Posted on May 11 2025
It's Mother's Day, May 11th, a third of the way through what is widely regarded as the best month of fishing on the Delaware River System and I've caught a total of three fish, (on May 1st).
The river system is currently unfishable for wade fishermen and will continue to be for several more days even without the additional rain that is scheduled for Tuesday through Saturday of the coming week. Believe me when I say I'm anxious to get back on the river, but a word of caution might be in order here.
There are currently no safe places for you to wade, (you can't even set foot on the stream bottom at current levels. You might find a bank you can cast from, but don't even think about trying to get into the water.
Boater's who will be on the water, need to read this. Several years ago a fishing friend of mine was floating a TVA stream while they were generating power. His drift boat ran up on a submerged log lifting the bow and causing the stern to take on water. In mere seconds the boat flipped over and he ended up underneath the boat in his waders in fast moving water. Fortunately he was not hurt and managed to climb up on the overturned boat and was rescued. He lost his fishing equipment, but not his life. At current river levels, a fisherman in waders and a fishing vest who falls out of a boat, or whose boat capsizes is quite likely to drown. Avoid a potential tragedy, stay off the river. If you do float wear a life preserver while in the boat. I'm not a fan of regulations but wearing a life preserver during high water conditions should be required.
Apologies, when I mention 3,000CFS, I was referring to the gauge at Hale Eddy.
Angler 119, I couldn’t agree more. As you state above, things happen in an instant out there. The Delaware is a deceiving river, it seems like a big bathtub, but the currents are incredibly strong. Only the most seasoned boaters should be out there in anything above 3,000 CFS.
I just arrived this afternoon for a 5 day trip that was planned far in advance. The water levels are high and moving at a good clip. I will fish from the bank this evening and maybe go check out the Willow tomorrow… hoping the West Branch gauges will drop quickly but with Cannonsvile spilling it’s unlikely. Water color/clarity is better than I expected, but I’m not sure what that’s worth.
Good luck to all and stay safe!
You think by Thursday floating will be ok? Rain so far doesn’t look to terrible
Angler119’- Thanks for your words of caution. Everyone needs to take heed. There will many days to fish when the water recedes. Ed