Posted on May 18 2026
I almost never post twice on a weekend when I'm not fishing, but I was so moved by both the number and quality of the comments today that I just had to say thank you to everyone who takes time to share their thoughts and experiences while on the river.
It's tough to catch fish on the Delaware River system. Many, many expert anglers are on the water here every day. By sharing your experiences you help everyone who comes here, understand what a challenge it is to even hook a hot rainbow or big brown, let alone land them.
To those who dare take the challenge, I say, it's ok to come with great expectations, but never leave feeling defeated. Look at it as a learning experience, these are some of the most educated fish on the planet. If you hooked and landed one fish on a dry fly, it's cause for celebration.
While you're here, don't forget to take time to smell the sweet aroma of heifers in the pasture pool, watch an eagle try to steal a fish from either an Osprey or fishermen, try to catch sight of a yellow warbler flitting through the alders streamside, watch swallows effortlessly pick up flies off the water, see a bear eating clams on the rivers edge, almost step on a new born fawn, or maybe, just maybe, hear the buzz of a rattle snake you disturbed while he was sunning on a warm rock.
We fished Barking Dog for 8 hours yesterday. There were 2-10 waders, and 20 boats came by. Without exception, everyone was courteous. No encroachment and no drifting over fishing water. It was a remarkable demonstration of thoughtfulness. That said, the fish were down all day.
I agree that most of the guides are courteous. I drift the river myself in my raft. I purchased it because I though it would give me more access to places with less anglers. That is usually only the case early in the week. I have no issues with guides I just feel there are too many.
Occasionally when drifting the river my guide will get close enough to a wade fisherman, but not so close as to disrupt his fishing, to have a conversation. For the most part these conversations are enjoyable, pleasant and informative. This may seem unusual but fishing imitates life….
You get back what you give!!
Angler119’- I agree. As the saying goes” there is more to fishing than fishing” Enjoy your surroundings and have fun. Ed
Had a very challenging weekend on both the Beaverkill and West. Few fish landed and the beaverkill was void on bugs. I’m going to chalk up the challenges to the bright sun.
On the etiquette front, this weekend was laughable. Was on a mile long stretch of the beaverkill with no one in sight up or down the river. Had 2 guys walk in to the river less than 50 feet from me and start blind casting. No communication, just walked in and kept stepping up river towards me.
On Sunday went to the gamelands. Caught a couple fish in tight to the bank and fished my way across. A guy walked right in behind me where I hooked the 2 fish. No communication at all.
I don’t have the luxury to fish midweek. Seriously going to have to think about spending time elsewhere if this continues
Had a fun day Sunday. Very busy but if you walk a bit…. Landed 4 with a nice 18-19 fat brown being the best. Very short “surface” frenzy were I was but after heading down river a bit around 4:30 found some rainbows willing to play. Couple drift boats came down then and were very courteous. Thanked them.
Thank you again for another thoughtful post….
After your post yesterday I paid more attention to drifter boats vs. Waders, and came away with the same conclusion as yesterday , that the guides are great. Others it was 50/50.
Had a couple make a point to tell me what they saw, point out rising fish, or just say something nice.
Others rowed in front of me, low holed me, etc.. but I was in deposit so in fairness they have little room to roam in some places. Didn’t know what to say, so said nothing.
On the bright side the evening was great. Thanks to Mark from the Catskills Fly Tiers Guild (don’t know his last name) who hinted I should change my plan and his advice was dead on. Have a very good evening on spent caddis. No spinners though….
Starting early today, just saw a golden eagle….its gonna be a great day no matter what transpires. Good luck everyone.
Great read today..hopefully I will be down on Thursday..first time this year. I will give a summary of my success or lack there of. Any day on the water is a good day..
Are the R-snakes out and about now in Lordsville?