Upper Delaware, New York
West Branch Delaware Fishing Report: October 20, 2026
The West Branch is falling through 306 cfs at Hale Eddy with 48 F water; nymphs and streamers cover the morning before small olives become the main afternoon opportunity.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Afternoon into early evening
- Best methods
- nymphs, dry flies, streamers
Quick Summary
The West Branch is falling through 306 cfs at Hale Eddy with 48 F water and remains practical for wading or a low-water float. A current local report supports nymphs and streamers early, followed by small olives during the afternoon and early evening. The Cannonsville release remains low near 150 cfs, so approach shallow tailouts carefully and focus on deeper seams.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good |
| Flow | 306 cfs at Hale Eddy at 8:45 a.m. EDT |
| Water Temp | 48 F at Hale Eddy at 8:45 a.m. EDT |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Falling |
| Best Window | Afternoon into early evening |
| Best Method | Nymphs and streamers early; small dries later |
| Wadeability | Good, with care in deeper crossings and thin tailouts |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecasts sunshine, a high near 68 F, and north wind around 7 mph. Temperatures should ease toward 60 F during the afternoon. Tonight will be clear with a low near 33 F; Wednesday should remain sunny with a high near 64 F.
River Notes
Hale Eddy has fallen from 322 cfs yesterday morning to 306 cfs, while Stilesville remains near 163 cfs. The current local report places the Cannonsville release near 150 cfs and describes conditions as similar to yesterday. The river has enough depth for productive seams and runs, but the modest release leaves some tailouts thin. Early subsurface fishing should cover shaded banks, deeper slots, and riffle margins before the afternoon insect window develops.
Hatch Activity
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Blue Winged Olive | 16-18 | The main surface opportunity 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 around 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 small streamer through deeper runs and shaded banks. As olives begin to move, watch slower pool margins and tailouts before changing to a longer leader and fine tippet. The low release makes fish easier to disturb, so limit wading through productive lanes and make the first casts from the bank where possible.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Branch at Hale Eddy (01426500) | 306 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 and active-alert feed for Hancock, New York. Gauge values are provisional and were checked at 9:03 a.m. Eastern.