Posted on July 03 2026
Just so you know, the BK went up to 85 today, the BE at Hancock hit 87. Both temperatures are lethal to all trout. Hopefully the trout in those rivers have made there way to thermal refuges and someone is either shooting the eagles or feeding them dead shad and lamprey eels, (probably should have run that one by Jean, she says not everyone gets my humor).
Didn't feel good about my rant in yesterdays report. It came from sitting in the shade watching anglers trying to catch fish while making every mistake possible to insure that they didn't. I'm loath to repeat things and in ten years I've said all I know about catching trout more than once. Jean said many readers are new and it wouldn't hurt to go over things every few years. My first thought is that I probably won't be around for a "few years". My second thought is that I coached a competitive sport for several years and came away with nothing but admiration for teachers. Most of the kids playing sports want to be there and want to get better, and it still took forever for me to teach even the most basic things. God forbid if I had grown up to be an algebra teacher.
Perhaps I could insert a paragraph of friendly reminders from time to time on subjects that you feel are important or which I feel, from watching fellow fishermen, could give anglers a better chance of keeping the skunk out of their waders. The goal would not be to to turn everyone into Isaac Waltons, but rather, to give readers a chance to improve a little bit and maybe avoid getting so many splinters sitting on the bench of redemption at the Troutfitter, (which, by the way, could use a sanding and refinishing).
Always interested to hear your techniques for catching fish on blind casts. I can get a take or two on an Iso in fast water but beyond that don’t fare well when just prospecting on the Delaware system. As for fishing right now, just way too hot to even consider it and if you’re even questioning if stream temps are too warm just give the fish a break.
Based on your comments ..the bench of reflection needs to be replaced with a grandstand…Enjoy the 4th..!!
I’m pretty sure A119 meant 2 under par when he was referring to shooting eagles. 🏌️⛳️
We all know that drag when fishing dries is the kiss of death. That said, I was sure my drifting technique was flawless until I got the Go Pro out that my wife got me for Christmas and shot some fishing video. I screened the video to my tv and the first words out of my mouth were, “that’s not right!”, as I noticed the in the last 5-10 ft. of line to the fly. I was mending away the whole time but never got rid of that bow, letting that section of line drag my fly.
That’s my confession/observation on the quality of my drifts, as they say, “ the tape doesn’t lie!”.
Angler119’- I agree with Jean( our wives are always right!!!). Good advice bears repeating. After all these years I still make rookie mistakes and refreshers are always welcome. It feels like a 108 out Stay in and keep cool. Ed
Steve, try banging the BACK of your head against the wall. My mug is ugly enough as it is!
I’m still not sure what invarias are?
Your “shooting the eagles” comment went over my head as that is indeed an unlawful act. I fully understand the parts that trout are vulnerable when they are packed in spring seeps and know firsthand that Mainstem eagles thrive on shad and spawning lampers.
My sunrise trips suggest the trout population in the lower west has nearly doubled during this heat wave. I rarely see fish rising, I only use streamers, but I’d bet they’d take nymphs—and it’s a cool, pleasant way to spend a couple of morning hours. The fish tend to stop feeding when you run out of shade.
Mark C
Listing some tips for us skunked types would be great! Long days on the WB with no results makes for a bent nose.
It has always amazed me to watch the number of people paying big bucks casting from guide boats, never once attempting a reach cast. Seems to me the guide should suggest a minor improvement in the casting approach?
OK, what do I know.
With regard to the “Bench of Reflection”, I think at this point we could all use a good sanding and refinishing.
Hope everyone has a great 4th!