Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

West Branch Delaware River - Walton - New York

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Al's Rat
Winter Stoneflies Midday 14-18 Black Stonefly Nymph
February Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Al's Rat
Winter Stoneflies Midday 14-18 Black Stonefly Nymph
Blue Winged Olive Mid-day 18-20 Blue Winged Olive, Comparadun
March Blue Winged Olive Mid-day 18-20 Blue Winged Olive, Comparadun
Quill Gordon Morning 12-14 Quill Gordon Dry Fly
Black Caddis Afternoon 14-18 EHC Black, Caddis Pupa
April Blue Winged Olive Afternoon 14-18 BWO Parachute, Olive Scud
Hendricksons Mid-day 14-16 Dark Hendrickson, Red Quill
March Browns Mid-day 12-14 March Brown, Hair Wing
Grannom Caddis All Day 14-18 Grannom, Elk Hair Caddis
May Sulphurs Evening 14-16 Sulphur Parachute, Light Cahill
March Browns Mid-day 10-12 March Brown, Hair Wing
Gray Fox Evening 14-16 Gray Fox Variant, Usual
Green Drakes Morning 8-10 Coffin Fly, Green Drake Dun
Brown Drakes Evening 10-12 Brown Drake Parachute, Brown Drake Spinner
Ants and Beetles All Day 16-18 Ant, Beetle
June Sulphurs Evening 14-16 Sulphur Parachute, Light Cahill
Isos Evening 10-12 ISO Parachute, Dark Stonefly Nymph
Ants and Beetles All Day 16-18 Ant, Beetle
Damsel flies Morning 12-14 Damsel Nymph, Damsel Dry
Light Cahill Evening 12-14 Usual, Light Cahill
July Tricos Morning 20-24 Trico Spinner, Trico Dun
Slate Drakes Evening 10-12 Slate Drake Parachute, Slate Drake nymph
Ants and Beetles All Day 16-18 Black Ant, Beetle
Blue Quills Afternoon 16-18 Blue Quill, Adams
August Slate Drakes Evening 10-12 Slate Drake Parachute, Slate Drake nymph
Ants and Beetles All Day 16-18 Black Ant, Beetle
Tricos Morning 20-24 Trico Spinner, Trico Dun
Terrestrials All Day 12-16 Hopper, Cricket
September Slate Drakes Evening 10-12 Slate Drake Parachute, Slate Drake nymph
White Flies Evening 12-14 White Wulff, Light Cahill
Terrestrials All Day 12-16 Hopper, Cricket
October Blue Winged Olive Afternoon 18-22 BWO Parachute, Olive Scud
October Caddis All Day 8-10 October Caddis Pupa, Elkhair Caddis
Terrestrials All Day 12-16 Hopper, Cricket
November Blue Winged Olive Mid-day 18-22 BWO Parachute, Olive Scud
Winter Stoneflies Midday 14-18 Black Stonefly Nymph
December Winter Stoneflies Midday 14-18 Black Stonefly Nymph
Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Al's Rat

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The West Branch Delaware River in Walton, NY is a haven for anglers looking for the thrill of fly fishing. Some of the best spots include:

  • Walton Mountain Area: Known for its slow moving waters and deep pools, it’s excellent for catching wild brown, brook and rainbow trout.
  • Walton-Delhi Border: This area is popular due to the mix of slow and fast moving waters, offering numerous fly fishing opportunities.
  • The “Junction Pool”: The spot where the East and West branches meet. This area is famous for its large trout.
  • Stilesville: Close to a major release point from the Cannonsville Reservoir, fish are abundant here.
  • Deposit: This area offers a broad range of fish species and significant hatches of insects, attracting a plethora of trout.

Remember to check local fishing regulations before you cast a line.

Best Access Points

The West Branch Delaware River – Walton offers unique access points for incredible fly-fishing experiences. Here are the best locales:

  • Stilesville: An excellent starting point.
  • Deposit: Accessible via Route 17, perfect for wading and floating.
  • Hale Eddy: Offers excellent hatches and known for its wild trout.
  • Junction Pool: Where the East and West branches meet, suitable for boat fishing.
  • Buckingham Access: This site is frequently stocked with trout and has rest facilities.

Furthermore, few tactics that could be helpful are:

  1. Floating: Allows covering more water and getting to hard-to-reach spots.
  2. Nymphing: Best used in the colder months for deeper waters.
  3. Dry fly fishing: Effective during insect hatches.

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout – Noted as the most popular fish among fly fishers in Walton, the Brown Trout is highly abundant and offers a challenging catch.
  • Rainbow Trout – These fish are known for their unique color palette and exciting leap behavior when caught, making them a favorite choice.
  • Brook Trout – Native to the West Branch Delaware River, Brook Trout are known for their distinctive markings and often targeted by more experienced anglers.
  • Smallmouth Bass – Known for their resilience, Smallmouth Bass provide a great challenge and a satisfying feeling upon landing them on the line.
  • American Shad – This migratory species ventures upstream for spawning, which coincides perfectly with the fly fishing season.
  • Walleye – Walleye can be found in deep holes and undercuts in the river, making them a challenging but rewarding catch.
  • Northern Pike – Mostly found in slow-moving sections of the river, Northern Pike are aggressive and determined fighters and are known for their mouthful of sharp teeth.
  • Yellow Perch – Although often overlooked because they’re smaller, Yellow Perch can be a fun catch on a light fly rod, especially for beginners.

About The River

Embracing the heart of New York’s rural landscape, the West Branch Delaware River – Walton is a true treasure. This river’s tale begins from its humble origins in the majestic Catskill Mountains, meandering gracefully through lush forests and rolling valleys.

The region’s rich history comes alive as the river’s crystal-clear waters flow past thriving farmlands, quaint villages, and historic landmarks. These sights are beautiful reminders of the river’s significant role in nurturing early settler communities.

Today, the West Branch Delaware River serves as an invaluable ecosystem, supporting diverse wildlife species and offering recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, and breathtaking nature walks. It’s not just a river; it’s a living repository of nature, history, and heritage.

  • New York’s vibrant rural beauty encapsulated in one river
  • A vital historical landmark, echoing the growth of early settler communities
  • A flourishing ecosystem and the lifeline of local wildlife
  • A playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers
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