Posted on June 13 2025
Drove up the PA side the last two days and it's plain to see that the big bug season is over. The takeouts hold a more modest number of trailers, haven't seen a drift boat go by the fishing camp in over a week, nomadic guides are departing for rivers out west or in Alaska, and there are some boats sitting in the yard at Crosscurrents all day long.
So, how was the "big bug season"? It depends on who you ask, and even then, I'm not sure. For wade fishermen, myself included, it was a disaster. High water has kept us out of the fray from the beginning of May. There are still wade fishermen who don't know if last year's Christmas present, (the new waders), even fits. The drifters should have enjoyed a spectacular season, plenty of water, no waders to row around, nothing but FUN, FUN, FUN, or was it? Talked with one guy who said he was selling his boat because he was sick of the lines at both the put ins and the takeouts, boats moving downriver not fifty yards apart, with boats anchored up at the "good spots".
Was it really that bad? Well, yes. In April the Hendrickson hatch was for most people, a "no show". The low water was great for the wade fishermen, but most of the the drifters opted to fish only the BR. When May arrived, so did the rain, (over 8 inches), wade fishermen went home, boat fishermen had the river to themselves, sometimes it was too high, or "stained", (as some are like to say), but they had lots of water and could fish wherever they wanted, without a bit of concern about the waders. If any drifters are among us, we would like to know how you have done in this most unusual season to date.
What lies ahead? For sure less boats, and if it doesn't rain more wade fishermen. The high water has covered the rocks and kept the freestones cooler and fishable, the high water should have flushed out much of the mud the tribs added during the winter, there is still lots of river with fish in it, so spread out and enjoy some solitude until summer water temps bring us all together again in the "Sulfur Zone".
WOULDN'T IT BE NICE if a modest amount of rain and the smoke from the Canadian forest fires kept it cool enough for fish to remain in some of the freestone water like they did the last time Canada blew smoke our way?
The fishing - Wasn't much. Started at 5:00, fished three different places on three different rivers, saw good bugs and smart fish on the WB, no bugs or fish on the EB, and smart fish eating carefully very late on the BK. Ended up with four nice rainbows, left flies in two others and one just came unstuck.
Hey everyone what’s the over/under for the legend? Salted minnows or worms with a zebco? Or a Panther Martin with a Daiwa? And definitely a big red and white old school bobber.
Ed J
Your first response in this thread said it would be the last time we hear from you.
Please be a man of your word.
Wow, if you only knew.
No social media for me. Old school.
Social media has ruined the Delaware experience you yahoos. Open your eyes. My comments are facts. Yes, facts. Enjoy the rest of your season standing in line on the upper WB, dodging banana boats and pontoons. Now that’s “world class”.
Oh, geez, social media.
“Ignorance is bliss. But only for the ignorant. For the rest of us it’s a right pain in the arse!” Ricky Gervais quote that seems pretty relevant
EJ your a ledgend in your own mind!
Good riddance!!!
“Upper Delaware legend”???? Now there’s some ridiculous propaganda.
EJ a self proclaimed “legend”. Your comments make a lot more sense now. Back to social media and fantasy land bud. What an absolute tool
Right on info!
And, I can fish better than you can imagine.
Upper Delaware legend.
Last time you’ll hear from one.
119…perhaps we’ll cross paths one day?
Good luck rest of season.
Refer to your blog most days – nice work. Enjoyed a few nice days last season around Deposit, fishing the sulphurs, learned a lot. When do you think we will see this year’s crop start to appear in good afternoon numbers?
Angler 119, thanks for the Big Bug season recap, which was certainly a debacle for this weekend wader. Also appreciated all the well-deserved Brian Wilson references. God Only Knows where we’d be without your daily reports.
A119 – sounds like you might be getting bugged from driving up and down the same old strip. Love your reports. Hope the water levels continue on the downward trend. I’m 12 days out from my annual trip to Deposit.
BTW Angler 119 if you want a little private water on lower west shoot me an email you can park at our Cabin I’d love to finally meet you!
Nice post. WISH WE ALL COULD BE FISHING!
I floated WB once several weeks ago in a rental drift. Yes there were few waders but bugs and risers were sporadic all day. Managed a few but I always prefer to wade. I drift mostly because my father can’t wade much anymore. Heading up for my 4 day Father’s Day trip I’ll report Monday….hopefully can wade a little on WB where our cabin is at.
Angler119’- Thanks for the update and all the Brian Wilson/Beach Boy references. Very cool. Ed
A119 thanks for the info. I am going to try to fish Sunday. Hopefully the rivers will drop even more and make access easier to get in the water.
Rattlesnakes in Deposit?
Thanks for another informative article..and a nice tribute to the very talented Brian Wilson who we lost this week..