What To Expect
This section is to give you a better idea of what to expect during different times at West Branch.
Jan - April 1st
Most cabins are closed for the season we do keep the CEO's open year around. Weather permitting we will open cabins when possible. Shop hours may fluctuate. Please call before stopping by.
Great For: Die hard fisherman looking to land big spring fish
Bad For: Families who are looking to utilize the resort's non fishing amenities.
Sporting Clays: Closed
Pool: Closed
Restaurant: Closed
Breakfast: No
Pond: Open but may or may not be stocked with trout
April
This is our scramble month as we prepare the resort for the upcoming season. Weather can be variable from snow to early summer like conditions. The Restauarant may be open weekends but please call before you come to verify. Not all amenities are at 100% and breakfast is not included until the last weekend of the month.
Great For: Die hard fisherman looking to land big spring fish
Bad For: Families who are looking to utilize the resort's non fishing amenities.
Sporting Clays: Closed
Pool: Closed
Restaurant: Weekends. Please call to verify.
Breakfast: No
Pond: Open but may or may not be stocked with trout.
Crowds
Weekends: Light - Moderate
Weekdays: Light
May
The resort is very busy in May and staff is spread thin, please make arrangements ahead of time for boat rentals etc.
Great For: If you love fly fishing this is a great month! 99% of the guests are fly fisherman/woman. The atmosphere is great and the fishing can be world class.
Bad For: Families who are looking to utilize the resort's non fishing amenities.
Sporting Clays: Limited. Please call to arrange
Pool: Closed
Restaurant: 7 Days
Breakfast: Yes
Pond: Open
Crowds
Weekends: Heavy
Weekdays: Heavy
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
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
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