet
56
3.2 feet
What a glorious day to be out on the river. It's Indian Summer all along the river valley and the foliage is beautiful. A nice mixed bag came to net today - wild rainbows up to 16 inches, a large brown and many nice smallmouth bass. The water is at normal levels with some stain and getting cold - in the low fifties.

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!

10-05-09 Long Eddy - Hankins 56
3.3 feet
58
3.3 feet
A half day afternoon float trip out of Long Eddy. Mostly cloudy and then becoming sunny and brisk towards the end of the day. Walleye and trout were in the cards for us today with the water in ther upper fifties and at normal levels.

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!

10-04-09 Long Eddy - Callicoon 56
3.3 feet
59
3.3 feet
Another beautiful fall day on the river with no one about. The leaves are about 25% turning and the water is slightly stained near Long Eddy and much clearer south of Hankins. A very good mixed bag today with six rainbows, one brown, one walleye and a handful of smallmouth bass. Two eagles sighted as well. A decent pod of trout rising in the fast glide before Hankins Creek at around 2:00pm. Fall fishing on the UDR...it just doesn't get any better than this!

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.

10-03-09 Long Eddy - Callicoon 53
3.4 feet
57
3.3 feet
Well, the weatherman had forceast showers with a chance of thunderstorms today and was he ever wrong! Partly cloudy with warmth from the sun made for a great day to be out on the UDR. It was a mixed bag for our boat today with a nice 18 inch 'bow, three browns up to 15 inches and a few smallmouth bass.

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.

09-25-09 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 64
2.9 feet
70
2.9 feet
C'est magnifique! Bluebird skies, gin clear water, sunny and dry - and nobody else out on the river. What a day! Plenty of bass with a double limit and a huge bass on a Senko midway through our river adventure was icing on the cake!

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!

09-23-09 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 64
3.0 feet
70
2.9 feet
What a beautiful fall day on the river! The air temperature went over 75 degrees, the water is crystal clear, sunny and the levels are a bit below normal. These river levels are probably the lowest they've been this year. Leaves are beginning to turn all along the river valley. Over forty fish on today's float with the majority of the bass hitting Senkos.

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.

09-16-09 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 66
3.2 feet
66
3.2 feet
Overcast and calm for most of the day. The water temperature at 66 degrees was warmer than the air which only went to about 60 degrees today. It's beginning to really feel like fall in the Catskills. The water clarity is super clear and the levels are normal A very good subsurface bite today with the fish taking Senkos but not much of topwater action. Best fish went to 17 inches.

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.

09-15-09 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 65
3.2 feet
70
3.1 feet
Partly sunny for most of the day with gorgeous fall like weather to compliment the very good smallmouth bass action. The water is crystal clear and at normal levels. The bite is better by mid afternoon as the water warms close to the magic number of 70. Senkos and topwater plugs accounted for the fish today.

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!

09-14-09 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 65
3.3 feet
69
3.2 feet
Partly sunny, crisp and dry with no one else on the water. Heaven on earth...we're on the UDR! The water is gin clear and at normal levels. The morning chill had the water temperature at a cool 65 by 10am and the bass were taking the bait real soft. However, the bite was right by mid afternoon and the fish turned on and began hitting Senkos from 3:00pm until dusk.

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!

09-07-09 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 66
3.5 feet
70
3.4 feet
Mostly cloudy on our half day afternoon float trip out of Narrowsburg today. The water is crystal clear and at normal levels. The last day of Labor Day weekend and we only saw a few kayakers on the river and very few people at the launch. A good half day on the UDR with plenty of action using Senkos and Tiny Torpedos with the the smallmouth taping out at 15 inches.

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!

09-05-09 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 67
3.7 feet
72
3.6 feet
Back to back to back stellar days. Partly sunny, dry and beautiful out on the river. Not that much traffic for a three day Labor Day weekend. Great fishing. The water is clear, the levels are approaching normal and the bass are hitting Senkos. A half day float this afternoon with many smallies - the two best taping out to 20 and 15 inches.

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!

09-04-09 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 64
3.9 feet
70
3.8 feet
Another beautiful day. It just doesn't get any better than this! The photos should speak for themselves but here's the skinny: the water clarity is gin clear, the levels are great and the bite is right in the mid afternoon towards dusk. Let the good times roll!

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.

09-03-09 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 64
3.9 feet
68
3.9 feet
Another beautiful sunny fall-like day! An afternoon half day float and the bite was light at first but getting stronger by mid afternoon and into dusk. The water clarity is good and the sports had a solid day with many bass caught using Senkos and Rapalas.

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.

09-02-09 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 64
4.0 feet
68
4.0 feet
What a day! Gorgeous. Bluebird skies and not a cloud to be found. The water clarity is very good too. The levels are a bit high and the water temperatures chilly in the morning but we had a very good day with the bite getting better by mid afternoon through dusk. Many smallmouth up to 16 plus inches, a nice wild rainbow - and a bonus big pickerel!

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!

08-31-09 Long Eddy - Callicoon 64
4.0 feet
69
3.9 feet
Another beautiful day to be out on the UDR. Crisp, sunny with north breezes. Quite slow for the first half of the day with a few trout caught in the fast water but picking up nicely towards dusk with some smallmouth bass over the 16 inch mark. The water is slightly stained and about a foot above normal. Senkos...Senkos...Senkos!

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!

08-30-09 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 66
4.1 feet
69
4.2 feet
Partly sunny, dry with light north breezes made it feel like we're already into fall. Very light river traffic for a Sunday in August. The river levels are still up more than a foot and there is moderate stain to the water with visibility to about four feet. We found most of the fish out of the main current near the shoreline and indentations on today's river fishing adventure. Senkos accounted for the majority of the fish.

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!

08-27-09 Long Eddy - Callicoon 66
3.9 feet
72
3.9 feet
Partly sunny and cooler than yesterday after a cold front came through. Slow to begin but the bassn' picked up by mid afternoon using Senkos and spinners. Plenty of fish - and a few taping out to 16 inches. The water is very clear and about a half foot above normal levels north of Callicoon.

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.!

08-26-09 Long Eddy - Callicoon 66
4.1 feet
72
4.0 feet
Partly sunny to start and then mostly cloudy by mid afternoon with light rain coming in by the time we took out in Callicoon by 7:00pm. A nice mixed bag on this stretch today. Rainbows, browns, walleye and plenty of smallmouth bass. The water clarity was much better north of Callicoon Creek so we chose this route today and was rewarded with plenty of action.

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

07-28-09 Narrowsburg - Big Eddy 78
3.0 feet
80
3.0 feet
Threatening weather forced the anglers to decide that they wanted to fish the Big Eddy in the event of sudden downpours to be near to the vehicles so we opted to fish for bass in the Big Eddy this afternoon. Lots of bass and the bite was all on Senkos!

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

07-27-09 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 74
3.1 feet
80
3.0 feet
Great smallmouth conditions on the river. In fact, the river has not looked this good for over a month. The water is gin clear, at normal levels and in the mid 70's. That spells excellent bronzeback fishing for our charter today. Warm and dry with nice breezes. Over a double limit with close to forty fish in the net. If the weather stays dry with no downpours, the smallmouth fishing will stay great for the next two months.

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.

07-19-09 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 70
3.8 feet
74
3.7 feet
A half day trip with beautiful weather. Dry and partly sunny with water temperatures in the low seventies. The river is still about a half foot above normal and there is some color to the water with visibility to about five feet. Nonetheless, we had more than a few smallies in the net throughout the afternoon.

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.

07-18-09 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 70
3.7 feet
74
3.8 feet
Well, those downpours from last evening translated into the river rising throughout the day and getting a tad stained. Under these changing conditions, the bass were still caught. Mostly on plugs and Senkos close to shoeline indentations, back eddys and obstructions. Many legal bronzebacks came to net throughout the day up to 16 inches. Partly sunny and dry with a light north breeze.

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!

07-17-09 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 70
3.4 feet
74
3.4 feet
Weatherwise - it began as a great fishing day with no wind and overcast skies. The water is crystal clear and the water temperatures are ideal for smallies. Using Senkos and some topwater plugs, the boat had plenty of action until late in the day when thunderheads began forming with downpours. Over 30 fish up to 14+ inches and a bonus walleye.

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.

07-16-09 Callicoon - Skinners Falls 70
3.4 feet
75
3.3 feet
One man fishing solo today and the conditions were a carbon copy of yesterday. Excellent for river smallmouth bass. However, we found that the bass today on this stretch were finicky and the client had to work for each fish he caught. A few on top but the majority were on Senkos. The water is crystal clear and in the 70's. Sunny to start but we had violent thunderstorms and lightning and took refuge under the Cochecton Bridge at 6:00pm before finishing up at Skinner's Falls.

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.

07-15-09 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 70
3.4 feet
74
3.3 feet
A half day afternoon float with the water levels and temperatures the best that they've been in close to a month. The water is gin clear and in the 70's. Perfect for smallmouth bass. Sunny to start and becoming cloudy by dusk. No wind. A decent amount of smallmouth up to 13+ inches hitting Senkos and topwater plugs as well. We saw more eagles than people on this afternoon's river 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!

07-12-09 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 70
3.7 feet
74
3.6 feet
The Big D. is back in great shape after many weeks of high water. We had over fourteen inches of rain this past June which kept all of the Catskill rivers high and off color. However, during the past week, both reservoirs have stopped spilling and there has been no rain so we're getting back to mid summer conditions. The water temperature is over seventy degrees in the afternoon with sparking clear clarity. It's Senko and topwater time and on our half day float today the bass didn't disappoint.

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.

06-14-09 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 68
4.2 feet
73
4.2 feet
A beautiful day to be out on the river - partly sunny, dry with a light breeze - and virtually no river traffic! The water temperatures are now becoming ideal for smallmouth bass topping out to 73 degrees by 5:00pm. However, the clarity is still stained and the levels are about a foot above normal. This will continue until the reservoir stops spilling and the the tribs begin to slow. Nonetheless, the action was decent with double digit bass netted on Senkos and crankbaits.

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!

06-13-09 Narrowsburg - Ten Mile River 68
4.1 feet
71
4.0 feet
A half day afternoon float trip south of Narrowsburg. What started off as a partly sunny day soon became mostly cloudy. The river levels are about a foot above normal and the water is stained. Visibility to about four plus feet. In addition, the water temperatures are now getting too warm for decent trout fishing and consistent mayfly or caddis hatches so I'm opting for smallmouth bass fishing around the Narrowsburg area. By the end of the day today, the water had warmed to 71 degrees. Light river traffic for a Saturday in mid June.

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.

06-10-09 Long Eddy - Callicoon 65
4.1 feet
69
4.0 feet
Overcast for most of the day with no wind. The river level went up a few inches from yesterday's rainfall and the clarity is stained with visibility to about four feet. Very few bugs hatched today and there were fewer targets - not good considering on paper we had everything going our way - overcast, no wind, water in the mid 60's, decent levels - well, that's fishing. The fish we took on top were chubs in the early going. All in all - a tough day eventhough we managed to bring walleye, shad and smallmouth bass to net.

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!

06-07-09 Hankins - Callicoon 63
4.1 feet
68
4.0 feet
Partly sunny and warm. The water is getting clearer and dropping by an inch to two inches a day. A half day trip with plenty of walleye coming to net. The bugs are sparse due to the sun and brightness.

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!

06-06-09 Long Eddy - Callicoon 59
4.2 feet
64
4.1 feet
Partly sunny and dry throughout the day. Light breezes and not much river traffic for a Saturday in June. Hatches were off due to the brightness and bluebird skies. Sparse BWO's and Caddis but very few targets. The water is clear and about three quarters of a foot above normal due to continued reservoir spill. A mixed bag on todays float with trout, walleye and smallmouth in the net.

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!

06-04-09 Hankins - Damascus 58
4.5 feet
62
4.4 feet
Overcast for most of the day with breaks of sun. No wind and no other anglers on this stretch. The hatches were minimal today compared to yesterday's report - some Sulphurs, Caddis and Isonychia in the mid to late afternoon period. However, we saw more than a few targets on the surface. The water is now clear but is still about a foot above normal. The river levels are receding slowly - about two inches per day - due to water spilling over the top at Cannosville Reservoir.

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!

06-03-09 Hankins - Damascus 58
4.7 feet
58
4.6 feet
Overcast with light rain for the majority of our float trip today. The day had started off partly sunny but a steady drizzle soon greeted us. No wind - and no other boats on this stretch. Hatches began after 2:00pm in the rain south of Callicoon with many Blue Wing Olives in 18. Later, decent hatches of Caddis (16), Sulphurs (18), Cahills (14) and Isonychia (12) added to the BWO's. This was probably the best hatch of bugs that I've seen on the main stem this year and it continued for over three hours. Fish were on them as well - in the Horse Farm Pool and the pool near Big Island. Even with the high water in the grass, the water clarity is now good with visibility to about 5 to 6 feet.

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.

06-02-09 Hankins - Damascus 58
4.9 feet
60
4.8 feet
Overcast with no wind for most of the day and the water is receding a few inches a day. It's still about a foot and half above normal, water is in the grass and wading is out of the question. Visibility is improving to about five feet. Sparse hatches of small BWO's after 4:00pm but not many Sulphurs or Caddis.

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!

06-01-09 Hankins - Callicoon 58
5.1 feet
60
5.0 feet
Partly sunny to start and then turning mostly overcast on a half day afternoon float today. The water is in the grass and the river levels are up over a foot and a half with a lot of current. The water clarity is beginning to clear with visibility to about four to five feet. However, it will take a some time for the water levels to drop back to normal at 3+ feet since the NYC reservoirs are spilling over the top. Pepacton Reservoir on the East Branch is spilling at 100.5% capacity and Cannonsville Reservoir on the West Branch is spilling at 102% capacity. A mixed bag today. Small blue wing olives in # 18 were sighted in the Callicoon Pool after 5:00pm and there were rising fish.

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!

05-31-09 Balls Eddy - Buckingham 56
4.8 feet [WB]
60
5.2 feet [MS]
We hit the West Branch again for a float trip starting at Balls Eddy and ending up on the Main Stem at Buckingham. The water on both rivers is still high - about two feet above normal. There is color to the water as well. The West Branch has less visibility than the East Branch at about three feet whereas the main as it mixes with the East Branch is clearer with visibility to about five feet. The day started off sunny and warm and then an hour into the float turned cloudy and cool. A cold front pushed through and we had a steady north wind at our backs for the balance of the day. With the high water levels and wind at our backs we floated through at a fast clip. Very few bugs on the water today with the gusty wind and high river levels. However, all in all, a decent day with nine trout boated. The boat traffic was way down with only one other driftboat on our stretch today.

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!

05-29-09 Hale Eddy - Shehawkin 56
4.3 feet [WB]
57
5.0 feet [WB]
Overnight downpours made the main stem UDR high and muddy so our charter opted for a float trip on the West Branch of the Delaware River starting at Hale Eddy Bridge. Even there the water level was about two plus feet above normal with some color to the water. The closer one floated to Hancock, the dirtier the water became with additional tributary flow. However, the hatches on the WB were outstanding with Green Drakes, March Browns, Sulphurs and Caddis leading the way with plenty of targets between Hale Eddy and Balls Eddy.

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.

05-28-09 Hankins - Damascus 57
4.5 feet
58
4.4 feet
What a beautiful day to be out on the water! Very little wind and overcast for the day. The river level is about a foot and a half above normal with water in the grass and the color is slightly stained. A mixed bag on today's float. Brown trout, walleye, smallmouth bass and a very big roe shad that still had a lot of power which unfortunately was dropped after a nice fight. Hatches were very small Olives in 22 and a few Sulphurs and fewer large Stoneflies.

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!

05-23-09 Hankins - Callicoon 59
4.2 feet
66
4.1 feet
Partly sunny to start and then becoming cloudy by early afternoon and then sunny again but cooler by dusk. The water levels continue to recede and are about a half foot above normal and the clarity is good. The mayfly and caddis hatches are poor. The big hatch today was big golden stoneflies (Size 6/8) that came out strong from 1:00pm until 5:00pm. It's quite possible that the trout are gorged on the stonefly nymphs that are in the water and making their way to the rocks along the shoreline. Very few sporadic risers. However, the anglers fished hard and were rewarded with a mixed bag today - trout, walleye, smallmouth and shad!

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.

05-22-09 Long Eddy - Callicoon 59
4.4 feet
62
4.3 feet
Sunny and warm with light breezes throughout our float trip today with no other boats on this stretch. The water is slightly stained - visibility to about five feet - and about a foot above normal with above normal current speed. Very weak hatches. We looked for signs of caddis, sulphurs and March Browns but this was the weakest I've seen this year especially for a sunny day. No risers as well. We did find a golden stonefly on the water. Possibly the stones have begun their journey from underwater to the shore and the fish have begun to feed on the nymphs.

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.

05-20-09 Hancock [EB] - Buckingham 56
4.5 feet
60
4.4 feet
Another beautiful sunny day on the river. A half day afternoon / evening float primarily on the Main Stem. The water levels are receding and there is some stain - but not much - visibility to about five feet. Fewer hatches than yesterday but there were some Sulphurs, March Browns and Caddis about. Very few risers.

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!

05-19-09 Balls Eddy - Buckingham 48
3.3 feet [WB Del. River]
56
4.6 feet [MS Del. River]
This was my first float of 2009 on the West Branch since that river has been too low to float with a driftboat for most of this season due to no rain up until this past Saturday and very little in the way of water releases out of Cannonsville Reservoir by the City of New York. All of the Catskill rivers had risen since last Saturday night's downpours of 3 to 4 inches and were blown out for Sunday and most of Monday. The clarity on the WB was pretty good with visibility to about 4 to 5 feet and not bad on the Main Stem south of Hancock where it met the East Branch with visibility to 3 to 4 feet. I thought it would be a good day due to water color and water temperatures in the 50's plus no wind and bluebird skies. It turned out to be a tough day with only two browns caught up to 16 inches. Hatches were Tan Caddis, Sulphurs and a few March Browns. On two occasions we had rising fish in the foam lane for a good fifteen to twenty minutes but could not get them to take our offerings.

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

05-16-09 Long Eddy - Callicoon 59
3.9 feet
63
3.8 feet
Overcast with a slight breeze for most of the day except for a few hours of S. wind in the late morning. Water temps were ideal and so was the low light conditions but the hatches never really developed. Sparse hatches of sulphurs, grey caddis, tan caddis and March Browns. Not many olives considering the clouds today. The best riseforms were to be found in the late afternoon at The Sippin' Hole.

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!

05-15-09 Narrowsburg - Zane Grey 58
4.2 feet
64
4.1 feet
The water color went brown due to the heavy downpours we received yesterday afternoon and evening. The tribs south of Callicoon Creek are running full. River levels went up about a foot today and the visibility was about three feet. A handful of smallmouth bass and a legal walleye came to net. Bright sun and light breezes throughout the float trip today with three bald eagles sighted.

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

05-12-09 Hankins - Damascus 58
3.7 feet
62
3.6 feet
The water is receding and becoming crystal clear again. Cool and dry with light N. breezes on today's float trip. More smallmouth bass than trout were caught. Sparse hatches of March Browns, caddis and the occasional sulphur. Very few targets on today's trip.

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

05-09-09 Hankins - Callicoon 56
3.5 feet
62
3.7 feet
Within 12 hours of my last float in Callicoon, the water was rising and going off color when I launched the boat in Hankins at 10:00am for a half day float. We hadn't had that much rain in Narrowsburg but upriver they must have gotten dumped on last night from localized downpours. The skinny was that areas near Livingston Manor got pounded and the Willowemoc / Beaverkill went muddy and as the the rivers rose so did the East Branch and Main Stem UDR. The visibility was about three to four feet today down from ten feet yesterday and the levels went up a few inches during the trip. That made for a tough day. Overcast conditions to start and then sun with a south breeze. A mixed bag on today's float trip. Hatches observed: March Browns, Olives and Caddis. Targets observed a quarter mile south of Sippin' Hole before Pump House.

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

05-08-09 Long Eddy - Callicoon 56
3.4 feet
56
3.4 feet
Overcast and windless conditions for most of the trip and then showers at the tail end at dusk. The water is crystal clear and at at normal levels. Visibility to ten feet. We had to work for these fish today and came away with a mixed bag - brown trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and a walleye. Hatches are: March Browns and caddis.

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!

05-04-09 Hankins - Callicoon 56
3.4 feet
56
3.4 feet
What a difference a week makes. Last week it felt like mid July with highs in the mid 80's with blizzard caddis hatches and today the air temp stayed in the mid 50's with overcast skies. The water is still crystal clear and the levels are normal at 3.4 feet. No wind made for ideal conditions. However very few targets and the hatches were a few tan caddis and the stray large March Brown in size 12. We caught rainbows and browns with a handful of smallmouth bass and the best rainbow taped out to 18 inches caught at a tail out on a bead head.

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.

04-28-09 Callicoon - Damascus 58
3.5 feet
72
3.4 feet
93cfs water release out of Cannonsville Reservoir into the West Branch Delaware River at Stilesville. Folks, that's a paltry release by NYC DEP and the Main Stem UDR is now warming over 72 degrees by the time you get to Callicoon. Mid summer weather for the past four days with air temperatures in the mid 80's along with blazing sun hitting the shallow riffs and baking them. In fact, the water was warmer in Cochecton by a few degrees than further south near Zane Grey due to the fact there are some tribs with cool water entering the UDR south of Narrowsburg plus - there are many shallow riffs on the Callicoon - Cochecton stretch with less then a few inches of water exposing rock from the blazing sun. Less than two feet of water depth at Hale Eddy on the WB. This is how you turn a magnificent tailwater fishery into a mediocre freestone stream. And - Cannonsville Reservoir is almost at full capacity. What does the F in FFP stand for?
04-27-09 Ten Mile River - Zane Grey 62
3.5 feet
70
3.5 feet
More sunny and hot conditions in the Catskills. It feels more like July than April. We fished south of Narrowsburg today looking for shad. The water is crystal clear and warming to about 70 degrees by 6:00pm. Mostly a few bass on today's trip with no shad to be had.
04-25-09 Long Eddy - Callicoon 52
3.6 feet
61
3.5 feet
Uh-Oh. Bluebird skies and not a cloud in the sky with bright sun. The air temperature was in the low 80's by mid afternoon. It feels more like mid June on the river and the water is crystal clear. Plus, the water is warming up into the low sixties. Low levels + bright sun on the rocks and shallow riffs + no water from New York City = water temps rising close to 20 degrees in two days. We had more of a blizzard hatch of caddis on today's trip. The caddis were out when we lauched out of Long Eddy at 10:00am and continued strong throughout the day. My guess is that the trout have enough food and are gorged on pupas. A real tough day with one man on board flyfishing and no hookups. The One Bug Tourney was this weekend and there were a few boats on our stretch. Throughout the day we didn't see one other boat with a fish on.
04-24-09 Long Eddy - Callicoon 46
3.6 feet
54
3.6 feet
Beautiful weather but tough fishing conditions greeted us on my maiden voyage of 2009 today. The water is gin clear with visibility down to ten feet plus bright sunny bluebird skies. Hatches are at least two weeks ahead of schedule with a few Hendricksons sighted after 2:00pm along with a huge caddis hatch which will probably get bigger this weekend with afternoon temperatures in the low 80's. The fish probably have enough pupas to gorge on and we ended up with a beautiful 18 inch bow caught near The Chutes and a small brown at the tail out of Kellams Bridge.

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


Daily Water Storage for Cannonsville, Pepacton and Neversink Reservoirs
Recent images of the Upper Delaware River Valley by Linda Slocum can be viewed by clicking the photos to your right...
This past fall, I had the pleasure of taking New York Times photographer, Suzy Allman, out on the Upper Delaware River for a float trip. Her portfolio of "An Afternoon on the Upper Delaware River" can be viewed by clicking the photos on your right...

© 1994 through 2015 ::: Anthony Ritter - Gone Fishing Guide Service - All photos were taken on location on the Upper Delaware River