Delaware River Fishing Report by Ben Sheard 2012-04-16

Posted on 16-Apr-2012 by Ben Sheard

Well, another week on the West Branch and the fishing is still pretty very good with a little warmer air temps than last week.  We still haven't got much rain but the flows are pretty consistent for the last few weeks. The upper West Branch at Stilesville is flowing at 174 cfs with a temp of 44, then down at Hale Eddy the is flow is 271 and has a temp of 52.   The upper East at Harvard is 115 cfs and 55, then the lower East is 555 cfs with a temp of 57.  The upper main stem is flowing at a little over 900 cfs with a temp of 56.  We have still been getting some really good hatches throughout the system with some decent spinner activity this week with the decreased wind.  We are seeing some Hendricksons on most of the West Branch but not as many  on the "nice" days like we do when it's crumby outside.  The Blue Quills have been a little more consistent and we're seeing lots of them throughout the West.  The spinners of both of these mayflies are some of the best flies to have in your box this time of year.  Pheasant tail nymphs or specific ones you tie for the Hendricksons or Blue Quills are producing really well before the hatches get started in the pockets and riffles.  We are not seeing many Hendricksons on the main as we are up top but don't take them out of your box yet.  There have been quite a few Apple Caddis down there and some March Browns too.  Spinners are always working on difficult fish.  It looks like we may get a little rain over the next few days but probably won't affect the river too much.  These water levels are great for wading and the fishing is great with some awesome fish this year so if you can get out I would recommend it.   Lotsa' luck