Mispillion River
river in Delaware
The Mispillion provides a diversity of fly opportunities from tidal inlet fishing near the bay to upstream freshwater runs and backwater sloughs for bass and migratory species.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Mild
- 01Mild, overcast weather conditions are present on the Mispillion River.
- 02Absence of specific hatch data necessitates a focus on baitfish, crustaceans, and general subsurface insect imitations.
- 03Tidal flows are crucial; focus on incoming and outgoing tides for increased fish activity.
- 04Subsurface patterns fished slowly will be most effective as water temperatures cool.
- 05Opportunity for topwater action with poppers exists during warmer, calmer afternoons.
Past reports week by week
8 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Crayfish (Olive/Rust)
Crayfish are a primary food source for Largemouth Bass in rocky areas and along the bottom of the Mispillion River. This subsurface pattern is effective when stripped with pauses to imitate a fleeing crayfish in the fall.
Woolly Bugger (Olive) (Bass)
A versatile streamer pattern that imitates leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for bass and sunfish in the Mispillion River year-round. The olive color is a reliable choice for various water conditions.
Hellgrammite
Hellgrammites are a consistent food source on rocky river bottoms, making this a reliable subsurface pattern for Largemouth Bass in the Mispillion River during fall. Fish it slowly along the bottom structure.
Clouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White)
A highly effective baitfish imitation, crucial for predatory Largemouth Bass actively feeding in the Mispillion River's estuarial environment during the fall. Its weighted eyes help it get down to cruising fish.
Crappie Jig Fly
Explicitly effective for Crappie during the fall spawn around structure, and also highly productive for Bluegill in the Mispillion River. Fish it slowly near submerged cover.
Buy at AmazonOctober Caddis (Dry)
While specific hatches are unknown, the October Caddis can serve as a general fall attractor pattern for opportunistic feeders like Bluegill, Black Crappie, and even smaller Largemouth Bass in the Mispillion River.
Buy at AmazonPopping Bug (Bass)
On warmer fall days in the Mispillion River, topwater action can still occur. This popper creates an enticing surface disturbance, drawing aggressive strikes from Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Largemouth Bass.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater amphipods (scuds) are a year-round food source in vegetated areas of the Mispillion River. A pink or orange Scud can be very effective for Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Bass in the fall.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Milford Riverwalk Access
Public wading and launch access used to reach upstream freshwater and tidal transition zones.
Mispillion Harbor / Milford Causeway
Causeway and harbor access where tidal flows concentrate bait and attract stripers and trout.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Bills Sport Shop
Delaware River Club Online Fly Shop
TCO Fly Shop
Dette Flies
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Delaware season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Quick answers
Common questions about Mispillion River.
What flies work best on Mispillion River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Mispillion River right now are Crappie Jig Fly (80% confidence), Scud (Pink/Orange) (80% confidence), Woolly Bugger (Black) (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Mispillion River?
Mispillion River holds Bluegill, Black crappie, Largemouth bass. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Mispillion River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Mispillion River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.