Fly fishing · · Upper Delaware · Wild trout

Upper Delaware River — hatch chart + live conditions

Big tailwater-influenced system (West and East Branches plus the main stem) holding wild rainbows and browns. Long, dependable season; the Green Drake and Sulphur hatches in late spring are legendary, with Tricos and BWOs bookending summer.

Current conditions: Checking USGS… USGS site 01427510

Top 3 dry flies for June

1
Parachute Adams fly pattern
Size 14-20 · dry
Matches active hatch: blue wing olive, sulphur.
2
Elk Hair Caddis fly pattern
Size 12-16 · dry
Matches active hatch: caddis.
3
Sulphur Comparadun fly pattern
Size 16-18 · dry
Matches active hatch: sulphur.

Switch to nymphs or streamers →

12-month hatch chart

Month blue wing olivecaddisgreen drakehendricksonisonychialight cahillmarch brownmidgequill gordonsulphurterrestrialtrico
January
February
March
April
May
June · now
July
August
September
October
November
December
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Frequently asked

What are the best months to fish the Upper Delaware River?

Best months: April, May, June, July, September, October. The main stem forms the PA/NY border — a valid license for the state you fish from is required, and special wild-trout regulations apply on sections of the West and East Branches. Confirm with PA Fish & Boat and NY DEC.

What flies hatch on the Upper Delaware River in June?

Active hatches this month: sulphur, green drake, caddis, light cahill, isonychia, blue wing olive.

What species are in the Upper Delaware River?

Primary: wild rainbow trout, wild brown trout. Big tailwater-influenced system (West and East Branches plus the main stem) holding wild rainbows and browns. Long, dependable season; the Green Drake and Sulphur hatches in late spring are legendary, with Tricos and BWOs bookending summer.

Are there special fishing regulations on the Upper Delaware River?

The main stem forms the PA/NY border — a valid license for the state you fish from is required, and special wild-trout regulations apply on sections of the West and East Branches. Confirm with PA Fish & Boat and NY DEC. Always confirm current rules with PA Fish & Boat / NY DEC before fishing.

How do I check live water conditions on the Upper Delaware River?

The live USGS reading is shown at the top of this page (site 01427510). It refreshes hourly.

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