Upper Delaware, New York
West Branch Delaware Fishing Report: October 19, 2026
The West Branch is falling through 322 cfs at Hale Eddy with 48 F water, light wind, 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 continues to fall and is in good shape for wading or a light-water float. Hale Eddy was 322 cfs and 48 F during the morning check, while the Cannonsville release remained 150 cfs. Nymphs and small streamers offer the better early approach; watch for small olives in the afternoon and early evening.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good |
| Flow | 322 cfs at Hale Eddy at 7:45 a.m. EDT |
| Water Temp | 48 F at Hale Eddy at 7:45 a.m. EDT |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Falling |
| Best Window | Afternoon into early evening |
| Best Method | Nymphs early; small dries later |
| Wadeability | Good, with normal caution in deeper crossings |
Weather
The National Weather Service calls for patchy fog before 9 a.m., then sunshine and a high near 65 F. North wind should remain light at 0 to 3 mph. Tonight will be clear with patchy late fog and a low near 37 F; Tuesday is forecast to be sunny and near 65 F.
River Notes
Hale Eddy has eased from 343 cfs yesterday morning to 322 cfs, while Stilesville remains steady at 163 cfs. The morning temperature was 48 F at Hale Eddy and 51 F at Stilesville. The low release and receding runoff leave modest water across the system, so approach the deeper slots carefully and give fish room in thin tailouts. The warmer afternoon and light wind should improve both insect activity and dry-fly presentation.
Hatch Activity
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Blue Winged Olive | 16-18 | The main surface opportunity, most likely during 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 for prospecting riffle edges |
| 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 with a lightly weighted nymph or dry-dropper through the deeper runs. A small streamer can cover shaded banks and inside bends before the sun reaches the water. If olives begin to move, shift to slower pool margins and tailouts with a longer leader and fine tippet. At this modest flow, avoid repeated wading through the most productive holding lanes.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Branch at Hale Eddy (01426500) | 322 cfs | 48 F | USGS |
| West Branch at Stilesville (01425000) | 163 cfs | 51 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.