Hale Eddy / Stilesville Accesson West Branch Delaware River
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are the main event
- 01Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are the main event, especially during the overcast afternoons.
- 02Midge and Baetis nymphs remain a consistent food source, actively drifting subsurface.
- 03Brown Trout are initiating their fall spawn, making egg patterns and streamers relevant near spawning grounds.
- 04Cooling water temperatures encourage aggressive strikes from larger trout on baitfish imitations.
- 05Overcast conditions provide excellent dry fly opportunities for selective feeders on the West Branch Delaware.
What to tie on at Hale Eddy / Stilesville Access
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Hendrickson
Hendricksons (both Dark and Light variations) are actively hatching on the West Branch Delaware River, making this a cornerstone pattern for rising fish.
Buy at AmazonBlue Quill Dry
Blue Quills are actively hatching on the West Branch Delaware River, essential for targeting trout feeding on the surface film.
Comparadun (BWO)
Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching on the West Branch Delaware River, especially effective during overcast periods when these delicate insects are most active.
Buy at AmazonLittle Black Stonefly
Tiny Black Stoneflies and Early Black/Brown Stoneflies are actively hatching on the West Branch Delaware River, making this an important dry fly.
Buy at AmazonElk Hair Caddis
Various caddis species, including Apple Caddis, Little Black Caddis, and dark Brachycentrus, are actively hatching on the West Branch Delaware River.
Buy at AmazonHendrickson Nymph
Hendrickson nymphs are active subsurface before the adult emergence, representing a primary food source for trout in current seams and riffles.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
If the anticipated rain puts some color in the water, a slow-stripped olive Woolly Bugger can entice aggressive strikes from opportunistic trout.
Zebra Midge
Midges are the most consistent food source in February. Black or red patterns in sizes 20-24 are essential for the West Branch's selective trout.
Buy at AmazonLight Cahill
Light Cahills are hatching, offering a good opportunity for trout looking for larger pale mayflies.
New York 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.