Delaware (below Hancock) Fishing Forecast
Border water
Open year-round (check section regs)
Interstate water. Special regulations. Generally open year-round with section-specific rules
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 4:35 AM
32°F
137 CFS
11 PM - 1 AM
Zebra Midge
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Quick Facts
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout
freestone
38°F - 48°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Midge
Midge
Winter fishing on warmer days
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Midges, Limited |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Limited |
| March(Now) | 38-48°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Quill Gordons |
| April | 46-54°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Quill Gordons |
| May | 52-62°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Quill Gordons |
| June | 58-68°F | Tricos, Terrestrials, BWOs |
| July | 64-72°F | Tricos, Terrestrials, BWOs |
| August | 66-74°F | Tricos, Terrestrials, BWOs |
| September | 58-66°F | BWOs, Streamers, October Caddis |
| October | 50-58°F | BWOs, Streamers, October Caddis |
| November | 42-50°F | BWOs, Streamers, October Caddis |
| December | 34-42°F | Nymphing, Midges, Limited |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Brook Trout
Spawn months: September, October
Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.
Access Points & Parking for Delaware (below Hancock)
Equinunk
Quality fishing access.
Callicoon
Town access with services.
Narrowsburg
Mid-river access.
Barryville
Lower river access.
How to Fish Delaware (below Hancock): Tips & Tactics
The Delaware River below Hancock is a world-class wild trout fishery, benefiting from cold water releases from the East and West Branches.
Best Times of Day
The Sulphur hatch in May-June is legendary. Evening spinner falls bring large trout to the surface. Float fishing is most effective.
Recommended Techniques
Float fishing covers the most water. Match the prolific hatches. Streamers produce larger fish.
Water Conditions
Cold water releases create excellent trout habitat. The river is large and requires boats to fish effectively. Wild trout populations are healthy.
Fly Selection
Sulphur patterns essential. Isonychia and BWOs for other hatches. Streamers for trophy fish.
Local Knowledge
This stretch of the Delaware is the finest wild trout water in the eastern United States. Float fishing is the tradition. Book guides in advance.
Local Tips
The Delaware is the finest wild trout fishery in the East. Float fishing is essential. Book guides well in advance.
When is the Best Time to Fish Delaware (below Hancock)?
Spring
Sulphur hatches begin. Prime season.
Summer
Evening spinner falls are legendary.
Fall
Isonychia hatches. Streamers produce.
Winter
Year-round fishing possible.
Recommended Equipment for Delaware (below Hancock)
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight. 7-weight for streamers.
Line
Floating for dries. Sink-tip for streamers.
Leader & Tippet
9-12 foot leaders, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Drift boat fishing is the tradition.
Essential Flies
Delaware (below Hancock) Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Check PA and NY regulations - border water.
Special Regulations
Wild trout water with special regulations.
Bait Restrictions
Check current regulations.
Notes
Interstate river - check both state regulations.
Always verify current regulations with Pennsylvania fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Delaware (below Hancock)
Local Fly Shops
- West Branch Angler - Deposit
- Catskill Flies
- Delaware River Club
Guide Services
- Delaware River Club
- West Branch Angler Guides
- Catskill Guide Service
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
1500 - 4000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 65°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Pennsylvania Trout Rivers
Spring
Youghiogheny
Allegheny
Penns Creek
Letort Spring Run
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