Posted on July 24 2026
The sulfurs continue to hatch, the fish continue to feed, the algae continues to flow, and the fishermen continue to line up, curse the algae, marvel at the number of sulfurs, and try, with very limited success, to hook a trout or two.
My resistance to the affair with the Dorotheas is growing by the day. Arrived in Deposit at 1:30 and couldn't find a place to fish until 3:00 when the five guys occupying a pool left in unison. Remarkably I had fish to throw at. Under current conditions hooking a fish does not necessarily mean he ate the fly. Refusals, at least for me, outnumber the takes by at least ten to one. If you hook each time a fish rises to your fly you are bound to "foul hook" a few. Foul hooked at least two yesterday and another two today. Did have five fish take, landed three 'bows, a 3lb 15 incher, (algae included), a nice 18 incher and a juvenile of 9 inches, lost a nice 'bow and a brown. Hatch ended and was in the car by 4:15. Tired of driving to and from Lordville twice a day I, found a shady spot, ate my second sandwich, tilted the seat back and took a nap.
Awoke at a little after 6:00, drove the length of the sulfur zone looking for bugs and risers, and again made the decision to leave town. Fished a place up high on the BR that required a long walk, (for me), but where few boats or wade fishermen have been fishing, (at least on sunny days). Got a few ignores, some refusals, but hooked as many fish as last night, just didn't land them all.
If you are not familiar with the upper BR and the lower portion of the WB, fish the sulfurs, from noon 'til dark. If you're here for a few days and have "a spot" in the places I've mentioned, and need a change of scenery, wait at least until seven and give it a try. It won't "happen" until 8:30 or later, but if it does you'll be glad you were there.
It's 11:05 and I don't want to do this but:
Bob F. - Riffles, hands down. it's where most of the bugs hatch, things go by faster giving fish less time to make a decision. I love to fish to rising fish in flatwater pools just before dark.
Marc C. - The big fish are fat as pigs, probably from eating their kids and grandkids. Most browns top out in the 19/20 range. My best is usually around 22.
Jack - Green slime is a thing. WB drainage area has a lot of farmland, cows and fertilizer are the major cause. The algae comes from the reservoir. Algae needs fertilizer and sunlight, as the days shorten it will lessen but not disappear.
Jay C. - The Delaware River system is "no longer stocked" but in the spring the DEC continues to pour large numbers of 11 inch yearling hatchery fish into Oquaga Creek. Oquaga was flowing at 5cfps last week with a temp in the high 70's. When Oquaga warms up the fish drop down into the WB. The hatchery fish are much bigger than the their wild trout brothers and hinder their development. Oquaga should not be stocked.
I saw a guide with 2 clients in his boat casting directly behind a Guy that was casting to the bank at the red barn today. Is that a thing?
Oh, one more thing. Fish stained water, the fish don’t care. I hooked six fish after that storm blew through and the water was very off color.
Best,
DM
A119, et al.-
I fished Monday through Wednesday evening. Dreamcatcher up through Barking Dog, Gentleman’s.
My observations over the years (30+):
First, if you (or anyone) is not fishing in the early mornings, you’re missing good fishing.
Second, Sulphurs are often going around 9:30-10am in places.
Third, all the hullabaloo about “all the fish already have been caught” is exactly that. Baloney. Several of the fish I caught were pristine, and hadn’t been caught. Others had definitely seen action. This has been true over decades. Boats go past sooooooo many fish that are 30 yds from all the usual stops.
Fourth, I landed 16 fish over the three days. Some 14-16 inches, but the majority in the 17-21” class and fat indeed.
Fifth, fish something else during a sulphur hatch. It can make a big difference in success rates. Anyone on this board can stop in and see Dave and ask him what Derek caught most of his fish on. Many will not believe it. But the savvy know…
Adieu,
DM
Angler119- Glad to hear you had fish to cast to and landed several nice trout. A 15” 3 lb.er boy that must have been enough algae to make a nice salad. Had a section of the UWB to ourselves. I thought this can’t be good and it wasn’t. Very few sulphurs and a handful of of risers. I tied you with my only fish being a 9”er.Looked around until 5. Saw lots of fishermen , but not much happening. Oh well, it was a gorgeous day. All My Best . Ed
BR = Big River or Main Stem.
New , but really enjoying your posts .Thank God for the Upper West Brsnch ! One question , when you say BR , what does it refer to ?