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.
Monday, July 7, 2008
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;
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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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.
View Larger Map
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.
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.
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.
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.
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