West Branch Delaware
Deposit to Hancock · Upper Delaware
NY/PA, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 01427207. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 1,180 cfs and 62.4°F, the West Branch is running high but fishable with prime June hatches in full swing. Delaware River Club reports decent sulphur spinner falls and evening emergences once the sun drops, with morning opportunities on leftover spinners in slow pools. Midday nymphing the riffles remains your best bet during the heat. Green drakes should be active in the evenings with water temps holding in the low 60s — look for rising browns in the slower main channel sections as we head into peak emergence season.
- Flow: 1,180 cfs — elevated but workable. Nymph the riffles midday, focus on slower pools for surface action.
- Hatches: Sulphur spinners at dawn, evening emergences after sundown. Green drakes starting — prime time for big browns rising.
- Water Temp: 62.4°F — perfect for peak sulphur and green drake activity. Expect strong evening hatches through the weekend.
- Best Window: Early mornings for spinner falls, evenings after 7pm for fresh emergences. Nymph midday during the heat.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Apr–Oct, peak May–June (Sulphur, Drake)
The West Branch of the Delaware River below Cannonsville Reservoir is one of the East's premier tailwater fisheries — cold, productive water supporting some of the largest wild brown trout in the Northeast. The river runs through dramatic Catskill foothills along the New York–Pennsylvania border. The fishery is technical: fish here are educated and selective, demanding fine tippets and precise drifts. Sulphur hatches in early summer and the famous Green Drake emergence in late June produce the year's most exciting dry-fly fishing. The river is float-friendly with multiple drift boat outfitters.
The West Branch's Green Drake hatch in late June is the largest mayfly emergence in the Northeast — drakes covering the water surface for hours during peak evenings — drawing fly fishers from across the East Coast.
January Outlook
January on the West Branch Delaware — the Cannonsville Reservoir tailwater keeps the river open and fishable year-round. This is one of the East's finest winter tailwaters. Midge and Baetis nymph fishing produce wild brown trout in the cold canyon.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Baetis Nymph
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
The West Branch Delaware's tailwater character makes it one of the few genuinely productive January fisheries in the Northeast. The Cannonsville release keeps temperatures consistent. Fish the slower pools below Stilesville for winter midges. Very few anglers — the canyon is yours.
Water Notes
Regulated flows 80–300 cfs from Cannonsville Reservoir. Water 44–50°F. Open year-round. One of the NE's finest winter tailwaters.
February Outlook
February tailwater fishing on the West Branch Delaware. The reservoir release maintains consistent conditions through New York winter. Midge and early Baetis nymph fishing below Stilesville.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Juju Baetis
- WD-40
Tips
February on the West Branch is one of the finest winter tailwater experiences in the East. The river runs clear and cold from Cannonsville and the wild brown trout are feeding on midges. The canyon scenery is spectacular in winter. Minimal pressure — bring fine tippet and patience.
Water Notes
80–300 cfs. Water 44–50°F. Regulated tailwater. Genuine winter fishing in a spectacular canyon setting.
March Outlook
March brings early Baetis hatches to the West Branch as the Catskills slowly warm. The tailwater advantage means the river fishes weeks ahead of surrounding freestone streams.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Baetis Nymph
- Midge Dry
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
March on the West Branch sees the first consistent dry fly activity of the year. Baetis hatches begin on warm afternoons. The tailwater canyon below Stilesville is the primary access. An early-season destination that beats surrounding Catskill rivers by several weeks.
Water Notes
80–350 cfs. Water 46–52°F. Early Baetis activity. Tailwater advantage in March.
April Outlook
April Hendrickson hatch on the West Branch Delaware — one of the East's most anticipated events. The tailwater produces consistent flows for the legendary hatch.
Productive Patterns
- Hendrickson Dry
- Hendrickson Nymph
- Blue Winged Olive
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The West Branch Delaware's Hendrickson hatch in April draws anglers from across the Northeast. The tailwater character produces consistent hatches regardless of year-to-year weather variation. Fish the long flat sections below Stilesville for rising fish during peak hatch hours.
Water Notes
100–400 cfs. Water 46–54°F. Hendrickson hatch beginning. The East's finest tailwater spring season.
May Outlook
The West Branch Delaware below Cannonsville Reservoir is one of the finest tailwater fisheries in the East. Hendrickson and Sulphur hatches are legendary.
Productive Patterns
- Hendrickson Dry
- Sulphur Sparkle Dun
- Blue Winged Olive
- Comparadun
Tips
The West Branch produces some of the largest wild brown trout in the East. The river is large — wading is challenging in higher flows. An inflatable kayak gives excellent access.
Water Notes
Regulated flows 80–400 cfs. Water 48–56°F year-round. The tailwater from Cannonsville Reservoir creates ideal conditions.
June Outlook
Green Drakes and Sulphurs produce exceptional dry fly fishing. The West Branch's hatch variety is remarkable.
Productive Patterns
- Green Drake #10
- Sulphur Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Comparadun
Tips
The Green Drake hatch on the West Branch is one of the finest in the East. Large brown trout rise freely during the evening emergence. Fish the slower sections of the main channel.
Water Notes
100–400 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Prime early summer tailwater conditions.
July Outlook
July summer fishing on the West Branch Delaware tailwater. The Cannonsville release keeps temperatures cooler than surrounding Catskill freestone rivers. Caddis and terrestrials in the canyon.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper
- Beetle
- Sulphur (remnant)
Tips
July on the West Branch benefits from the Cannonsville Reservoir cold-water release, which keeps temperatures lower than surrounding rivers. Fish the morning and evening sessions. The long flat sections below Stilesville produce the best dry fly action.
Water Notes
80–300 cfs. Water 58–66°F. Tailwater moderation in summer. One of the cooler Catskill summer rivers.
August Outlook
August tailwater fishing on the West Branch Delaware. The cold Cannonsville release maintains fishable temperatures when other Catskill rivers are too warm. Evening caddis and morning terrestrials.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Beetle
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Ant
Tips
August is one of the West Branch Delaware's advantages — the cold-water release from Cannonsville keeps the canyon fishable when other rivers stress. Fish mornings and evenings. The canyon sections below the dam are most productive in summer.
Water Notes
80–300 cfs. Water 58–66°F. Cold water release maintains summer temperatures. One of the NE's best summer tailwaters.
September Outlook
Fall BWO fishing on a world-class tailwater. The West Branch sees reduced pressure after the summer season.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Mahogany Dun
- Streamer
- Comparadun
Tips
September on the West Branch is exceptional — reliable BWO hatches and large brown trout feeding actively before spawning season. The tailwater keeps conditions consistent.
Water Notes
80–350 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Outstanding fall tailwater conditions.
October Outlook
October is the West Branch Delaware's finest fall month. Brown trout spawning activity and reliable BWO hatches. Wild fish exceeding 20 inches are encountered on this premier Eastern tailwater.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Streamer
- Egg Pattern
- Mahogany Dun
Tips
October on the West Branch sees the largest wild brown trout of the year. Pre-spawn fish are aggressive and the BWO hatches are reliable. Streamers in the canyon bends and flats produce trophy-class fish. This is when the West Branch earns its reputation.
Water Notes
80–350 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Prime fall conditions. Wild trophy brown trout season.
November Outlook
November tailwater fishing continues on the West Branch Delaware. Brown trout spawning activity and late BWO hatches. The canyon is quiet and the fishing is excellent.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer
- Egg Pattern
- Blue Winged Olive
- Midge Nymph
Tips
November on the West Branch is excellent — the tailwater keeps conditions consistent and the spawning brown trout are aggressive. Very little fishing pressure. The canyon near Stilesville is accessible and productive through November.
Water Notes
80–300 cfs. Water 44–52°F. Tailwater consistency. Excellent fall fishing with minimal pressure.
December Outlook
December winter tailwater fishing on the West Branch Delaware. The Cannonsville release keeps the river open through winter. Midge nymphing for wild brown trout in the Catskill canyon.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Baetis Nymph
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
December is winter on the West Branch but the tailwater character keeps it fishable. The canyon near Stilesville stays open from the Cannonsville cold-water release. Midge nymphing in the slow canyon pools produces consistent results. Cold Catskill canyon conditions require proper preparation.
Water Notes
80–300 cfs. Water 44–50°F. Tailwater open in winter. One of the NE's finest December fishing options.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulphur Ephemerella dorothea |
Jun | May, Jun, Jul | #16–18 |
|
| Green Drake Ephemera guttulata |
May, Jun | May, Jun | #8–10 |
|
Access & Approach
Hancock, NY and Deposit, NY are the main bases. Float trips dominate the productive water; numerous wade access points. NY/PA fishing license required (river borders both). Catch-and-release encouraged; wild brown trout regulations.
Nearby Fly Shops
- West Branch Angler Resort
- Delaware River Club
- Beaverkill Angler
- Evening Sun Fly Shop
- Dette Flies
- Trout Town Flies
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
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About Current
West Branch Delaware conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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