Upper Delaware, New York
West Branch Delaware Fishing Report: May 17, 2026
West Branch Delaware is in a useful fishing window today.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- Late afternoon into evening
- Best methods
- nymphs, dry flies, streamers
Quick Summary
West Branch Delaware is in a useful fishing window today. USGS showed 1,060 cfs and 3.77 feet at 7:45 AM, with the flow trend stable. Water temperature was 46 F. Start subsurface, then watch for late-day mayfly, caddis, or midge activity where the water settles. Wade conservatively and avoid pushy crossings; softer edges and boat or bank access are safer than mid-channel moves.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good |
| Flow | 1,060 cfs at 7:45 AM |
| Gauge Height | 3.77 feet |
| Water Temp | 46 F |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Stable |
| Best Window | Late afternoon into evening |
| Best Method | nymphs; dry flies; streamers |
| Wadeability | Limited |
Weather
For Hancock, NY, the National Weather Service forecast says: Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. West wind 0 to 5 mph. Plan around wind, changing light, and any showers or storms rather than assuming a full-day dry fly window.
River Notes
The best starting point is water that matches the current gauge: inside seams, protected banks, riffle drop-offs, and slower buckets rather than the heaviest current. A stable trend is worth watching through the day; if the hydrograph turns sharply upward, clarity and wade safety can change before hatch timing does. Missing field values are left as Not reported rather than filled from guesswork.
Hatch Activity
Current hatch guidance is based on seasonal May patterns for this river system, recent public report context where available, and today’s official gauge/weather check.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur | 14-16 | Watch late-day tailwater seams |
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-22 | Best with cloud cover or damp weather |
| Caddis | 14-18 | Carry emergers and spent adults |
| March Brown | 10-12 | Sporadic but worth carrying |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | Sulphur Comparadun | 14-16 | Use over steady risers |
| Dry | BWO Sparkle Dun | 18-22 | Match small olives in softer seams |
| Nymph | Pheasant Tail | 14-18 | Mayfly nymph before hatches |
| Nymph | Caddis Pupa | 14-18 | Swing or dead drift before activity |
| Streamer | Olive Sculpin | 4-8 | Use on banks if water has color |
Tactics
Start with nymphs in defined lanes and adjust weight before changing flies. If fish begin rising, simplify to a single dry or dry with an emerger/dropper and lengthen the leader. In bright or windy periods, return to subsurface presentations along protected banks and broken water.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER AT HALE EDDY NY | 1,060 cfs | 46 F | USGS 01426500 |
Sources
Official sources checked: USGS station 01426500 and the National Weather Service forecast for the Hancock, NY area. This report is an original Custom FlyBox summary based on current official gauge and weather data, with local public conditions reports reviewed separately for hatch, access, and method context.