The Delaware River System, A Better Place To Be.

 

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 grayling, 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 aid 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 times 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. 

Comments

  1. AlJune 18, 2025 at 9:48 AM

    As always, thanks. At 82 and now living in CA, not sure how many more weeks on the Delaware I''ve got in me but will keep it up as long a s possible. Started upon my return from Vietnam and have been going Spring and Fall ever since. But it was a lot easier when living in the DC area. Met your son on last trip, very nice fellow. Good luck on the sulfurs.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 18, 2025 at 10:25 AM

    Grayling. Times.

    ReplyDelete

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