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.
Top 3 dry flies for June
12-month hatch chart
| Month | blue wing olive | caddis | green drake | hendrickson | isonychia | light cahill | march brown | midge | quill gordon | sulphur | terrestrial | trico |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
Related
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