Upper Delaware, New York
West Branch Delaware Fishing Report: October 18, 2026
The West Branch is falling through 343 cfs at Hale Eddy with 47 F water, calm sunshine, and the best dry-fly chance expected late in the day on small olives.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Afternoon into early evening
- Best methods
- nymphs, dry flies, streamers
Quick Summary
The West Branch is in good shape after yesterday's runoff, with Hale Eddy falling to 343 cfs and 47 F during the morning check. The Cannonsville release remains 150 cfs, and the river is clear enough for a practical mix of wading and drift-boat fishing. Calm, sunny weather favors nymphs or a small streamer early, then small olives in the afternoon and early evening.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good |
| Flow | 343 cfs at Hale Eddy at 6:45 a.m. |
| Water Temp | 47 F at Hale Eddy at 6:45 a.m. |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Falling |
| Best Window | Afternoon into early evening |
| Best Method | Nymphs early; small dries later |
| Wadeability | Good, with normal caution in deep crossings |
Weather
The National Weather Service calls for full sun, a high near 59 F, and west wind around 2 mph. The morning begins near freezing but should warm quickly through midday. Tonight will be clear with a low near 32 F, and Monday is forecast to reach the mid-60s after possible valley fog.
River Notes
Hale Eddy has receded from a recent peak near 429 cfs to 343 cfs, while Stilesville remains steady near 163 cfs. That combination should leave the lower West Branch manageable and continue improving access through the day. The morning water temperature was about 47 F at Hale Eddy and 50 F at Stilesville. Fish the deeper seams until the water and air warm, then watch softer tailouts and pool margins for rising trout.
Hatch Activity
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Blue Winged Olive | 16-18 | The main surface opportunity, most likely in the afternoon and early evening |
| Olive Sulphur (Hebe) | 18-20 | Scattered late-day activity in slower water |
| Tan Caddis | 16-20 | Carry pupa and soft-hackle options for subsurface fishing |
| Slate Drake (Isonychia) | 14 | Occasional larger mayfly; useful for prospecting |
| Light Cahill | 14 | Sporadic late-season activity |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nymphs | Pheasant Tail Nymph | 16-18 | Start in deeper seams before surface activity develops |
| Wet Flies | Partridge and Orange | 14-16 | Swing through riffle tails when caddis are moving |
| Streamers | Olive Bugger | 6-8 | Work slowly along shaded banks and inside bends early |
| Dries | Dun Olive | 16-18 | Use over steady afternoon risers |
| Dries | Light Cahill | 14 | Carry for the occasional larger mayfly |
Tactics
Begin below the surface in the deeper runs, where the 47 F morning water should keep trout close to cover. A small nymph under an indicator or dry-dropper will cover the likely holding lanes without requiring heavy weight at this flow. If olives appear, lengthen the leader and move to slower pool edges where fish have time to inspect the fly. The very light wind improves presentation, but bright sun still calls for a careful approach and fine tippet.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Branch at Hale Eddy (01426500) | 343 cfs | 47 F | USGS |
| West Branch at Stilesville (01425000) | 163 cfs | 50 F | USGS |
Sources
Official sources checked were the United States Geological Survey gauges at Hale Eddy and Stilesville and the National Weather Service point forecast for Hancock, New York. Gauge values are provisional and were checked at 8:01 a.m. Eastern.