Upper Delaware, New York
West Branch Delaware Fishing Report: September 16, 2026
The West Branch is near 642 cfs at Hale Eddy with cold water and good wading conditions; fish subsurface early and watch for small olives near evening.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Early morning for streamers; evening for small olives
- Best methods
- streamers, nymphs, dry flies
Quick Summary
The West Branch is near 642 cfs at Hale Eddy and 459 cfs at Stilesville, leaving good options for wading and floating. Morning USGS temperatures were 52.9 F at Hale Eddy and 51.3 F at Stilesville. A new September 16 local report confirms tiny olives, Cahills, Isonychias, and Hebes, with streamers and nymphs the practical choices before late-day surface activity. Brief morning showers produced negligible rain, and light wind should help presentation.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good. Cold water, falling flow, and manageable wind support several methods |
| Flow | 642 cfs at Hale Eddy; 459 cfs at Stilesville |
| Gauge Height | 3.03 feet at Hale Eddy; 8.02 feet at Stilesville |
| Water Temp | 52.9 F at Hale Eddy; 51.3 F at Stilesville |
| Clarity | Seasonal green reservoir tint on the upper river; other clarity details not reported |
| Trend | Falling at Hale Eddy and Stilesville |
| Best Window | Early morning for streamers; evening for small olives |
| Best Method | Streamers and nymphs early; small dries for repeat feeders late |
| Wadeability | Good in familiar sections, with normal care at deeper crossings |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecast for Hancock calls for partly sunny skies, a high near 79 F, southwest wind around 2 mph, and a 20 percent chance of a brief shower between midmorning and early afternoon. No active New York weather alerts were posted during the morning check. Thursday carries a greater shower and thunderstorm risk, so check the forecast again before the next trip.
River Notes
Hale Eddy has fallen nearly 100 cfs since Tuesday morning, while Stilesville is down about 40 cfs. The September 16 local update describes the flow as closer to normal and suitable for both wading and floating. Crossings and near-bank lies should be more approachable, though anglers should still test unfamiliar water. Cold release water gives the upper tailwater a substantial temperature margin despite the warmer afternoon forecast.
Cover shaded banks and deeper seams with an olive or black streamer early. As direct light strengthens, move to an Isonychia nymph, Pheasant Tail, or caddis pupa in riffle margins and softer seams. The remaining green tint is seasonal reservoir color; use a slightly larger profile when searching, then change to a small dry only after seeing repeated rises.
Hatch Activity
Official gauges do not report hatches. The September 16 Upper Delaware report supports dark Blue Winged Olives, sulphurs, tan caddis, Light Cahills, Isonychias, and Hebes. Activity has been uneven, so identify the insect and rise form before changing flies.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 16-22 | Check slow foam and shaded margins late in the day |
| Hebe | 18-20 | Match after confirming small mayflies on the water |
| 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 deeper seams early |
| Nymph | Isonychia Nymph, Pheasant Tail, or caddis pupa | 12-18 | Drift the softer side of riffle seams |
| 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 observed insect and rise form |
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 as the sun strengthens. For small-olive feeders, lengthen the leader and make a downstream or reach cast with one dry. The falling flow improves access, but slick rocks and deeper channels still require deliberate crossings.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER AT HALE EDDY NY | 642 cfs | 52.9 F | USGS 01426500 |
| WEST BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER AT STILESVILLE NY | 459 cfs | 51.3 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 16 local public conditions report reviewed separately for clarity, hatch, and method context.