Delaware River
New York · Southern New York
Brown TroutRainbow Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Delaware River
Cannonsville Tailwater
The West Branch below Cannonsville Reservoir is one of the most productive tailwaters in the Northeast producing extraordinary wild brown and rainbow trout. Cold dam releases maintain prime temperatures through summer when other streams warm. The wild fish here average 16-20 inches and require sophisticated technique.
💧 Ideal flow: 800–2,500 CFS. The West Branch below Cannonsville Dam fishes best at consistent tailwater releases — best dry fly fishing on the East Coast.
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Hale Eddy
Hale Eddy on the West Branch is a classic Delaware River access point with excellent wade fishing for large wild brown trout. Fish here are extremely selective due to heavy pressure but the potential for 20-plus inch fish is constant. Evening hatches of sulphurs and cahills bring fish to the surface predictably.
💧 Ideal flow: 600–2,000 CFS. The East Branch below Pepacton Reservoir fishes well at moderate stable flows — Green Drake hatch is legendary in late May.
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Hancock Junction
Where the East and West Branches meet at Hancock creates one of the great Delaware River trout fishing locations. Main stem browns up to 24 inches move through this junction pool throughout the season. This is where multiple hatch charts converge creating exceptional diversity.
💧 Ideal flow: 800–2,500 CFS. The main stem Delaware fishes best at moderate flows — large wild brown trout throughout the upper river.
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Equinunk
The main Delaware near Equinunk offers excellent wading for large brown trout in classic pool-riffle-run sequences. Less technical than the tailwater sections this water rewards anglers who simply find fish and present flies properly. Fall streamer fishing for trophy browns is exceptional.
💧 Ideal flow: Fishes best at stable consistent dam releases — check TroutBible gauge as reservoir releases directly control Upper Delaware conditions.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Lordville
The Delaware at Lordville is known for producing some of the largest wild brown trout on the entire river system. Fish up to 28 inches have been documented here with multiple 20-plus inch fish caught annually. The deeper pools in this section hold resident fish that rarely move to easier water.
💧 Ideal flow: 800–2,500 CFS. The upper main stem fishes best after spring runoff — one of the largest wild trout rivers in the Northeast.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
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About Delaware River Fishing
The Upper Delaware River below Cannonsville and Pepacton reservoirs is one of the largest wild trout rivers in the Northeast, offering exceptional fly fishing opportunities through miles of pristine Catskill waters. Multiple flies-only and catch-and-release sections protect this world-class fishery and ensure outstanding angling for discerning fly anglers.
Best Time to Fish Delaware River
Late May and early June bring the legendary Green Drake hatch to the Delaware, creating some of the most anticipated dry fly fishing of the year on this river. Spring and fall seasons also provide excellent conditions with cooler water temperatures and consistent insect activity throughout these periods.
Species
Brown trout dominate the Upper Delaware's wild population, thriving in the cool tailwater environment below the reservoirs. Rainbow trout also inhabit these waters in significant numbers, providing anglers with diverse opportunities and exciting takes throughout the season.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current New York fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Delaware River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid New York fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Live streamflow data for this river is sourced directly from the USGS National Water Information System, updated every 15–60 minutes. CFS and gauge height readings reflect current conditions so you can plan your trip with confidence.