April:
Winter run off on top of precipitation usually has the river running relatively high during the first couple of weeks of the month. This higher water level usually causes the water come over the top of the dam spilling thousands of bait fish “Alewives” over into the system. This surge of bait fish on top of the off color volume of the river causes the large browns to feast comfortably even during the day. The great part about this is that you have cracks at 10lb plus browns that you would never see any other time during the year as they are nocturnal.

As soon as the water temps start to warm early black stones will begin to emerge and will start the dry fly activity for the season. Depending on water temps Blue Quill, Hendrickson’s and Quill Gordon’s can be seen as early as the last week in April. Fish have not been caught in months and with the high water are easy picking. Best time of the year to pick up a trophy brown on a streamer.

Crowds
Weekends: Light to Moderate
Weekdays: Light

May:
As the water temps continue to increase into the low 50’s fish begin to become more active on the surface. This is also in part due to a huge surge in aquatic life as we begin to go through the entire Catskills lineup of Mayfly’s from Blue Quill to March Browns. By far the most popular and bust time of the year May can provide the finest Fly Fishing this site of the Rocky Mountains.

Crowds
Weekends: Moderate – Heavy
Weekdays: Light to Moderate

June:
As June begins the largest of the Delaware’s Mayfly’s will begin to emerge, the Green and Brown Drakes. In size 8 2 and 3xl the Drakes provide exciting dry fly fishing opportunities. With the Drakes come Sulphurs, Cornuta, March Browns and Isonychia. This meadly of large Mayfly’s makes June a great month for all dry fly fanatics.

Crowds
Weekends: Moderate – Heavy
Weekdays: Light to Moderate

July:
As water levels decrease on the Delaware the River Master is forced to increase releases from the upstream reservoir systems to keep minimum target flows. These cold water release’s make for great summer fishing while most streams are unfishable due to low and warm water. With water temps in the high 50’s and low 60’s the trout are active with great afternoon and evening hatches. Be prepared to fish smaller tippets (6x and 7x) as the Sulphur’s and Olives are in the #18 and #20 range with #14 Lt. Cahills being the exception. Subsurface nymphing and late evening spinner falls can provide excellent all day fishing opportunities. Crowds in July tend to be mild and June like fishing opportunities are at each bend.

Crowds
Weekends: Light - Moderate
Weekdays: Light

August:
The warm late summer mornings bring the Tricos out in clouds. Depending on the day the Tricos can start at sunrise and go until 10:00 – 11:00am. The Tricos along with Sulphur and Blue Winged Olive Duns and Isonychia make August an exciting month for dry fly fishing. In years past with steady release’s we have had Sulphur hatches that you can set your clock to. Long leaders and fine tippets make August fishing much like that of a spring creek. The lower main step gets a great White Fly Hatch which is usually the last week in August.

Crowds
Weekends: Light - Moderate
Weekdays: Light

September:
The majestic fall foliage of the Catskill Mountains as well as cool summer nights brings great fishing together with wonderful scenery. Blind casting Isonychia can prove to be very effective, but small olives are really the main food of choice. Favorite time of year for many locals and guides the wonderful foliage background mixed with light crowds and mild temps makes September a great month for relaxing and fishing.

Crowds
Weekends: Light
Weekdays: Light

October:
This month is much like September and fishing can be good but is much less consistant. Blind casting Isonychia can prove to be effective, but small olives are really the main food of choice. Important to note that the water in front of West Branch Angler is closed after the end of September. The lower West Branch and Main Stem are open year around as well as the no kill section of the Beaverkill. So plently of fishable waters and great for a relaxing experience in your favorite pool without another soul around.

Crowds
Weekends: Light
Weekdays: Light