Upper Delaware, New York
West Branch Delaware Fishing Report: September 19, 2026
The West Branch is near 627 cfs at Hale Eddy with cold water, good access, and nymph or streamer fishing between sparse September hatches.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Early morning and late-day low light
- Best methods
- nymphs, streamers, dry flies
Quick Summary
The West Branch is near 627 cfs at Hale Eddy and 467 cfs at Stilesville, with morning USGS temperatures of 52.5 F and 50.7 F. The rain bump has receded, leaving good wading and floating levels. Nymphing has produced in some sections, while small olives, Cahills, Isonychias, and caddis may offer scattered surface chances. Fish early or return in late-day low light, and watch Sunday's forecast because one to two inches of rain could change flows quickly.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good. Cold water and manageable flow support wading, floating, and several methods |
| Flow | 627 cfs at Hale Eddy; 467 cfs at Stilesville |
| Gauge Height | 3.00 feet at Hale Eddy; 8.03 feet at Stilesville |
| Water Temp | 52.5 F at Hale Eddy; 50.7 F at Stilesville |
| Clarity | Green reservoir tint on the West Branch |
| Trend | Falling at Hale Eddy; steady at Stilesville |
| Best Window | Early morning and late-day low light |
| Best Method | Nymphs or streamers between scattered dry-fly opportunities |
| Wadeability | Good in familiar sections at current levels |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecast for Hancock calls for a mostly sunny day, a high near 67 F, and light southeast wind near 3 mph. Tonight brings a 90 percent chance of rain after 2 a.m. Sunday. Sunday's forecast calls for steady rain and one to two inches of accumulation, so recheck gauges before fishing late tonight or Sunday.
River Notes
Hale Eddy has fallen about 57 cfs since Friday morning while Stilesville remains near 467 cfs. The current local report puts the Cannonsville release near 475 cfs and supports good wading and floating access. The West Branch still carries the reservoir's green tint, which provides useful cover for streamer fishing without indicating muddy runoff.
Start with a compact nymph rig along riffle seams or the softer edge of the main current. Small olives have been inconsistent, so wait for repeated rises before changing to a fine dry-fly leader. An olive or black streamer can cover shaded banks and deeper slots early or late. Sunday's rain may raise tributaries and change crossings even if the controlled upper release remains steady.
Hatch Activity
Official gauges do not report hatches. The September 19 Upper Delaware report supports small dark Blue Winged Olives, tan caddis, Light Cahills, Isonychias, and some remaining sulphurs. Activity has been scattered, so match insects seen on the water rather than relying on a fixed hatch time.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 16-18 | Watch slower margins during low light |
| Tan Caddis | 16-20 | Fish pupa through riffle seams before surface activity |
| Light Cahill | 14 | A larger dry profile for isolated rises |
| Isonychia | 12 | Nymphs and dries can cover riffles and pocket water |
| Sulphur | 16-20 | Remaining activity is likely localized |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nymph | Isonychia Nymph, Pheasant Tail, or caddis pupa | 12-18 | Drift the softer side of riffle seams |
| Streamer | Olive or black Woolly Bugger | 6-10 | Work shaded banks and deeper slots in low light |
| Dry | BWO Comparadun or CDC Olive | 16-20 | Present only to repeat feeders |
| Dry | Light Cahill or Isonychia dry | 12-14 | Use when a larger mayfly is visible |
Tactics
Fish the nearest edge before wading into the main flow. Begin with nymphs or a streamer and reserve small dries for trout that show twice in the same lane. A downstream presentation helps with olives in flat water. If fishing Sunday, check the live gauge and weather alerts before leaving because heavy rain can change tributary color, access, and safe crossings quickly.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER AT HALE EDDY NY | 627 cfs | 52.5 F | USGS 01426500 |
| WEST BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER AT STILESVILLE NY | 467 cfs | 50.7 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 19 local public conditions report reviewed separately for release, clarity, hatch, and method context.