Posted on June 04 2021
Learned a lesson today - When you've only been on the river two of the last five days you shouldn't be making statements about the status of the drake hatch. It's true that there are both green and brown drakes hatching on the UEB. It's also true that they are hatching in the lower portion of the WB. Where I went wrong was saying that the drakes were done on the freestones.
Have seen Drakes hatching for over 10 days on the EB, BR and the BK. Fished a drake spinner fall well up the EB on Monday. Went to the EB above Hancock last night and never saw a bug of any kind. Fished the BR at Lordville last night and saw no drake duns or spinners. Assumed it was over.
This morning I was on the BR and never saw a single drake hatch. However, I did see 7 drift boats heading downstream, which seemed a little strange if the drakes were done. Went out tonight about six-thirty and headed up the WB. Saw a total of just two boats from 17 all the way to Deposit. That was the second clue. The entire Delaware River Armada (save for those rude and inconsiderate enough to put their boats in the UEB at current water levels) was gathered to do battle between Shehawken and Callicoon.
Last year the DRA was down river for two nights and most everything (spinner fall) happened on the first night. Saw a couple of the more experienced guides back on the WB the second day.
Where should you go this weekend? You expect an answer you can rely on from me? Know this - I had four fabulous days of fishing this week (took Wednesday off). Never tied on a green drake dun. Fished a coffin fly only after it was too dark to see my big rusty spinner on Monday night (did get two fish to eat it). Got away from boats and people and caught a passel of big fat browns and rainbows. You won't find Angler 119 dodging drift boats or standing in a row of fishermen at Powerline or Long Flat "experiencing the drake hatch".
The Armada…. I say that all the time. Fished drakes on foot on PA freestones with my Dad, 13 yo nephew, and 10 year old son this past week. It was refreshing to fish solely on foot. Funny how we don’t see progress in real time. My son was throwing tight loops and mending his dry the second it hit the water. He pulled 9 fish out of that section, all on top. Hooked, landed, and released them on his own. As I left the boys to have a seat with my Dad, I walked across the bridge. (We were at a kids only section of that fabled creek). He had attracted the attention of 3 UDR guys, and the one guy said he liked what I said about courtesy. It needs a comeback. He also offered some kind words about his style and delivery. It’s fun anytime we go out together. Really fun to see the progression with a birds eye view. He’s an angler. Won’t be long until I have another one kicking my ass on the BR.
I fished the middle section of the WB two days this week. Didn’t see many bugs or boats. I was blind casting a green drake and got one refusal. I’ve had a tough week as far hooking fish.
It’s amazing to me how the river can change overnight. Bugs and fish all over one night and nothing the next. I guess that’s why they call it fishing.
Thank you for all the great advice and information!!!!!!!
Have you seen any bugs or fish rising in the mornings??
I am not a great dry fly fisherman but your tips have helped a lot. The reports have added to the fun that is being on the water. My best luck has always been a small olive or small Caddis than any “big” fly. I do try the drake hatch but it is usually a short lived attempt. I have not yet developed the skill to get the presentation needed for a fly that big, especially to fish that have seen a bunch of them. Plus with the crowds and the boats it is not as much fun as quiet water. Your tips on when certain bugs hatch and the benefits of finding productive water have boosted my enjoyment on the Delaware system. Thank you!
I am not a great dry fly fisherman but your tips have helped a lot. The reports have added to the fun that is being on the water. My best luck has always been a small olive or small Caddis than any “big” fly. I do try the drake hatch but it is usually a short lived attempt. I have not yet developed the skill to get the presentation needed for a fly that big, especially to fish that have seen a bunch of them. Plus with the crowds and the boats it is not as much fun as quiet water. Your tips on when certain bugs hatch and the benefits of finding productive water have boosted my enjoyment on the Delaware system. Thank you!