I'm heading up to the West Branch on the 17th of Aug. for a few days and was wondering how it has been fishing. I don't mind fishing nymphs or streamers (prefer to fish on top). I haven't seen many reports I guess most people are staying away but it does have cold water which many other rivers don't. Also, can anyone tell where the sewage treatment plant is located, I might try fishing above it. I usually fish around the Hancock area or the gamelands and hope the fish are not affected by the clorine. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Give us a try!
Welcome back to the new NEFF. Take a break from Twitter and Facebook. You don't go to Dicks for your fly fishing gear, you go to your local fly fishing store. Enjoy!
West Branch
- Thread starter flyman23
- Start date
dcabarle
Administrator
I fished from Stylesville to Hale Eddy this past weekend. I put the boat in around 2:00pm. From the time I passed the bridge in Deposit (Not the 17 bridge), I fished to rising fish until I was ready to get out. I caught quite a few fish in the 6" - 11" range or so. Nothing larger than that, but I did see some larger fish in at least 1 spot. The problem was where I saw those larger fish, there was another angler fishing for them and I didn't want to disturb him.
Bugs?? There were various insects on the water all day long. Nothing I would call a hatch but there were lots of various insects.
If that excites you, it's worth taking the trip.
Bugs?? There were various insects on the water all day long. Nothing I would call a hatch but there were lots of various insects.
If that excites you, it's worth taking the trip.
Floated stylesville to about a mile above Hale eddy last Tuesday with Joe T. Planned on a ballseddy to shehawkin float but changed plans on the way up when we called for a temp at Hale Eddy and saw it to be in the low 60's, new down lower water was to warm. Put in at 5:30. Sure... all the rising fish in pods in whatever shade you saw but all nursery browns from 6-8", feeding on whatever came past them. Didn't want to waste time on these fish. An occasional baetis #24-26. Once it got dark, around 8:45, had sulphur spinners (sz 18-20) and a bunch of sulphur duns(sz16). The duns seemed to all be cripples. None getting off the water. Also mixed in where some Iso Spinners. This brought some fish up so we had some targets until about 1030 when the fog rolled in too thick to even get a bead on the sound of the splashy rises we heard and were casting to. Very dissappointing evening.
After a total miscommunication on Saturday with DCabarle, I ended up floating the lower section with the Wylie as "Mr. Lonely" did his float upstream. We put in BallesEddy at 6:30pm and did a short float to Shehawkin. As shade hit the river, around 730, baetis, 22-24's and some 18's, same thing, as expected for this time of year at that time of day...all small fish. This time, mostly rainbows in the 5-6" range. Saw nothing larger. No real hatch.
With water temps warmer and the heat and sun we have had, the majority of hatches are coming off way after dark. At least any real hatch that will bring up better fish.
For those who don't fish the west that often, you may have thought the sulphurs we saw late Tues. night, of the baetis on saturday where great hatches but they where poor for what you would usually see. Definetely flood related.
I would suggest, either streamers early in the AM or fish late into dark. If you see hale eddey approaching the low 60's, figure the lower river access points are going to be to warm.
If you feel like targeting tiny fish, during the day, bring a 3wt and have a ball but make sure you use something barbless on these fish. Remember, they are still developing and need to be handled much more gently. Or. Dont bother getting on the river until you have a shade line 7pm, and stay in late. You may see a better hatch and better fish from 9pm on.
After a total miscommunication on Saturday with DCabarle, I ended up floating the lower section with the Wylie as "Mr. Lonely" did his float upstream. We put in BallesEddy at 6:30pm and did a short float to Shehawkin. As shade hit the river, around 730, baetis, 22-24's and some 18's, same thing, as expected for this time of year at that time of day...all small fish. This time, mostly rainbows in the 5-6" range. Saw nothing larger. No real hatch.
With water temps warmer and the heat and sun we have had, the majority of hatches are coming off way after dark. At least any real hatch that will bring up better fish.
For those who don't fish the west that often, you may have thought the sulphurs we saw late Tues. night, of the baetis on saturday where great hatches but they where poor for what you would usually see. Definetely flood related.
I would suggest, either streamers early in the AM or fish late into dark. If you see hale eddey approaching the low 60's, figure the lower river access points are going to be to warm.
If you feel like targeting tiny fish, during the day, bring a 3wt and have a ball but make sure you use something barbless on these fish. Remember, they are still developing and need to be handled much more gently. Or. Dont bother getting on the river until you have a shade line 7pm, and stay in late. You may see a better hatch and better fish from 9pm on.
Last edited:
darthwader
7x
I fished the WB last weekend with Shaq, you can see his report. To sum it up: Floated from Stylesville to Hale Eddy twice. Caught a bunch of fish to 10''. Saw one 16" fish on a stringer :bawling: Not many bugs, could count the rises on one hand. Fished the upper East Branch: No bugs, very few fish. Out of frustration floated Long Eddy for a few smallies. All in all this is NOT the same river as it was in early June :rip: . However, time will heal this wound 
.
.Because of the time of year, you will NOT see many bugs or fish rising during the day except for those yearlings that are still learning what an insect is. Most of those, if you put them on a tape are more in the 6" range. Its mostly a night time game now for surface fishing as it has been every year during the dog days of summer.darthwader said:I fished the WB last weekend with Shaq, you can see his report. To sum it up: Floated from Stylesville to Hale Eddy twice. Caught a bunch of fish to 10''. Saw one 16" fish on a stringer :bawling: Not many bugs, could count the rises on one hand. Fished the upper East Branch: No bugs, very few fish. Out of frustration floated Long Eddy for a few smallies. All in all this is NOT the same river as it was in early June :rip: . However, time will heal this wound
Fly Tier,
In the cold water up on top of the tailwaters in summer the hatches use to be smack in the middle of the afternoon ! The reason being that the water temps are just like spring. On the west branch there is a wise group of fly fishers that fish the stilesville area from noon to 4:00 to hit the sulphers up there.Around 4:00 or 5:00 the hatch peters out and then you move well downstream to catch the evening hatch. At this time of year the hatches seem to be timed to water temps. The colder the water the earlier the hatch. On cloudy days this is a given ,but ultra bright days can sometimes delay the daytime hatch but not always. I have fished good hatches of sulphers in 50 degree water from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00. in july and august in bright sunshine. The flood has changed this pattern ,however, for the time being. The bugs are simply not there in any numbers. The nymphs are not there and I look for them. I am no expert but I fish a ton and in my humble opinion the hatches will remain sparse until at least next spring.I hope I'm wrong. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the bugs will improve this fall but it's more a hope than expectation. I'm looking foward to bowhunting season,at least the woods are O.K.
In the cold water up on top of the tailwaters in summer the hatches use to be smack in the middle of the afternoon ! The reason being that the water temps are just like spring. On the west branch there is a wise group of fly fishers that fish the stilesville area from noon to 4:00 to hit the sulphers up there.Around 4:00 or 5:00 the hatch peters out and then you move well downstream to catch the evening hatch. At this time of year the hatches seem to be timed to water temps. The colder the water the earlier the hatch. On cloudy days this is a given ,but ultra bright days can sometimes delay the daytime hatch but not always. I have fished good hatches of sulphers in 50 degree water from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00. in july and august in bright sunshine. The flood has changed this pattern ,however, for the time being. The bugs are simply not there in any numbers. The nymphs are not there and I look for them. I am no expert but I fish a ton and in my humble opinion the hatches will remain sparse until at least next spring.I hope I'm wrong. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the bugs will improve this fall but it's more a hope than expectation. I'm looking foward to bowhunting season,at least the woods are O.K.
ebwader, Have you been on the water up that way after 9pm at night? With the recent heat and recent water temps? I have, and there have been bugs.
Sure, you will have rising fish and some bugs, as always, mid day this time of year but most are chub size. want big fish, fish late into dark.
Sure, you will have rising fish and some bugs, as always, mid day this time of year but most are chub size. want big fish, fish late into dark.
Fly tier,
I'll check it out this weekend.I'll report on monday. The point I was trying to make is that in seasons past,in the cold water during daylight at this time of year,hatches were good and nice fish rose. I'll never forget the day JFK junior and his wife died in that plane crash. That day was in mid august and my son and I were on a cold tailwater. The water temp was around 52.The sulphers started at 11:00 a.m. and continued heavy until 9:00 p.m.One of the greatest hatches I've ever seen.The day was hot and humid and we caught many nice fish,browns to 19 inches and a 20 inch rainbow all on sulpher dries. I think the date was august 22nd.When we arrived home around midnight is when we learned the news about young JFK.That's why I remember exactly the day.I'm sure the fishing is great after dark up in the cold water,but in past seasons during summer, it was never needed to stay out after dark.As long as the water was cold. I have also seen the hatches shut off around 7:00 p.m. on top of the tailwaters after hatching all afternoon. I'll go out at night this weekend on your recommendation. Thanks for the heads up. Good luck and watch your step in the dark.
I'll check it out this weekend.I'll report on monday. The point I was trying to make is that in seasons past,in the cold water during daylight at this time of year,hatches were good and nice fish rose. I'll never forget the day JFK junior and his wife died in that plane crash. That day was in mid august and my son and I were on a cold tailwater. The water temp was around 52.The sulphers started at 11:00 a.m. and continued heavy until 9:00 p.m.One of the greatest hatches I've ever seen.The day was hot and humid and we caught many nice fish,browns to 19 inches and a 20 inch rainbow all on sulpher dries. I think the date was august 22nd.When we arrived home around midnight is when we learned the news about young JFK.That's why I remember exactly the day.I'm sure the fishing is great after dark up in the cold water,but in past seasons during summer, it was never needed to stay out after dark.As long as the water was cold. I have also seen the hatches shut off around 7:00 p.m. on top of the tailwaters after hatching all afternoon. I'll go out at night this weekend on your recommendation. Thanks for the heads up. Good luck and watch your step in the dark.
NJFred
Trout Hunter
Last summer around this date, probably more toward the end of August, there were some great hatches of Pseudos. These are size 20 to 26 olives. Many flies on the water. Big fish coming up as well. At least when I fished them, they started around 4 PM and went to 7 PM but petered out well before dark. Hopefully we will get some good daytime hatches still but reports of diminshed nymph populations are of concern.
Also with some luck we'll have some good flying ant fishing to these terrestrials.
Also with some luck we'll have some good flying ant fishing to these terrestrials.
Ahhh the good ole daze!!! EB Wader...you are one month off, JFK jr died in mid-July, but I hear where you are coming from. Many times in the past I've hit great mid-day sulphur hatches. The one main ingredient was cold water - during drought years. Take last year fore instance – high 40something degree water and sulphurs at 1pm. This year though is an anomaly with most importantly, the flood of all floods, highest ever flows recorded since the dam was built, the second highest flows recorded at Hale Eddy ever, and not to mention ****-poor water mgmt from NYC DEP. Lets hope the future brings a more fish friendly flow regime.
Since we are going down the reminisce road of past hatches…it was 1992 and a few of us ran into the white fly way down below Lordville…but above Long Eddy. This was late August, and yes, the trout were there, and feeding all eve into dark. I hope to experience this again, but when you look at the newly installed Lordville gage, it is hard to imagine temps being conducive all summer long for trout to live and feed well down that way - without moving out for refuge.
Since we are going down the reminisce road of past hatches…it was 1992 and a few of us ran into the white fly way down below Lordville…but above Long Eddy. This was late August, and yes, the trout were there, and feeding all eve into dark. I hope to experience this again, but when you look at the newly installed Lordville gage, it is hard to imagine temps being conducive all summer long for trout to live and feed well down that way - without moving out for refuge.
It's all about COLD water (and always has been). Last year, the bigger relaeses kicked in around the end of July/beginning of August to satisfy the Montague target and I experienced very good sulphurs during the middle of the day (even on bright days) from 2pm or so and on, with large fish feeding on them. Today, as we speak (or type), it looks like we are getting some good amount of cold water release (I assume due to Montague), so we shall see if the bugs (and fish) are still there (or not due to the flood).
Bruce
Bruce
brachycentrus
Just finished a River Runs Through it!
The bump in release is more likely tied to the Day on the Delaware event this weekend.
It seems every year, they manage to do a release so that they can float the river with the politicians. They can see how wonderful everything looks, say there is no problem, then when they leave, shut the valve off.
Right now Montague is below the mandated flow, but it looks like it has been met from Wallenpaupak power releases, which, by the way, was not supposed to impact releases from Cannonsville.
It seems every year, they manage to do a release so that they can float the river with the politicians. They can see how wonderful everything looks, say there is no problem, then when they leave, shut the valve off.
Right now Montague is below the mandated flow, but it looks like it has been met from Wallenpaupak power releases, which, by the way, was not supposed to impact releases from Cannonsville.
brachycentrus
Just finished a River Runs Through it!
In years past, there have been various reps from NYC, NY DEC, DRBC and I believe some of the local stste reps.
Have no idea who will be there this year. After the flood, they all might be ducking and hiding.
Have no idea who will be there this year. After the flood, they all might be ducking and hiding.
EB,
Haven't been on the river since well before the flood in June. Won't be back fo some time since I'm starting to stain the house and garage. Just doing the prep work this weekend. Also, when I fish in the near future, I will be wading only (no boat access for me).
Brachy,
I think PPL doesn't release on the weekend, so there should be good water until at least sometime on Sunday. At least the nights are now starting to cool off some.
Bruce
Haven't been on the river since well before the flood in June. Won't be back fo some time since I'm starting to stain the house and garage. Just doing the prep work this weekend. Also, when I fish in the near future, I will be wading only (no boat access for me).
Brachy,
I think PPL doesn't release on the weekend, so there should be good water until at least sometime on Sunday. At least the nights are now starting to cool off some.
Bruce
Joe D
Registered User
Today, the power generation at Wallenpaupack is scheduled from 10 am to 7pm. From 10 to 3 there is a higher release for boating. This will be 1200 cfs. The generation schedule can be found at 1-800-807-2474.
Montague is above target. The release from Cannonsville is 689 cfs.
Is the higher release today due to "Day on the Delaware"? I don't know. It isn't to meet flow targets. Where is this water coming from? Habitat banks? Was is saved from being released at other critical thermal stress periods so it could be used for the "Day on the Delaware"?
I have no answers. I'm simply asking some questions.
Montague is above target. The release from Cannonsville is 689 cfs.
Is the higher release today due to "Day on the Delaware"? I don't know. It isn't to meet flow targets. Where is this water coming from? Habitat banks? Was is saved from being released at other critical thermal stress periods so it could be used for the "Day on the Delaware"?
I have no answers. I'm simply asking some questions.
dcabarle
Administrator
It does seem a bit odd that we're releasing over 450 or so. The past few weeks the releases from Cannonsville have been fluxuating between 350 and 550. Now all of the sudden we're at 689. I'm not complaining about the release, but why wouldn't they have released this much needed water 2 weeks ago when it was over 90 and 100 degrees out and we really needed it.Joe D said:
NJFred
Trout Hunter
Sadly:bawling: ....my guess it's not even for the day on the Delaware or close to it.
They really don't care about the fishery they only release water when they have to. I suspect that the flow had been getting down toward the minimum mark at Montague and given both the forecast of no rain and the on/off nature of Wallenpaupak and the time to get the water from Cannonsville down to that point, they are only doing it to prevent the flow from falling below the minimum even for a 1/2 day.
The bottom line is that they only release water when they have to not out of concern or regard for the fishery or even the mucky mucks heading to the day on the Delaware. :bawling:
They really don't care about the fishery they only release water when they have to. I suspect that the flow had been getting down toward the minimum mark at Montague and given both the forecast of no rain and the on/off nature of Wallenpaupak and the time to get the water from Cannonsville down to that point, they are only doing it to prevent the flow from falling below the minimum even for a 1/2 day.
The bottom line is that they only release water when they have to not out of concern or regard for the fishery or even the mucky mucks heading to the day on the Delaware. :bawling:
brachycentrus
Just finished a River Runs Through it!
There has been a release of enough water to facilitate floating every year prior to the event.
Several years ago, Carol Collier of the DRBC made the dumb comment about how healthy the river looked after such a release and float.
For the weeks leading up to the D on the D, the river was not floatable and hot and temp targets were not being met without continuous prodding.
Mysteriously, like today, water flowed out of the gates the day before.
All smoke and mirrors.
Several years ago, Carol Collier of the DRBC made the dumb comment about how healthy the river looked after such a release and float.
For the weeks leading up to the D on the D, the river was not floatable and hot and temp targets were not being met without continuous prodding.
Mysteriously, like today, water flowed out of the gates the day before.
All smoke and mirrors.
dcabarle
Administrator
Brach,brachycentrus said:
I agree, you're 100% on this one. Every year for the past few years, it's been the same thing... 'Day on the D' and the flood gates open. If they had any sense, they would start to release the water at least a week before the politicians showed up. At least the fish would then become acclimated to the temp changes and they would have a better chance at hooking into fish.
The only thing is that I don't think politicians are being floated down the river or even attending this particular event. Again, I could be wrong on this. Does anyone have any factual info on exactly who will be there?
brachycentrus
Just finished a River Runs Through it!
Dennis,
From what I know, there will be reps from the DRBC, NY DEC, not NYC DEP, The Nature Conservancy and probably UDC of TU.
Get to see some Oasis modeling and other stuff, Revision 8 proposals etc.
Looks like the best presentation will be by Johnny Miller on bugs and photography, if he gets in from Michigan in time.
From what I know, there will be reps from the DRBC, NY DEC, not NYC DEP, The Nature Conservancy and probably UDC of TU.
Get to see some Oasis modeling and other stuff, Revision 8 proposals etc.
Looks like the best presentation will be by Johnny Miller on bugs and photography, if he gets in from Michigan in time.
Future Fanatic
Nirvana
Let's schedule "A Day On The Delaware" every day over the summer. Problems solved!!!
Future Fanatic
Nirvana
Just a real quick yet related interuption: I went on down to Deposit last night. Water was frigid, very few bugs between 4-7:30, VERY sporadic rises, of 6-9 inch fish. After 7:30 there were more bugs (BWO and Midges?) but still no rising fish.
I did have a conversation with an older gentleman who told me that he had been to the river on Tuesday, just as the DEC was finishing up electro-shocking above the 17 bridge. He was told that there were many small trout and many larger ones (17->20) gathered. He was told by the DEC guys that they were very healthy and that they were eating "sawbellies" (his word).
I did have a conversation with an older gentleman who told me that he had been to the river on Tuesday, just as the DEC was finishing up electro-shocking above the 17 bridge. He was told that there were many small trout and many larger ones (17->20) gathered. He was told by the DEC guys that they were very healthy and that they were eating "sawbellies" (his word).
HydeLowRider
Member
Why not have a NEFF Delaware Day? I will make the trip of 5 hours for a weekend to clean up? Just need more lead-time. I owe the river at least that much.
HLR
HLR
Joe D
Registered User
John,
There have been a few of us who've been on the river fairly regularly since the flood. What we've been finding is that there are still fish in the river. Little ones to big ones.
When the water was higher and cloudier the fish were really tuned into the alewifes (and still are) that spilled in over the dam with crazy numbers of big fish landed on streamers. Since the water dropped, the streamer fishing isn't as nuts but still worth it. Each day I've been out at least once bait fished sprayed the surface.
Olives from 18's to 22-24's have started hatching regularly throughout the afternoon. Throw in some caddis and cahills and the surface activity has been pretty good on small fish with a few mid size 15 inchers mixed in. This is nothing different than before. Low water, bright sun and only small fish rising is typical. The bigger fish don't come out untill late or only on cloudy days. The exception is in high water when they feel more secure or sometimes when there are blankets of bugs on the water.
All the fish we have been catching are very healthy looking. The DEC has zapped the no-kill and above a couple of times in the past few weeks. The information you got from the gentleman you spoke to is accurate.
With the water as cold as it is in the top end of the river the fish can be lethargic both early and late in the day. I've had temps in the upper forties in the morning with no real activity on the surface until mid day when the temps hit the low fifties. The big fish (18-21"+) taken on nymphs have all been very, very subtle takes.
Please keep this quiet. It's been nice having no one around
Joe
There have been a few of us who've been on the river fairly regularly since the flood. What we've been finding is that there are still fish in the river. Little ones to big ones.
When the water was higher and cloudier the fish were really tuned into the alewifes (and still are) that spilled in over the dam with crazy numbers of big fish landed on streamers. Since the water dropped, the streamer fishing isn't as nuts but still worth it. Each day I've been out at least once bait fished sprayed the surface.
Olives from 18's to 22-24's have started hatching regularly throughout the afternoon. Throw in some caddis and cahills and the surface activity has been pretty good on small fish with a few mid size 15 inchers mixed in. This is nothing different than before. Low water, bright sun and only small fish rising is typical. The bigger fish don't come out untill late or only on cloudy days. The exception is in high water when they feel more secure or sometimes when there are blankets of bugs on the water.
All the fish we have been catching are very healthy looking. The DEC has zapped the no-kill and above a couple of times in the past few weeks. The information you got from the gentleman you spoke to is accurate.
With the water as cold as it is in the top end of the river the fish can be lethargic both early and late in the day. I've had temps in the upper forties in the morning with no real activity on the surface until mid day when the temps hit the low fifties. The big fish (18-21"+) taken on nymphs have all been very, very subtle takes.
Please keep this quiet. It's been nice having no one around
Joe
Big_Spinner
Trout Hunter
Hey guys!
I wish we had the pull you suggest with releases.
Just for the record, the release today was to meet the Montague target. Remember that there is a 40 hour delay for the water to get to Montague from Cannonsville Recervoir.
Also, if you look at scheduled releases from PPL, you will see that the releases are not scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
The bump in todays releases will coincide with the loss of PPL water for the Montague Target.
Hey Brach,
IT sure is east to spout off facts without checking for accuracy. I checked the last 3 years of Day on the Delaware and there were pretty consistant releases for days before during and after to meet the Montague Target.
The middle day was the actual Day on the Delaware
2003: 243, 299, 320 releases for Montague and temperature
2004: 102,113,124 releases to meet 225 minimun flow
2005: 1091,1108,1097 releases for Montague
The Day went well.
An accurate report on Deposit treatment plant
Lots of good discussions about new flow plans for the Delaware System for next year.
A nice report on Federally Endangered Dwarf Wedgemussel and why and how they will effect flows on the rivers
Good flood and flood mitigation discussion too.
There is still time for you to make the meeting and river cleanup tomorrow!!!!
Hope to see you on the river tomorrow!!!
Jim
I wish we had the pull you suggest with releases.
Just for the record, the release today was to meet the Montague target. Remember that there is a 40 hour delay for the water to get to Montague from Cannonsville Recervoir.
Also, if you look at scheduled releases from PPL, you will see that the releases are not scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
The bump in todays releases will coincide with the loss of PPL water for the Montague Target.
Hey Brach,
IT sure is east to spout off facts without checking for accuracy. I checked the last 3 years of Day on the Delaware and there were pretty consistant releases for days before during and after to meet the Montague Target.
The middle day was the actual Day on the Delaware
2003: 243, 299, 320 releases for Montague and temperature
2004: 102,113,124 releases to meet 225 minimun flow
2005: 1091,1108,1097 releases for Montague
The Day went well.
An accurate report on Deposit treatment plant
Lots of good discussions about new flow plans for the Delaware System for next year.
A nice report on Federally Endangered Dwarf Wedgemussel and why and how they will effect flows on the rivers
Good flood and flood mitigation discussion too.
There is still time for you to make the meeting and river cleanup tomorrow!!!!
Hope to see you on the river tomorrow!!!
Jim
