Upper Delaware, New York
West Branch Delaware Fishing Report: September 21, 2026
The West Branch is near 695 cfs at Hale Eddy with cold water, good access, and a useful mix of nymph, streamer, and afternoon dry-fly opportunities.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- Early and late, with afternoon rises possible
- Best methods
- nymphs, streamers, dry flies
Quick Summary
The West Branch is near 695 cfs at Hale Eddy and 459 cfs at Stilesville, with morning USGS temperatures of 53.4 F and 51.1 F. Sunday's rain produced only a modest bump, and the river remains at a useful level for wading or floating. Begin with nymphs or streamers, then watch slower afternoon lanes for tiny olives and occasional larger mayflies. The green reservoir tint remains present and is different from muddy tributary runoff.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good. Cold, manageable water and improving weather support several methods |
| Flow | 695 cfs at Hale Eddy; 459 cfs at Stilesville |
| Gauge Height | 3.13 feet at Hale Eddy; 8.02 feet at Stilesville |
| Water Temp | 53.4 F at Hale Eddy; 51.1 F at Stilesville |
| Clarity | Green reservoir tint on the West Branch |
| Trend | Stable after a modest rain-related rise |
| Best Window | Early and late, with afternoon rises possible |
| Best Method | Nymphs or streamers; dries for established rises |
| Wadeability | Good in familiar sections at the morning level |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecast for Hancock calls for mostly cloudy skies, a high near 68 F, and north wind around 5 mph. Tonight should remain cloudy with a low near 46 F. No active NWS alert covered the forecast zone at the morning check.
River Notes
Hale Eddy rose after Sunday's rain but leveled near 695 cfs overnight. Stilesville remains near 459 cfs, consistent with the current 475 cfs Cannonsville release reported locally. The current local river report says the West Branch came through the rain in good shape and remains suitable for wading and floating.
Nymphing remains the dependable search method. The green reservoir tint gives a dark or olive streamer cover without the sharp visibility loss associated with muddy tributary runoff. Fish the nearest edge and softer seams before stepping toward the main current. If trout begin rising repeatedly, change to the insect and stage actually present rather than blind-casting a small dry over the whole pool.
Hatch Activity
The September 21 local report supports tiny Blue Winged Olives, with a few Light Cahills, Isonychias, and Hebes. The same report notes that recent hatch activity has varied by section. Calm afternoon lanes deserve attention, but nymphs and streamers remain better ways to cover water when rises are absent.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 16-24 | Check slower afternoon lanes for repeated rises |
| Light Cahill | 14 | An occasional larger profile among smaller mayflies |
| Isonychia | 12 | Nymphs and dries can cover riffles and pocket water |
| Hebe | 16 | Match only when the darker sulphur-like mayfly is present |
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 the reservoir tint |
| Dry | BWO Comparadun or CDC Olive | 18-24 | Present to repeat feeders in slow lanes |
| Dry | Light Cahill or Isonychia dry | 12-14 | Use when a larger mayfly is visible |
Tactics
Start with a compact nymph rig along riffle seams or fish a streamer through shaded banks and deeper slots. Change to a dry only after a trout establishes a feeding lane. The flow is comfortable in many familiar sections, but depth and current vary by crossing; step back if the river gains color, debris, or speed.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER AT HALE EDDY NY | 695 cfs | 53.4 F | USGS 01426500 |
| WEST BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER AT STILESVILLE NY | 459 cfs | 51.1 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 21 local public conditions report reviewed separately for release, clarity, hatch, and method context.