Delaware River
river in New Jersey
Wide variety of fly fishing from technical trout and shad presentations in the upper reaches to powerful smallmouth and warmwater bass fishing downstream; numerous public access points and boat launches.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Delaware River
- 01Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) are actively hatching in sizes 18-20, particularly on overcast afternoons.
- 02Isonychia, though tapering, are still present in size 14, offering dry fly opportunities.
- 03Caddis (sizes 14-16) and Slate Drakes (sizes 12-14) may also be active.
- 04Nymphing with Pheasant Tail or Flashback Baetis will be productive for subsurface feeders.
- 05Streamers like the Woolly Bugger (Olive) and Clouser Crayfish (river) are effective for aggressive trout and smallmouth bass.
- 06Egg patterns, such as the Glo Bug, can be deadly due to fall trout spawning activity.
Past reports week by week
11 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Pheasant Tail Nymph
Mayfly nymphs, including active BWO nymphs, are abundant subsurface year-round, making this a consistent producer for trout, especially when fished in a nymphing rig.
Buy at AmazonIsonychia Dun
Isonychia continue to hatch into the fall, and a size 14 imitation will effectively target rising trout keyed into these larger mayflies.
Glo Bug
Fall is spawning season for some trout species, and egg patterns are highly effective for opportunistic trout feeding on loose eggs in the drift.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A highly versatile streamer that imitates leeches and baitfish, which remain a consistent food source for both trout and smallmouth bass in the Delaware River as water temperatures cool.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Fall BWO hatches are a staple on the Delaware River, especially on overcast days, making this low-profile dry fly excellent for selective trout.
Buy at AmazonClouser Crayfish (river)
Crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth bass in the rocky sections of the Delaware River, making this a crucial subsurface pattern when stripped along the bottom.
Elk Hair Caddis
Caddis are still active on the Delaware River in the fall, and this versatile pattern is excellent for imitating adult caddis during emergence or as a general searching dry.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Baetis Nymph
As BWO hatches continue in the fall, this nymph pattern effectively imitates their subsurface activity, enticing strikes from trout keying on emerging insects.
Where to fish and who to ask
Bull's Island Recreation Area
Popular wading and boat-put-in area with access to productive riffles and runs for smallmouth and shad in spring.
Frenchtown Municipal Access
Preferred put-in for float trips through scenic freestone runs and holding water for trout and bass.
Lambertville Access / Canal Park
Easy upstream access for drift and bank fishing near classic trout and smallmouth water.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Delaware River Fly Fishing Guide Service
Cross Current Outfitters
Streams of Dreams Fly Shop
South Branch Outfitters
Get Delaware River reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
New Jersey season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Quick answers
Common questions about Delaware River.
What flies work best on Delaware River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Delaware River right now are Borcher's Drake (100% confidence), Elk Hair Caddis (100% confidence), Sulphur Comparadun (100% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Delaware River?
Delaware River holds Smallmouth Bass, American Shad, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Delaware River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Delaware River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Delaware River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Delaware River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.