Posted on July 16 2023
It's that time again.
Andy didn't like the killing of fish just to determine their age when most of them can be aged using scales. Have put a call in to the DEC's marine biologist in part for clarification of the killing and part to get a feel for the trout population mix by year class. Have not heard back, will follow up this coming week.
Chris Z. - Flymps. I'm a DFO guy.
Tom - I feel your pain. Came here in the late 80's with well over 30 years of experience and got my a-- kicked. Halfway through the Hendrickson hatch every fish has been hooked, by now most have been hooked over a dozen of times. Threw at rising trout yesterday afternoon for an hour and was refused by over fifty trout. Caught one 12 inch rainbow. If you get a room at the Troutfitter you have to wait in line for your time on the redemption bench (when you get skunked). I say fishing the Delaware for a new fly fisherman is like putting a little leaguer in at short for the Yankees. You will no doubt catch more fish in a stream that is stocked with hatchery fish but you will learn more and become a better angler here.
Robert S. - The fish see every fly. They will come up for a close look only if you make a good cast with a fly that resembles what they are eating. If they want to eat it, it will be in their mouth, they don't miss. Right now they are refusing almost everyone's offerings. Why? They don't want to be hooked. If you are getting fish to come up and splash at your fly you are fishing well (just not well enough).
Ed S. - No excuses but you better call and book the bench there aren't any openings until late September. I fished a good hatch with lots of rising fish for an hour Friday and got one fish to eat. It's tough right now.
Dennis - Conditions change from year to year. Last year the Lordville riff had very few fish and even fewer fishermen. This year it was full of fish and so many fishermen I couldn't even get a reservation to fish it. That's one of the things that keeps me trying different pools. Sometimes the pool that has been a dud for years is full of fish and you're the first one to know.
Jack S. - Algae from Hale Eddy up is the worst I've seen in many years. Your dry fly needs to be checked before every cast. Good luck with your sulfur patterns, mine got lots of looks but not many "tooks".
Just curious - Did anyone one get the pyramid vs ice cream cone (inverted pyramid) title on the page about the large number of big fish? Jean missed it completely, said she thought I was hoping someone would get me a free ice cream cone from the Cow Lick.
Thanks for the feedback. I felt like a failure but your reply and guidance are deeply appreciated- it keeps me encouraged. I’m coming back for sure. Those big trout are too addictive! Thanks again!
Re:Pyramids & Ice Cream cones
I didn’t catch that reference the first time through, but if I follow along correctly you feel that the food chain/ environmental niche has become inverted, with the large fish dominating? Which begs the question(s) – are the yearlings an easier/safer meal than the bugs, more available, both or neither?
Great post, as always!
Hello A-119, it was a pleasure to have met and talked with you Wednesday evening on the BR after the thundershowers! I feel everyone’s pain lately as far as refusals I’ve had so many myself! I’ve even watched trout refuse naturals floating by close to me. Although I managed to hook into 7 trout the other night and landing them, it did not come easy! These are the smartest,toughest, acrobatic fish I’ve ever encountered! And yes can be super selective!! I must have had 30 refusals that evening! From what I’ve learned so far on this water especially this time of season one is certainly better off finding the less pressured spots to cast at!! Hopefully with the rains we’ve had lately it will loosen up some fish for the week ahead!! Maybe we will cross paths again until then take care!!
Angler119–I stand by your decision . I’ll bring a sweater and be on “ the bench” in September. Sounds like I’ll meet a lot of nice people who are having similar difficulties. Wow you know it’s difficult when it’s even tough for you . And like Jean and Jim N. I didn’t get the “pyramids and ice cream cones” reference either. Please explain when you get a chance.
I’m with Jean on the “pyramids vs ice cream cones”. But I easily get distracted by ice cream….