Top baits for West Branch Trout

Looking for big trout? Well the West Branch of the Delaware is the place for them. The right baits can make a huge difference between a fish or two and double digits.

Butter Worms or Trevo Worms
Butterworms are the soft bodied larva of the Chilecomadia moorei moth native to the mountains of central Chile. They are known for their strong fruity smell that trout love. They have smooth, fat bodies, with a very soft exoskeleton, as at full maturity these worms will become Chilecomadia moorei moths.
You will be hard pressed to find these in the tackle shops, but they are worth every penny. Not to long ago a couple friends of mine land 40 fish in a couple hours on butters, when fishing in just on hole.


Wax Worms

Wax worms are the soft bodied fat grubs of the Galleria mellonella moth. Easy to store and fairly easy to find at most bait shops or pet stores. Waxies are another smoking bait on the West Branch of the Delaware. Excellent in low flows or when a more finessful presentation is needed. Waxies are particularly useful when scum covers the bottom of the river, as they float. Small hooks and a proper shot pattern will cause waxies to hover just above the bottom and right at feeding level. Think of a wax worm as the caddis on crack.

Crickets
The catching of aquatic insects is illegal on NY trout streams, however stoneflies are simply irritable to West Branch trout. Crickets minus the rear legs are a legal and easy substitute for stoneflies.

Mealworms
Mealworms are the larval form of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, a species of darkling beetle. Mealworms are the most available of the insects in the bait shops and easiest stored. Mealworms are not the best bait going but in a pinch they work well.

Fishing the West Branches at Different Flow Rates

200 cfm
Fishing the WB is somewhat confining at these levels. Holding water becomes more spread out and much walking is in order. Fish are often podded up in the heads of pools that have fast water or holding in the deeper sections. Watching a float may become painful at times and perfect drifting is needed to fool fish who have all day to examine your offering. Summer time the lower sections of the WB, and mainstem are general to hot to fish safely. Stay above Balls Eddy for the best fishing, and safest water temperatures.

200 to 400 cfm
This seems to be becoming the summer time normal flows. Fish are spread out in the larger pools, but still podded up in the smaller one. Early mornings and evening fish move into feeding lanes in riffles, rapids and the heads of pools. Access to the whole river is possible and easy for wading. Pontoon boats are perfect at these levels and will float over almost everything, making mobility a big advantage for the floater. Lower sections of the WB and mainstem are likely to be to hot to fish safely. When in doubt call a fly shop and ask, even if they know you are a pinner(very hated) only a fool would not direct you to safe fishing temperatures.


400 to 700 cfm
Now we're talking. Wading is still easy but cross some sections will be slightly restricted by flows. Fish begin to spread out nicely, and its possible to start trotting more. At this flow jigs, wet flies and emergers show signs of life in them. Look for rising fish and target them by checking the float


700 to 1000
Wading is still fairly easy, but crossing becomes restricted. It is important to choose your access accordingly. Flows are moving nicely and it is creeping up on 13ft rod water, but 11'6" rods are perfect. Fish are spread out in typical trout holding areas. These are great flows to fish.


1000 to 1500 cfm
Its on! For all you big water fisherman the river is now perfect. Access is cut down for most fisherman making a float the perfect way to present an offering. Current breaks are dynamite and attract fish, as do eddys and seams. It is time to get excited about fishing the west branch. Big fish will slam jigs and beefing up line to 10lb test is advisable, to fish 5x-3x leaders. Go big or go home, a 4" white and silver bunny jig can be deadly.


1500 to 2500 cfm
Most fly fisherman are confined to drift boats at this level, but not pinners. Big jigs are key now, as is targeting softer water. The heavy feeders however will be sitting right off fast water exactly where you would expect them to be.

Over 2500 cfm
Its fishable, but its time for a wading staff and lots caution. Fish can be stacked up near the banks so deep wading and long cast are not as important. Big stone flies get washed out of there hiding spots. For that matter so does everything else. I would not be afraid to use a 6" long brown trout pattern, but you better make sure your tippet is up to the possibility. This is not the time to be drifting unless you know what your doing and know the river.

Gearing up for the West Branch

Float fisherman are often caught off guard at the shear size of the water that confronts them on the upper Delaware system. Most pinners that visit the upper Delaware cut their teeth on the tribs of NY, and only make forays to larger waters like the Black, Genny and Oswego.
As a result they assume the worst and arrive with 13ft rods designed for chrome and salmon. Most of these rods are a mis match for the wider, yet slower flows of the west branch.

Flows dictate floats, and floats dictate rods.

Most pinners on the West Branch will use 4-5gram floats, and as such 9-11'6" rods rated for 4-8lbs are best. One of the most enjoyable rods I have fished the West Branch with is St. Croix's WST116LM2. For those unfamiliar it is a 11'6" light action rod rated for 4-10lb line, and is in the Wild River series. Steelheaders often describe this rod as a wet noodle, however for the 2-6lb fish one is likely to encounter this rod is nearly perfect. It allows for a quick load when casting, a fight matched to the size of the fish and most importantly still allows for the fish to be landed quickly. Rods of this description will cover most of the water levels you are likely to encounter on this system. However in high water or fishing the main stem 13ft rods do have their place.
Casting lighter floats because a bit easier with lighter lines and my preference is 8lb siglon, followed by 5x-4x tippets. Fluorocarbon is a must as the water is often clear and the fish fairly educated.

Fishing the West Branch falls someplace between steelheading and local trout fishing. Slight modifications to gear selection and you will find you have a rewarding and fun experience.

Good Luck

Centerpins; Not just for Steelhead Any More

Yes centerpinners and float fishing is evolving from its roots as a steelhead tool. Why? Well its fun, and it's that simple. You can make what you want out of centerpinning, some enjoy bait fishing, some plugs, some jigs and other flies. Like any sport centerpinners have their own scoundrels and cheaters, and unfortunately often times these are the first meetings many have with pinners.
So whats this centerpinning all about? Well for some it is the tremendous amount of fish that you can catch, others its about watching a float like when you where a kid. But for most it is being one on one with a fish, no drag to stop them and no room for error. Every run passes through your hands, and every head shake is telegraphed through the rod. More often then not you can predict what a fish is going to do just by feeling the line. And thats just too cool.

Sounds good? Well why does it work so well?

The answer to that is a simple one, yet the actions need to produce it is not. Centerpinning utilizes a float to provide a long presentation. Generally finesse fishing requires short controlled casting to generate pin point accuracy. Indicator fishing with a fly rod is an excellent example of this. However it is limited to a very short piece of water. Centerpinning expands this pin point accuracy over greater distances.
Unlike indicator fishing centerpinning provides a lure first presentation. Simply put your hook and what ever is attached to it is viewed by the fish before lead, line or leader. It is the ultimate in stealth, and when employed properly can cover 50ft of water to near perfection.

With gas price on the rise every steelhead fisherman wants to maximize their time on the water. For most that means getting out and practicing. Any body of moving water presents an opportunity for the centerpinner. Often time streams with prime trout temperature ranges provide centerpinners with a chance to break away from the baits used steelheading and learn the keys to fishing artificials.

Google Map Ovew View of Access

Here is a little gem of a map, giving pool names, and parking for the West Branch of the Delaware. I can only take credit for finding it, not making it. Make sure you double check all parking areas for yourself as it is important to respect the towns and landowners rights. Enjoy

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Deposit-Above artificial only section

Just up stream from the special regulation section is a large deep pool, that can be accessed from Airport RD or Old Scott Center Rd. This pool begs for attention from traveling float fisherman, and draws the attention of fly, spin and pin fisherman alike. All for good reason, its big and hold big numbers of trout. Best fished during mid to high water levels this pool features fast current leading into a fairly deep drop off. This pool can be a be the saving grace on days where the water is high as it can be accessed and fished in even the highest levels. In fact it fishes rather poorly in the low slower flows.

Above this water is a series of riffle that deserve equal attention. Often time during the early morning, late evening or periods of low light fish will move up from the pool and take up feeding positions through out the fast broken water. Some days every current break yields a fish, someday none do. Regardless it's another one of those ease access don't miss spots.

This section like every other experience good insect emergences, however this pool is particularly good for centerpinners when summer sulfers are emerging. Trout large and small react violently to a sulfer emerger rising off the bottom. Try it sometime you might be surprised.

Deposit-artificial only section

The town of deposit located just off RT 17 offers float fishing a variety of fishing opportunities. However the first thing you should remember is that it is not border water and is wholly in NY. NY license is required as is following all NY DEC fisheries laws and regulations, and it is you responsibility to learn them.
The upper most section of the special regulation section can be found in deposit, beginning
at the Rt 17 overpass an extends downstream 2.0 miles.
NY designates this sections as Artificial lures only, and defines artificial lures as;

Artificial Lures or Bait means artificial imitations of natural bait, manmade flies, spinners, spoons, plugs, jigs, and other lures including those that may contain some natural substances, such as deer hair and feathers.

It is safe to assume flies, jigs, hardware and plastic worms, however a significant gray area is left when considering scented baits. Decision to allow or disallow scented baits such as power worms appears to be left to the discretion of the Conservation Officer. Since this is the case my suggestion it to leave them in the car, as a proper selection of flies will result in similar results. Or better yet if you don't feel confident fishing flies and jigs skip this small section completely.

Should you decided to fish the special regulation section you will find a mixture of flats, and runs. Concentrating on the runs and deeper pools flies can be effectively fished both dead drifting and trotting. In the past I have found that a stone fly pattern followed by a size 18 BWO wet to be an effective combination.

Access can be gain via RT17, or Airport Rd.

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Ball's Eddy

Public access can be gained at PA Fish and Boat Commissions public access ramp and parking at Ball's Eddy access number 843. Located just north of Starlight and two miles east of SR 4037, balls eddy is a small unimproved ramp open to unlimited horse power. However it is best used a access for drift boats, canoes and rafts. Hours of operation are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m and provides access and shore fishing opportunities for float fisherman.
Adjacent to the parking area is a long deep pool that offers easy access and provides good fishing. Constant adjustment will be need to locate the portion and depth of the pool in which fish are holding. With some practice you will learn the bottom and significantly increase your success.

Following the path up stream the river make a hard bend that creates excellent holding water. Best fished upstream, this hole has an undercut tree that harbors a few large fish as well as a gravel bar, and drop off. Because of its close proximity to the parking area it sees heavy pressure, but a stealthy approach and presentation will yield a few fish to the float fisherman.

Upstream of Ball's Eddy is a long shallow flat that is covered in weed beds. These weed beds are major feeding areas for big trout. This section is best approached from upstream, where a delicately placed float(1-3 gr) trotted downstream between the weed rows can produce good fish. Sight fishing to holding fish can increase your productivity on a bright sunny day. Size 18-22 BWO nymphs and scuds are common on this flat, so choose your presentation accordingly.
Fewer casts the better in this area, as the fish can be very spooky in the shallow water. If you happen to see a Bald Eagle working area chances are the jigs up, and it may be best to move on.

Down stream of the ramp the river wanders around grassy banks and is a mixture of riffles, pools and runs. Fish are generally spread out through this area and covering the water effectively is a must. Pack your lunch, water and enjoy the scenery.

Flow rates for Ball's Eddy can be based off of the Hales Eddy's Gauge Located a few miles upstream.

West Branch Access Hancock

Immediately above Shehawken and just below The Delaware River Club is the town of Hancock, NY. Taking PA 191 across the steel bridge public parking will be located immediately to your right. Several access paths lead down to the NY side of the river, and the PA side may be accessed by crossing the bridge into PA. Due the the ease of access this section is often popular with anglers. Immediately downstream of the bridge is a set of riffles leading into a long slow pool. Fishing is often best in the head of the riffles and the transition point between them and the pool. Hancock offers limited float fishing opportunities, however because of its ease of access it can be a quick stop to pick up a fish or two.
Up stream of Hancock, for the angler that doesn't mind a walk, is located several prime float fishing locations. Access can be gained wading along the NY shoreline. Often people will attempt to gain access along the PA side or by using the railroad. Keep in mind that the river is public, however the land is not. All efforts should be made to respect land owners property, avoid trespassing and be informed. Ignorance of a persons property line is not an excuse, and it is your responsibility to look for posted signs and heed them.
Once access is gained, float fisherman will be please with the long moving pools. The walk in is worth every step foot of the longish walk. Don't let the long walk lull you into a feeling of entitlement, as access by private individuals and drift boats is easily done. So do not be surprised when you see other anglers, and don't feel you have the right to crowd them because you took a walk.
However, again the faster water is often over looked by dry fly anglers, and a short walk upstream will yield faster water moving into Delaware River Clubs Home Pool. Just about that is a series of riffles and runs that are very suited to float fishing.
Fishing this section can be very rewarding or very frustrating. At times insect hatches can be large, drawing many fishing to the surface causing the float fisherman to wonder if it is even worth fishing. The answer is yes. Careful inspection of the insect activity can provide you with clues in how to gain some success. Presence of duns on the water provides the float fisherman the opportunity to trot nymphs, wet flies and emergers. Most often strikes will be savage and be the result of checking the float and raising the jig or fly to the surface. The presence of spinners on the water provides the opportunity to fish drowned patterns at a dead drift.
This section is home to large browns and bows, large fish mean meat eaters. Early mornings, late evenings and night provide excellent opportunities to fish large heavily dressed jigs.

Delaware River Access Shehawken

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.