Posted on October 04 2025
Someone needs to step up and tell it like it is. I understand that most people writing Delaware River reports have a horse in the race. They paint a picture of beautiful fall colors, speak of "tinted" water helping the streamer fishing, talk of olive sipping fish in the evening, all in an effort to get fishermen up to their lodges for one last fling. Other, perhaps more ethical writers, just don't update their reports from August 'til October.
The truth is that the water currently being released from Cannonsville at 1,150cfs, closely resembles coffee with two creams, and it is unsafe for most to wade. Despite the mud, almost all fish can identify the pattern and tier of every streamer thrown, and virtually no fish are rising to eat size 22/26 size olives in the current high water sea of mud. The UEB. EB and Bk on the other hand, are so low and clear that a false cast puts fish down. There is no good justification for spending money on lodging and a guided trout fishing trip on the Delaware River system at this time.
What to do - The weather is beautiful, book a room at one of the area motels or lodges, the leaves are at their peak, bring your wife and visit the Catskills while the fall foliage is at it's peak. There are golf courses everywhere, bring your clubs, enjoy some of the restaurants in the area, (Jean and I have discovered some gems), and wait. If the weather pattern changes we may yet see some good fall fishing,(I'll let you know), and if the draught continues, the money saved can be used on an extra trip or two next spring.
Troutfitter,
You would sell out all of your rooms if you held a daily meatball sub eating contest. If you finish one you will be so full you won’t be able to walk off and will need to spend the night.
How are the squirrels?
This is also the only report that I take seriously as well! You never fluff it up and just tell it like it is! Kudos to you. I read your blog every morning. Thank you for sharing your information.
What James said. I read these reports each day, even though I am in the area only a few weeks each year.
They are also the reason that the only shop I spend money in when I’m out there is Troutfitters.
Thank you for all the reports you do. Nothing has shortened my learning curve more.
This is a topic for 119’s annual review.
Just had a conversation about this w my bud while we fished the WB, EB and MS earlier this week: the shops/guides have a dog in this fight “sure 15,000cfs is wadeable, the hatches are like clockwork and check out this hot triple articulated 18in streamer that looks like a canary”. Jest, of course, but being on the river(s) sure beat the alternative. Appreciate the honesty and visit in the shop
Curious what’s your weather app of choice ? looks like some rain the next 2 weeks . ( That said I believe the weather apps as much as I believe the reports )
A119 you hit the nail on the head!! Right now it’s a waste of time to try to fish the Deleware system. I am still playing golf and sitting in my tree stands. I would love to be fishing but it’s not conducive to try. I am way behind last year’s totals and I am dying to catch up a little bit.
Enjoy the scenery outdoors!!!!!
Your honesty kept me fishing the salt this weekend. Whole other bundle of issues with that, but the weather is beautiful.
This is the only report I take seriously. Thanks again.
Angler119- Glad You and Jean enjoyed your trip. I thought my glowing report from Thursday would lure people up to fish. I hooked 3 browns averaging 41/2” to 5” would get people to salivate about the possibilities. Seriously, as you said —Willow/BK /UEB are to low and the UWB to high. It’s just ugly fishing , but pretty scenery right now. Ed
A119,
Thank you for the honest report.