Bull's Island Recreation Areaon Delaware River
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.
What to tie on at Bull's Island Recreation Area
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Borcher's Drake
Slate Drakes (Isonychia bicolor) are hatching, and this pattern imitates the adult stage of this mayfly.
Elk Hair Caddis
Tan Caddis are hatching, and this is a classic and effective imitation for adult caddis.
Buy at AmazonSulphur Comparadun
Sulphur hatches have been decent in Deposit, making this a prime imitation for selective trout.
Buy at AmazonLight Cahill
Cahills are currently active, matching the expected summer hatch for trout.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Olives are mixed in with other hatches, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults, especially on overcast days.
Isonychia Dun
A few Isonychias are present, making this a prime pattern for rising trout in the current conditions.
Dark Hendrickson
Actively hatching in some sections of the Delaware River this week, as reported by local anglers. Target trout keyed into this specific mayfly.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Dark Blue Wing Olives are actively hatching on the Delaware River, excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults, especially on overcast days.
Quill Gordon
Quill Gordons are actively hatching on the Delaware River, providing early spring dry fly opportunities for trout and other species like Fallfish.
Buy at AmazonNew Jersey season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.