Posted on September 09 2026
If you are planning a late season trip to the Delaware expecting to catch some of those big browns everyone was talking about during the sulfur hatch you should probably trim your sails and lower your expectations. Why? The summer sulfurs started to wane about the middle of August, and the big browns that had been feeding on them all summer abruptly stopped rising. The olives that usually begin hatching in earnest as the sulfur hatch fades have so far been a disappointment, making their appearance no more than an hour before dark. The fall Isonychia hatch, (like this years spring hatch), has also been a disappointment. With mid September fast approaching the outlook for catching big browns on top is not good. They will soon be moving to their spawning grounds and have other things on their minds than eating size 20 olives.
What to do? Fish for rainbows! Why? For one, they aren't concerned with spawning this time of year. Second, they love to eat flies, and any significant hatch of isos, olives, hebes or even ants will get them up. Where are they? Easy answer, everywhere, as they seem to be taking over the entire river system. They favor faster moving water and can be found throughout the entire river system.
The fishing - Not to be a negative Nelly, but it is what it is. Extended "above average" daily temps delay the fish in their return from thermal refuges to their home pools. Severe weather, which may result in high winds, hail, heavy downpours and hemorrhoids, has on several occasions made the rivers too high to wade safely. Bright sunshine has stifled daytime hatches. The result is that you have your choice of almost any pool on the river system as most anglers have bailed.
The outlook - There is hope. The rivers are, as of today, all wade able. Have had a good number of isos on my screens the last few nights and saw some on the BK today. The recent rise of water should have sent fish heading home. Tricos should be on the water in the morning, isos and hebes in the late afternoon, and the olives, on sunny days, just before dark, with clouds and cool temps, they can start early in the afternoon.
Thanks Angler 119. I read our posts everyday from South FL. Coming up this Saturday-Weds to fish. Looking forward to hopefully one day meeting and running into you on the stream or in the Trout Outfitter.
Hoping to hit the WB Friday afternoon. Don’t want to see the fat lady standing on the town bridge singing again so today’s report is encouraging!
Thank you Angler 119 for posting all of your fishing reports. I read every one you post. You always tell it like it really is, no fluff! Just wanted to let you know your efforts are appreciated by many more anglers than you know!
Took a ride up the beaverlill yesterday didn’t see many bugs or risers. Hit the UEB and had rising fish for about an hour late afternoon. Finished off at Buckingham in the evening with a few rising fish. Saw one white fly about size 16. Olives on the water. Fish landed and hooked=0.
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Angler119- Thanks for the information. Much appreciated. I’ll give the Willow/BK a try tomorrow and will report back. Here’s hoping. Ed