August in the rear view mirror.

Closed out August on the big river.  It looked like a perfect "big river day" about noon when I had to duck inside to avoid a rain shower.  By three, however, things had changed.  The sun broke through the clouds, the wind blew and the water warmed up enough to delay the hatching until after the sun went behind the hill.  Not all days are perfect.

Met a troutfitter regular on his way back to the car after fishing from 7:30 until 3:30.  He decided to turn around and join me.  We both found it difficult going for the first couple of hours but then a few bugs started hatching and the fish started looking up.  When the sun got off the water the olives came and the fish fed 'til dark.  It was never easy but enough ate to make it a good day for both of us.

If you are a regular reader of the blog, you know that this August has been a good month on the Delaware.  How good?  This was my best August in the 26 years that I've kept records.  The higher than normal rainfall, cooler than normal temps, adequate releases and lack of fishing pressure all were positive factors.  Bugs hatched and the fish (that have been relatively undisturbed) fed on top.  It all made for a great month of dry fly fishing.

BTW- Last year's August was, for me, the poorest one since the 2006 flood!  You never know 'til you go.

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