Upper Delaware, New York
West Branch Delaware Fishing Report: September 15, 2026
The West Branch is falling near 738 cfs at Hale Eddy with cold water and improving clarity, supporting wading, early streamers, and a late small-olive window.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Early morning for streamers; late afternoon for small olives
- Best methods
- streamers, nymphs, dry flies
Quick Summary
The West Branch has dropped to a good level for both wading and floating. USGS showed 738 cfs, 3.23 feet, and 51.4 F at Hale Eddy during the morning check; Stilesville was 499 cfs, 8.07 feet, and 49.6 F. Current local information indicates that runoff color is clearing while the upper river retains a seasonal green tint. Fish streamers or nymphs early, then watch for tiny olives and a few larger mayflies late in the day.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good. Falling flow, cold water, and improving clarity provide several practical approaches |
| Flow | 738 cfs at Hale Eddy; 499 cfs at Stilesville |
| Gauge Height | 3.23 feet at Hale Eddy; 8.07 feet at Stilesville |
| Water Temp | 51.4 F at Hale Eddy; 49.6 F at Stilesville |
| Clarity | Runoff color is clearing; seasonal green reservoir tint remains upstream |
| Trend | Falling at Hale Eddy; stable near Stilesville |
| Best Window | Early morning for streamers; late afternoon for small olives |
| Best Method | Streamers and nymphs early; small dries for established rises later |
| Wadeability | Good in familiar sections, with normal care at deeper crossings |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecast for Hancock calls for morning fog giving way to sunshine, a high near 72 F, and southeast wind no stronger than about 5 mph. No active weather alerts were posted during the morning check. Light wind helps presentation, but bright afternoon sun may keep surface feeding close to shaded banks and slow foam lines.
River Notes
Hale Eddy has lost about 150 cfs since Monday morning while Stilesville remains close to 500 cfs. The falling lower river should continue to clear, and the cold release keeps the upper tailwater comfortable for trout. The remaining green tint is reservoir color rather than a sign of warm water.
Cover shaded banks, inside bends, and deeper seams with an olive or black streamer before direct sun reaches the water. As light increases, move to an Isonychia nymph, Pheasant Tail, or caddis pupa. Do not change to a tiny dry until a trout repeats its rise in a defined lane.
Hatch Activity
Official gauges do not report hatches. The September 15 local update supports dark Blue Winged Olives, sulphurs, tan caddis, Light Cahills, and Isonychias. The smallest olives are the main late-day prospect, while Isonychia and Cahill profiles can search riffles and broken water.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 16-22 | Check slow foam and shaded margins late in the day |
| Sulphur | 16-20 | Carry emergers and duns for isolated feeders |
| Tan Caddis | 16-20 | Fish pupa through riffles and softer seams |
| Light Cahill | 14 | A larger searching profile in broken water |
| Isonychia | 12 | Nymphs and dries can cover riffles and pocket water |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streamer | Olive or black Woolly Bugger | 6-10 | Work shaded banks and colored seams early |
| Nymph | Isonychia Nymph, Pheasant Tail, or caddis pupa | 12-18 | Drift the softer side of a seam before allowing a controlled lift |
| Dry | BWO Comparadun or CDC Olive | 18-22 | Present to repeat feeders in slow foam |
| Dry | Light Cahill or rusty spinner | 14-20 | Match the insect and rise form observed on the water |
Tactics
Fish the near bank before entering the river. Use a controlled streamer through low-light edge water, then nymph riffle margins and inside seams once the sun strengthens. If small olives bring up repeat feeders, lengthen the leader and make a downstream or reach cast with one dry. The flow is more approachable today, but test unfamiliar crossings before committing.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER AT HALE EDDY NY | 738 cfs | 51.4 F | USGS 01426500 |
| WEST BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER AT STILESVILLE NY | 499 cfs | 49.6 F | USGS 01425000 |
Sources
Official sources checked: USGS stations 01426500 and 01425000, plus 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 the September 15 local public conditions reports reviewed separately for clarity, hatch, and method context.