Disclaimer: The following report is compiled using artificial intelligence from current available data. Accuracy is not guarenteed. Always check local laws and regulations before fishing.

Delaware River Fishing Report - 2025-11-10

River Description

The Delaware River in Roscoe, Sullivan County, New York, is a premier tailwater fishery renowned for its wild brown and rainbow trout populations, stretching through scenic Catskill valleys. Currently, the system shows variable conditions with high flows in key tributaries like the Beaver Kill (1010 cfs, +668% above average) and Willowemoc Creek (308 cfs, +906% above average), indicating recent heavy rain influence and potentially off-color water downstream. Main stem flows at nearby gauges, such as Lordville (1170 cfs, near average) and Callicoon (1760 cfs, +39%), suggest moderate to elevated volumes overall, with gage heights around 3.7-6.3 ft promoting safer wading in riffles but caution in deeper runs. Water temperatures hover in the mid-40s to low 50s°F (e.g., 47.3°F on Beaver Kill, 48°F at Lordville), typical for late fall and suppressing surface activity while favoring subsurface feeding. Today's cloudy, cool weather (high 41°F, 100% humidity, light NW winds) combined with a waning gibbous moon (66% illumination) limits visibility for dry flies but enhances nocturnal or low-light opportunities. This is a technical nymphing river with moderate-to-high flows ideal for drifting indicators in seams, though high tributary inputs may push trout to slower edges; fishing potential is solid for holdover trout seeking wintering lies, but hatches are sparse due to cooling trends.

3-Day Forecast

Weather trends point to continued cooling and unsettled conditions, with potential impacts on fishing comfort and river clarity. Today (Monday, 11-10) features overcast skies, highs near 41°F, and light winds (2-7 mph NW), maintaining stable but chilly temps that could slow trout metabolism and limit rises—focus on sheltered beats to avoid wind chill. Tuesday (11-11) brings a high of 41°F and low of 21°F, with chances of rain/snow showers introducing moisture that may stain waters further from tributaries, reducing visibility for sight fishing but possibly triggering short sculpin or baitfish chases; dropping temps could concentrate trout in deeper pools. Wednesday (11-12) likely sees partial clearing with highs in the upper 30s to low 40s°F and lighter precip risk (based on regional patterns), improving angler comfort and stabilizing flows—rising barometric pressure post-front may boost nymphing success as fish feed proactively before the last quarter moon on 11-12 dims illumination further. Overall, expect variable clarity and colder water, favoring insulated layers and subsurface tactics over the period.

Fishing Outlook

Fair conditions for fly fishing on the Delaware, with opportunities for consistent trout takes despite challenges from weather and flows. Stable main stem volumes near average support nymphing in familiar runs, but elevated tributary discharges (e.g., Beaver Kill at +668%) risk off-color water and stronger currents, potentially displacing fish from shallows and increasing snags. Cold water temps (46-48°F) slow insect activity, minimizing hatches but positioning trout in predictable winter holds like undercut banks; yesterday's heavy rain (6 periods) has tapered, allowing some recovery, though lunar waning (66% gibbous) suggests subdued daytime feeding until evening moonrise. Success hinges on targeting deeper slots midday, yielding 10-15 fish days for skilled anglers, but beginners may find high flows intimidating—overall, a holding pattern for quality over quantity as fall transitions to winter.

Recommendations

• Flies & Techniques: Prioritize subsurface presentations for brown trout in 3-5 ft depths; try Pheasant Tail Nymphs (#14-16) or Stonefly Nymphs (#10-12) under indicators for drifting in riffle tails, capitalizing on high flows to mimic dislodged insects. For low-light windows, swing Olive Woolly Buggers (#8-10) or Mickey Finn streamers to provoke aggressive strikes from staging fish—shorten leaders to 7-9 ft in stained water. If user prefers dries (not specified), sparse Blue-Winged Olive emergers (#18) could work in calmer eddies during brief clears.
• Best Times & Tips: Optimal windows are 10 AM-2 PM for solar warming and minimal wind, plus dusk near 5 PM moon influence for streamer action; avoid early mornings below 30°F to prevent hypothermia. High flows (gage heights 3-6 ft) demand wading staffs and life jackets—stick to mapped access points like Junction Pool, and check for icy banks. Monitor for rain/snow showers Tuesday, which could spike levels; pack thermals and watch for slippery rocks.
• Gear Notes: 5-6 wt rods for control in wind and currents; 4-5X tippet on 9 ft leaders. Use floatant-sparing indicators and add split shot for depth in faster water.

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