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Step 1
Fly fish at the Upper Delaware River from the first Saturday after April 11 until September 30. If flows are low, the trout tend to migrate upstream, so it is advisable to call in advance and check out the flows.
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Step 2
Know that much of the river can be accessed by shore or by boat. Wading is also possible, but can be tricky in certain areas due to thick weeds and steep drop-offs where the river runs up against wooded ridges or large boulders. Guides are also available from a number of companies for a small fee.
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Step 3
Fish for warm-water and trout fish. Although most of the popular focus is on the Delaware's amazing trout fishing, it is also a fairly good warm-water fishery. The river still has excellent bass fishing below the cold water zone. Additionally, the former New Jersey state record Musky was caught in this river, and each spring the shad make their annual run up the river to spawn. The Delaware offers much more for the advanced fisherman than just trout.
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Step 4
Bring an 8 or 9 foot, 5 to 7 weight rod. Also recommended are chest-high waders with felt soles for the spots on the river where wading is possible. A variety of flies is also advisable as the trout can be finicky eaters.
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Step 5
Be patient. The Delaware River system can be frustrating. These fish tend to be quite selective when feeding, and even the most advanced fisherman have trouble picking the right flies and going out at the right times. Do not get discouraged if the catches are slow at first.
