I tied specific Ephemerella Invaria emergers Saturday morning for my proposed Saturday and Sunday floats down the Delaware. They worked like a charm!
After pushing out from Shehawken around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, the rain showers hammered this guy and his boat for about an hour straight.
In between the showers, fish would periodically rise, in the Bards Parker area. Noticeable flies included (from higher numbers to lower numbers): Ephemerella Invaria, some Dorothea, very few Ephemera Simulans and Ephemera Guttalatas, smattering of Black Caddis and the Smaller Hydropsyche. Interestingly, I did not see many olives. However, past experience strongly suggests that I need to be aware of the Baetis and Pseudo activity any time on this river system. I purposely watched the duns floating down the slicks and never saw the fish take the duns.
No day would be complete, however, until you see mating eels wallow to the surface. I hate those damn things.
The fish hammered the Invaria Emerger pattern all day long.
Every fish I covered in Bards Parker took the fly. The Trout Gods smiled upon me that day. Of course, I took the rain as a compromise for having the chance to fish this incredible system.
Due to the need to get downriver before dark, I passed through lower Bard Parker, Lake pool (even saw trout tailing for Invarias here as well), stopped by and watched some guys make attempts at a few risers at Stockport and then hit a great pod at the next pool below Stockport.
Once again the emerger pattern kicked some serious trout ass. I even landed my first Rainbows this season as well.
A drift boat was camped out just above me with a couple of guys from 'Jersey. Of course, I shared my insight into what was working. I believe in sharing the knowledge gained (which from me is very little).
Gratefully, I was able to follow these guys down the river in the closing darkness and rain to Buckingham. I owe those guys some beers at Lydia's next time around.
Due to the rising waters, I left Sunday morning back to my humble abode.
What did I learn?
The fish were really keyed into having the fly drift right into their lane. Once again, presentation is very important on this river. I am fairly certain that the fish are not able to clearly see drifting flies unless they are specifically in their marked lane.
Love the rain. Embrace the rain.
The Drake and Sulphur activities are going to bust open this week.
Do not take anything for granted. This river system will kill you one day and be the best thing the next.
Your mileage will vary.
Oh yeah, the Eagles were an incredible sight. Mom and Dad were busy feeding the little ones.
After pushing out from Shehawken around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, the rain showers hammered this guy and his boat for about an hour straight.
In between the showers, fish would periodically rise, in the Bards Parker area. Noticeable flies included (from higher numbers to lower numbers): Ephemerella Invaria, some Dorothea, very few Ephemera Simulans and Ephemera Guttalatas, smattering of Black Caddis and the Smaller Hydropsyche. Interestingly, I did not see many olives. However, past experience strongly suggests that I need to be aware of the Baetis and Pseudo activity any time on this river system. I purposely watched the duns floating down the slicks and never saw the fish take the duns.
No day would be complete, however, until you see mating eels wallow to the surface. I hate those damn things.
The fish hammered the Invaria Emerger pattern all day long.
Every fish I covered in Bards Parker took the fly. The Trout Gods smiled upon me that day. Of course, I took the rain as a compromise for having the chance to fish this incredible system.
Due to the need to get downriver before dark, I passed through lower Bard Parker, Lake pool (even saw trout tailing for Invarias here as well), stopped by and watched some guys make attempts at a few risers at Stockport and then hit a great pod at the next pool below Stockport.
Once again the emerger pattern kicked some serious trout ass. I even landed my first Rainbows this season as well.
A drift boat was camped out just above me with a couple of guys from 'Jersey. Of course, I shared my insight into what was working. I believe in sharing the knowledge gained (which from me is very little).
Gratefully, I was able to follow these guys down the river in the closing darkness and rain to Buckingham. I owe those guys some beers at Lydia's next time around.
Due to the rising waters, I left Sunday morning back to my humble abode.
What did I learn?
The fish were really keyed into having the fly drift right into their lane. Once again, presentation is very important on this river. I am fairly certain that the fish are not able to clearly see drifting flies unless they are specifically in their marked lane.
Love the rain. Embrace the rain.
The Drake and Sulphur activities are going to bust open this week.
Do not take anything for granted. This river system will kill you one day and be the best thing the next.
Your mileage will vary.
Oh yeah, the Eagles were an incredible sight. Mom and Dad were busy feeding the little ones.
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