Posted on June 18 2025
Want to thank everyone who has taken the time to post about their experiences both on the Delaware River System and " Out West". Some of the comments bring back fond memories of my many trips.
The Henry's Fork is a delightful river to fish, if the wind isn't blowing. The only two rivers out west that "owe me " are the the Madison and the Big Hole. I was on the Big Hole a couple of times when just nothing was happening, (did catch a few graling, but didn't write home about them). The Madison can, for waders, be a terrifying river, (it was for me when I was heading for California in a VW bug in '65). Hit it more recently during the salmonfly hatch two times. Once I almost got even. The second time there was a greater chance of hooking someone in a drift boat than a fish.
For me, and by now, you know, I like to bend a rod, there is only one place to fish out west. Where? The Missouri River from Holter Dam down to Cascade. Why? It's full of bigger and fatter rainbows than the Delaware , and a good number of big heavy browns, all willing to eat dry flies. I once said that the only thing wrong with the Missouri is that it's too easy (I've been told, it isn't anymore). Understand that I'm here because the Delaware is the best fishery east of the Mississippi, and when I hear someone out west, (or anywhere else for that matter), say, "This is a technical river.", about their river, I just smile. It's been said many times, but it's true, if you can consistently catch fish on a dry fly in the Delaware, you can catch fish anywhere.
The Delaware River System attracts the best fishermen in the northeast, your knowledgeable comments and opinions are a priceless aide to anyone trying to learn the game. Keep commentating!
The bugs, the fishing, and the weather - Pretty much the same as yesterday. Did see a few olives mixed in with a sparse hatch of isos and what I think are pink ladies. There were a few rising fish, but there were so few bugs that unless the fish is close enough to cast to, it isn't worth heading towards one you see rise. Fished again in a drizzle, but kept my pockets zippered shut. Fly boxes are dry, the vest is damp and hanging over a register. How'd I do? Landed seven fish, all rainbows from 13 to 16 inches. Never lost a fish, but was ignored by many and refused, several time indignantly, by quite a few. Three of the fish were caught between 8:30 and dark (was in the car at 9:10) when they apparently couldn't see what they were eating. A
Fished a favorite pool on the upper WB. Had a solid Dorothea hatch most of the afternoon and into the evening with a few other mayflies mixed in. The fish were definitely on the tiny sulphurs and in late season pickiness form. Hooked 6, landed 3 including a fat 18" brown who took me 50yds downstream. Gonna be a tough summer if the fish are this selective in June.
Hacklehouse-I’m with you. I’ve fished the Willow/BK for 55 + years as well out west and in Patagonia . The wild Delaware system trout are definitely the most different fish anywhere.
Lived in Bozeman for a few years and I agree with many of the comments here about the western rivers compared to the D. Love the Delaware/Catskills fishery and its challenging conditions. Can’t wait to get back in a few weeks.
I agree. Having fished the west , if you can catch fish on the WB. The West is “giggle fishing”..catch so many fish it makes you giggle!
Recently discussed the BK vs the WB with a Brooklynite.. He claimed the Bk tougher than the WB. The was adamant. When I told him the difference between the rivers was that all the fish in the WB are wild, he he ended the conversation!!!
Angler119’- I’ve also been fortunate to have fished many of the great trout rivers and spring creeks “out west”. Many of them in the 80’ and early 90’s before they became really popular. Brian really summed it up, IMO the Delaware system trout are the most difficult fish to catch consistently. I’m still working on it.Yesterday there was nothing doing on the BK, couldn’t resist the call of the red barn. Only a handful of bugs, but a did manage to land a fat, 18.5 brown on a sulphur emerger( blindcasting-thanks again Angler119’) Back to the Willow and a 14”er. on a #18 rusty spinner .Left early(8:00) because of the fog. Taking the family to Yellowstone/Tetons next week. Hope to hit the sulphers in July. Ed
You hit the nail on the head. I moved here from out West in 2017, and figured I would clean up on the river so many claimed to be “technical”. My vast knowledge and pedigree from Northern Colorado would result in the fish fighting to jump into my net!
I was quickly beaten into submission, and, as a result, have become obsessed with this system. I can honestly say the Delaware isn’t just the best river system East of Ole Miss, but one of the best, PERIOD.
I’ve learned more in the 5 years I have had a camper on the WB than my entire fishing career prior to moving here. What a fantastic, special fishery!