Upper Delaware, New York
West Branch Delaware Fishing Report: September 17, 2026
The West Branch is near 622 cfs at Hale Eddy with cold water, good access, and cloud cover favoring olives and streamers before afternoon thunderstorms.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Morning clouds and rain before thunderstorms develop
- Best methods
- dry flies, streamers, nymphs
Quick Summary
The West Branch is near 622 cfs at Hale Eddy and 459 cfs at Stilesville, with morning USGS temperatures of 53.8 F and 50.9 F. The river remains suitable for wading and floating, and the current local report points to tiny olives, Cahills, Isonychias, and Hebes. Rain and clouds favor olives and streamers, but the National Weather Service expects thunderstorms today. Fish the morning window and leave the river when thunder is heard or lightning approaches.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good before storms. Cold water, manageable flow, and cloud cover support several methods |
| Flow | 622 cfs at Hale Eddy; 459 cfs at Stilesville |
| Gauge Height | 2.99 feet at Hale Eddy; 8.02 feet at Stilesville |
| Water Temp | 53.8 F at Hale Eddy; 50.9 F at Stilesville |
| Clarity | Green reservoir tint on the West Branch; storm runoff may change tributary inputs |
| Trend | Falling at Hale Eddy; nearly steady at Stilesville |
| Best Window | Morning clouds and rain before thunderstorms develop |
| Best Method | Small olive dries where fish rise; streamers and nymphs elsewhere |
| Wadeability | Good in familiar sections before any storm-driven rise |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecast for Hancock calls for showers and thunderstorms, a high near 78 F, south wind around 3 mph, and an 80 percent chance of precipitation. Rainfall through tonight could total roughly one tenth to one third of an inch. No active New York weather alert covered Hancock during the morning check, but thunderstorms are a direct wading and boating hazard.
River Notes
Hale Eddy has eased another 20 cfs since Wednesday morning while Stilesville remains near 459 cfs. The Cannonsville release was reported near 475 cfs, keeping the upper river cold and accessible. Green reservoir color remains in the West Branch and can help streamer fishing without indicating storm mud.
Start with an olive or black streamer along shaded banks and deeper seams while rain or low cloud reduces glare. Where fish show repeatedly, inspect the drift for small olives before changing to a fine leader and sparse dry. Nymph riffle margins with an Isonychia profile, Pheasant Tail, or caddis pupa between surface windows. Recheck the gauge after heavy rain because small tributaries can add color and change crossings quickly.
Hatch Activity
Official gauges do not report hatches. The September 17 Upper Delaware report supports dark Blue Winged Olives, sulphurs, tan caddis, Light Cahills, Isonychias, and Hebes. Cloud cover should improve the chance of finding olives during the day, though activity can still vary by reach.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 16-22 | Watch slow foam and protected margins during rain and cloud cover |
| Hebe | 18-20 | Match only after confirming small mayflies on the water |
| Tan Caddis | 16-20 | Fish pupa through riffle seams before surface activity |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | BWO Comparadun or CDC Olive | 18-22 | Present to repeat feeders in protected water |
| Streamer | Olive or black Woolly Bugger | 6-10 | Work shaded banks and deeper seams during low light |
| Nymph | Isonychia Nymph, Pheasant Tail, or caddis pupa | 12-18 | Drift the softer side of riffle seams |
| Dry | Light Cahill or rusty spinner | 14-20 | Use only when the observed insect or rise form supports it |
Tactics
Fish the closest edge before wading. Use streamers while rain and cloud lower the light, then switch to a small olive dry only for consistent feeders. Keep the weather radar available and identify a direct exit before entering. Stop fishing and leave exposed water immediately when thunder is heard; do not shelter under an isolated tree.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER AT HALE EDDY NY | 622 cfs | 53.8 F | USGS 01426500 |
| WEST BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER AT STILESVILLE NY | 459 cfs | 50.9 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 17 local public conditions report reviewed separately for release, clarity, hatch, and method context.