Fishing the Great Lakes Tributaries

As with any fall we run a handful of group trips to fish for Steelhead, Salmon and Lake Trout on the Great Lakes Tributaries. Each year we change up locations and groups but one thing remains constant – we have fun. Here are a few fish from this years trips.

Each year the pressure on the tributaries becomes greater and greater. Anglers new and old love to land big fish and get the “big fish pic”

The tributary fishing is not technical at all compared to fishing for wild trout on the Beaverkill, Willowemoc or Upper Delaware River system. My favorite part is the shenanigans in the lodge. This years highlight was Scotties venison chili. Thanks to Hugh who supplied the meat.

To get on a trip next year email or call to lock in a spot.

Unreal Late Season Fishing

With the high water filling out the late season here are a few of the fish taken in the final weeks of the 2021 season. We worked hard on nymphing the runs and working the pools with big streamers. The only reason we are stopping is due to the fish are in full spawn and we wish to keep them happy while spawning. Only small fish were rising so we put the dries away in attempt to go for size not quantity.

Late Summer High Water, Bugs and Rising Fish

I haven’t updated in a bit. I took two weeks off for mid summer wedding season for family members. Since August the rivers have been flowing very well. The fall fishing the past two weeks is hot while night fishing remains not good.

Water Conditions

The reservoir levels are both way up.

The Pepacton is currently at 95.4 percent (140.2B gallons.) The Downsville Dam is releasing 672 CFS of water down the East Branch of the Delaware River.

The Cannonsville is 92.4 percent (95.7B gallons.) Stilesville is releasing 1400 CFS of water down the West branch of the Delaware River.

Fishing Report

The fishing the past two weeks aside from some sunny days has been epic. We’ve taken some of the best fish of the year on dry flies. Most of my current clients haven’t picked up a bobber rod all day. We have had Yellow Drakes, ISO’s, Blue Wing Olives, Cahills, Caddis and Ants. Some recent trips provided memories we will soon not forget. It all due to the water levels being great.

More Water = More Rocks Covered = More Bugs = Happy Fish

Also Rest In Peace to my favorite comedian of all time. Take some time to YouTube some of his old non mainstream stuff. RIP.