Big wild trout like this are in eminent danger from the low FFMP releases

IMPORTANT HATCH AND RIVER INFORMATION

The record cool temperatures that we have enjoyed since early May and the abundant rainfall has kept the water temps reasonably cool. Water levels on all branches remain high and near flood conditions due to storms on June 20 & 21 and the West Branch and East Branch are running around 4600 and 6900 cfs respectively with the Main Stem well over 10,000 cfs, and all should remain high throughout the week. 

The 15 day forecast is for high 70's and low 80's throughout the period with overnight lows in the high 50's and low 60's.  Due to the FFMP plan now in effect, the 'watercrats' are releasing 1500 cfs from Cannonsville - this will continue until the Cannonsville reservoir, which is now over 102% full, is reduced to 100% then they will drop the release to a low 325 cfs for the entire summer ( totally ridiculous and unnecessary) creating more flood risks and high water temperatures.

 The low 325 cfs (FFMP) release at Cannonsville during this time of the year is unacceptable and harmful for the rivers, wild trout and the insect populations. Why the authorities refuse to release 600cfs on the WB (that's what it takes to keep the water temp below 70 degrees at the Buckinghan ramp) is incomprehensible, especially since the reservoirs at Cannonsville and Pepacton are totally full and spilling and flood threatening!!

Even if they were not, there is more than enough water for NYC, other users, and the fishery to afford a consistent 650 cfs release from April through September, plus a 200 cfs release on the EB. This had been proven with the same numbers and science used in the "water authorities" studies and programs. You can read it in the FUDR study which was submitted to the "water folks" in early April.

Recently the NYSDEP sent out a press release, with a lot of hoopla that states that they have added an additional 65 cfs to the current 260 cfs release for a total of 325cfs, that will continue through August 2009. Wow, Big Deal!! the release will mean little or nothing for the water temperatures in the lower WB (from the game lands down) and the entire upper Main Stem, where the water temps will go over 70F degrees. It only takes high seventies and low eighties weather to create this condition on 80% of the fishery with a 325 cfs release! During these conditions, the famous wild trout population will be severely stressed, and those fish that can't find cooler water will most likely die. It's criminal to subject one of the "best wild trout fisheries in the world" to this kind of treatment, especially when the water is obviously available, and everyone knows it!

Hatches:

Hatching activity picked up from June 16 - 19 when the water folks released 1500 cfs from Cannonsville in their last minute feeble attempt to prevent a flood (thank God Mother Nature dumped only 1-1/2 inches instead of 3 inches or it would have been another disaster like we had in 2006).  I floated the WB with my friend Mark on June 19th before the flood  There were heavy hatches of Sulfers and Stenos and the fish were rising due to the cold 50 degree water.  The trout were very fussy, we hooked about 10 and landed 6.  Hatching started at 3 PM and went on till around 7 PM.  The E. dorothea (Sulfer #18, 20, 22) were very heavy.  BWO's (Psuedos #22-26) and Cornuta #14 and #16 were also in good numbers, as were Stenos, #14, the cream-tan and yellow varieties.  Now that the water temperatures are higher than a few days ago, due to the spill mixing with the 1500cfs  release, it will be interesting to see how that plays out with the hatches and rising trout by the end of the week, when the water and water temp drops.

 Normally the "summer hatches" of Sulfurs, Stenos, BWOs and other mayflies and caddis, begin in July  and go through the early September. This insect group needs a much lower water temp. regime to hatch during the daylight hours (48-56 degrees). Unfortunately, these conditions will only be found on 10% of the fishery due to the low summer releases on the WB and EB. A consistant 600 cfs release would keep the entire WB water temperature in the 50's and the Main Stem in the low 60's for the upper 5 miles and it would go far to reduce the chance of floods.. It is estimated by scientists, that this release would at least double the insect and trout populations on the WB and Main Stem. The "water authorities" have not yet responded to the FUDR Plan which calls for a constant 600 - 650 cfs release on the WB throughout the season, from April - September. See link below for the FUDR Plan. Also below, see current hatch list and click on USGS gages for the current flows on all the river branches.

Very Very Important!                               

We have been extremely lucky this spring with record cool weather and lots of rain, However, it looks like the party may be over with the recent warm weather forecast, and the dropping of the water.  Due to current FFMP release plan that is now in effect (but not approved, even by those who initially supported the plan), the river is in great jeopardy!  Yes, all parties, including the "watercrats" that wrote the plan, realize that the FFMP is not acceptable for the trout fishery or for flood mitigation, yet they insist on keeping the destructive plan in effect until they see fit to change it!  Meanwhile, the trout fishery, habitat and the local economies continue to suffer.

One of the bright spots in 2009 has been the support of the Pa. Fish and Boat Comm. for much higher releases on the West Branch. To my knowledge, it is the only state agency that has come out to the public with statements for much higher releases out of Cannonsville reservoir to protect the WB and Main Stem, at least to Lordville. Let's hope that they are not side tracked by the weak stance of the NYSDEC on the upper Delaware fishery issues.

If you are concerned (and you should be) by the fact that the West Branch and Main Stem fishery are extremely vulnerable to the first warm days and planned low releases, you can do something about it by calling or e'mailing the leaders of the state agencies.  Tell them that the West Branch needs much bigger releases of 600 cfs - that's what it takes to also keep the West Branch and Main Stem fishery viable to Lordville ( with water temperatures under 70 degrees F). See below to find the email list of politicians and agency folks that you should write to, or call,  and be sure to copy all - we can't do this without your help!

The Friends if the Upper Delaware River (FUDR), together with 7 other river advocate and flood mitigation groups, have recently put forth a plan to NYC and the parties of the decree  for a steady release plan. It is a comprehensive document based on science. FUDR's Plan does not increase the risk that NYC will not be able to meet its water supply need! The science shows that there is plenty of water  for the fishery without disturbing any of the NYC and downstream users water!!   SEE LINKS, click here for the FUDR plan! 

Current Hatches

- Hydropsyche (tan caddis #16, #18, #20

- Psuedos, (small BWO #20, #24, #24 at dusk and on cloudy days) 

-Various Steno species, duns and spinners ( #14, #12)

-Isonychia  #12-3x and 4xl , sparce

-Sulfurs (E. dorothea), #16, #18, #20, #22)

-Sulfurs (E. dorothea), Spinners #16, #18, #20)

 * Activity  has been best on cloudy days and at dusk on most days, early morning fishing can be decent,  On the upper WB when there is cold water (between 48-56 degrees), look for hatching to start around 1 PM and go to 6 PM

Click here for my 2009 Delaware River Trout photos.  

Please Support Friends of the Upper Delaware to help the sustain the wild trout that we all love. Click here to find out more or e-mail info@fudr.org to receive the latest alerts and updates.

Check out our 2008 River Update Photo Gallery here

The size of these fish make the West Branch one of the top wild trout rivers in the world for dry fly fishing.

Click Here for Al Caucci Fly Fishing photos from around the world.

Politicians to contact for Delaware River Issues (Please copy and paste):

Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC)
Carol Collier, executive director	carol.collier@drbc.state.nj.us
Bob Tudor, deputy executive director	Robert.tudor@drbc.state.nj.us
Jack Markell, gov. Delaware	jack.markell@state.de.us
Jon Corzine, gov. New Jersey	ed.mcbride@gov.state.nj.us
David Patterson, gov. New York	governor@state.ny.us
Edward Rendell, gov. Pennsylvania	gov@state.pa.us
New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP):
Paul Rush, deputy commissioner	pzanetti@dep.nyc.gov
Tina Johnstone, dir of ops west of Hudson	tjohnstone@dep.nyc.gov
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC):
Pete Grannis, commissioner	pgrannis@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Jim Tierney, assistant commissioner	jmtierne@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Chris Amato, assistant commissioner	caamato@nr.dec.state.ny.us
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP):
John Hanger, secretary	johnhanger@state.pa.us
Cathy Myers, deputy secretary	cathymyers@state.pa.us
John T. Hines	johnhines@state.pa.us
U.S. Geologic Survey and River Master
Stephen F. Blanchard, River Master	sfblanch@usgs.gov
Gary N. Paulachok	gnpaulac@usgs.gov

HOW TO FISH THE WEST BRANCH AT VARIOUS FLOW RATES

200 - when the river drops below 200 cfs, floating is not possible and wading is easy. Fish the areas of moving water as the slow pools can get difficult. The lower stretches can get warm on sunny days.

200-400 - This is a nice level as wading is easy and there is enough flow to keep the river moving. Floating can mean a lot of dragging too. Look for fish in the tails of riffs and in the deeper stretches of pools. Lower stretches can warm up on hot, sunny, summer days.

400-700 - Great wading and floating along the entire river. The whole river stays cool and usually fishes nicely. Look for active fish throughout the river system.

700-1000 - This level is the best of both worlds. There is plenty of water to float and you can wade the river nearly everywhere. At this level look for fish out of the main current.

1000-1500 - At this level floating comes into its own. Wading is still possible in some areas, but floating is easy and gives you the ability to reach all the working fish. You will start to find fish along the banks at this level. The fish will look for slower water in which to position themselves.

1500-2500 - the river really changes character at this level. Wading is really not possible, but floating the river can yield really nice fishing. Fish can be caught on streamers and you need to find surface feeding fish along the banks and back eddies. At this level big browns can be active during the day and will take streamers.

2500+ - At this level floating is possible and fishing can be good. Wading is not possible and is dangerous. Streamers cast to the banks will take fish. Dry fly action is limited.

For more information please refer to: Al Caucci's Online Match the Hatch Chart