Located at the intersection of PA routes 191 and 370 is a PA Fish and Boat Commission Delaware River access point, number 844. Open to the public between the hours of 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. this access has ample parking for shore and boat anglers. The ramp itself is unpaved and is open to unlimited horse power vessel, although the primary usage is drift boats, rafts and canoes.
Access information and an interactive map may be found at the PA Fishing Commission under Wayne County.
Shehawken offers float fisherman excellent waters to fish for large trout. Immediately adjacent and beginning slightly up stream to the parking area is a long fast run. As you progress downstream the character becomes less conducive to float fishing with long shallow pools, best fished only during periods of high water between 400 and 1000 cfms. Water flows may be checked using the Hancock U.S.G.S. Gauge located a short distance up stream.
Below these pools that river begins to change character and picks up speed as it moves to join the East Branch and form the Main Stem of the Delaware River. A short section of pocket water is located just above the Junction Pool. This section is perfect for trotting large stone fly jigs, plastic baits and an assortment of flies. The character of this water lends itself to the presence of bows, which often lay in the fast heads of these small pockets making it important to approach from above and trot down into them.
Once through the pocket water you will reach the Junction Pool. This is the granddaddy of them all, and is formed by the meeting of the East and West Branch. This pool starts fast and tapers back to a long sweeping pool and is perfect for float fishing. However it is a popular destination for anglers of all types. Popular with dry fly anglers it is often to busy to effectively float fish. Fishing during periods of non hatch activity will often be your best bet. Bear in mind that an angler sitting on the bank should not be considered to be not fishing. It is common practice to wait for rising fish, or to rest rising fish for a period of time. There is plenty of water and fish in this system, so move on and find someplace where you will not disturb rising fish.
Just downstream of the Junction pool is a beautiful set of runs, side cuts and riffles, while it is a bit of a walk often times it can be fished productively with out disturbing fly fisherman as their focus is on the rise forms in the flat water above.
From the Junction Pool downstream angler need to be very conscious of water temperatures. The Junction Pool is a mixing pot of often two different temperature waters and a reading from the West Branch side may not necessarily be indicative of the temperature where the two stems meet. If you are going to fish this section make sure that the water temperatures remain in the low 70's to ensure the best survival rates for released fish.
Shehawken offers up good fishing early spring, fall, and winter but is marginal during summer months do to warming waters. Anglers should consult the flow schedules, take temperatures and make an informed decision before fishing the lower sections during low water or summer. When in doubt visit one of the many fly shops in the area, pick up a couple nymphs and ask where it is safe to begin trout fishing.
