Winter - West Branch Delaware River- Pa.

[Flyinglion]

Anyone know if the West Branch of the Delaware is open for catch&release fly fishing during winter??

If so, any thoughts to matching hatches ( midges , BWOs, etc) vs streamers??

 

[SBecker]

West Branch is open where it borders Pennsylvania. I would nymph with stone flies. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Flyinglion]

Ok thanks. Only fished up there twice a couple yrs ago. Both were in July.

Fished on DRC's home pool.

Any advice for winter fishing the west branch is appreciated.

 

[krayfish2]

Kids will probably be playing hockey on DRC home pool.

 

[fisherboy3]

Yea i agree with Kray. Its pretty much mainly frozen. Try and fish water thats open obviously, but its gonna be cooooold!!. I would try stones, small nymphs, maybe eggs in 18 or 20.

 

[Chaz]

I've seen the Upper Delaware many times during the winter, I wouldn't even waste my time. There is ice, and high water, it's just too dangerous.

 

[Flyinglion]

Sounds like it's not worth the trip until spring.

Thanks!

 

[krayfish2]

Hale Eddy gauge shows 32.5 degrees and cfs is "ice". Can't say you wouldn't be able to find open water somewhere but anchor ice, shelf ice and unknown cfs discharge = death wish IMHO. Take up bowling until May.

Edit:
Stilesville is 96 cfs and that mighty freaking low. Normal release over the winter is 225 or more. Not sure what feeders are adding but it can't be much. East is also really low at 360 cfs. Can't be much flow in either which would equal a lot of ice.

 

[afishinado]

Hey K-fish...need put your chaffing covers on your toon :-o