Has anyone fished the West Delaware R for Bows or Browns???

Post by **troutnmuskiehunter** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 2:36 pm

I'm heading down to a small town in NY state called Hancock on business next week and I'm told that it's an awesome fishery to fish Browns and Rainbows with the fly rod....the west branch of the Delaware river runs through the town...

If anyone has any info or tips such as what flies I should take down with me, as well as should i take my sinking and floating gear, locations, etc... I'd appreciate it..

Post by **katch moore** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:36 pm

http://www.flyfishingconnection.com/art ... nsylvania/

not sure if you found this site yet, but it kinda talks about it.

and here's an ebook

http://books.google.ca/books?id=KUhNmll ... er&f=false

Post by **katch moore** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:38 pm

you'll find the ebook more interesting as it has the hatches, access points yatta yatta yatta.\

good luck!!!

Post by **troutnmuskiehunter** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:45 pm

Thanks!!....the ebook is good....I just found out that the owner of the company I'm doing business with is an avid fisherman and likes to host his guests for a day of fishing

....we'll see

Post by **katch moore** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:56 pm

even better, a local "guide"

good luck and let us know on how you do.

they say it was once a world class fishery!!!

take many pics!

Post by **ganman** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 11:15 am

I have fished it. It is a very diverse fishery. It depends on were you fish it. Some sections are better at certain times of the year and you are at the mercy of dam releases. It is big water. You should have a 9 foot 6 weight. It can be very technical, lots of hatch matching. You need to practice long drag free drifts.

Post by **ganman** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 11:19 am

It's also a very good place to see Bald Eagles. If you find it too difficult or conditions not good slip over to the Beaverkill/Willowemoc. They should be in good condition. It's not far.

Post by **troutnmuskiehunter** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 11:21 am

Thanks Ganman!!....I will definately bring my 9' 6wt gear with me..

How big do the Browns and Bows get?

Post by **ganman** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 4:07 pm

They average larger than they would on other NY rivers. A 12-14" would be average but many are much larger. The trout are all wild and the rainbows have plenty of kick. You'll have all you can handle with a 14"er.

Not sure when you're going. If its soon there should be a few Isonychia still around. But the best hatches will be sz 18-22 Blue Wing Olives. Look for them on cloudy drizzly days.

Post by **troutnmuskiehunter** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 4:11 pm

I'm leaving this Wednesday and it's supposed to be overcast with chance of T-storms...highs in the mid 70's (F).....There are a couple of fly shops in Hancock so I'll definately stop in and try to get some local info...