Delaware River Fly Fishing Report - January 1/18/2026
DELAWARE RIVER FLY FISHING REPORT
January 18, 2026 — Tailwater trout, winter midges and tight presentations
Report Date: January 18, 2026 | Next Update: January 25, 2026
Current River Conditions
Cold-water winter fishing is in effect. The Delaware is producing winter eats—midges, sparse baetis and deep-holding trout. Aim for subtle presentations and be mindful of slick banks and icy access.
Flows & Clarity
Flow: Varies by reach and releases; expect fluctuating but fishable winter flows in most sections.
Clarity: Generally clear to slightly stained in sections below urban tributaries — good visibility for nymphing.
Flow: Varies by reach and releases; expect fluctuating but fishable winter flows in most sections.
Clarity: Generally clear to slightly stained in sections below urban tributaries — good visibility for nymphing.
Water Temperature
Current: Mid-to-high 30s°F (around freezing to ~3°C).
Trend: Cold and steady; fish are holding in deeper seams and slack water.
Current: Mid-to-high 30s°F (around freezing to ~3°C).
Trend: Cold and steady; fish are holding in deeper seams and slack water.
Weather Snapshot
This week: Cold with periodic sun; periods of light rain/sleet possible. Wind: light to moderate — dress in layers.
This week: Cold with periodic sun; periods of light rain/sleet possible. Wind: light to moderate — dress in layers.
Access & Licenses
Most public access points are open but watch for ice near banks. Carry the appropriate state license for the section you fish (PA / NJ / NY). Check local municipal closures and private property signage.
Most public access points are open but watch for ice near banks. Carry the appropriate state license for the section you fish (PA / NJ / NY). Check local municipal closures and private property signage.
Hatch Chart & Insect Activity
| Insect | Size | Activity Level | Where & When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midges (larvae & pupae) | #18–24 | High | All reaches; best late morning to warmest afternoon pockets |
| Baetis / BWO (light hatch spells) | #18–22 | Low–Moderate | Warm, sheltered stretches on sunny days |
| Caddis (limited) | #14–18 | Light | Evenings along slower tails and back eddies |
| Stoneflies (patchy) | #8–14 | Very Light | Shallow riffles in upper tributary-fed stretches |
| Egg/Scud targets (trout focus) | n/a (soft flies & blobs) | Moderate | Deep seams and tailouts where trout concentrate |
Recommended Flies (links to order / reference)
Winter on the Delaware rewards a patient, subtle approach. Below are proven patterns (highly ranked selections) with links — match sizes to the insect table above and fish depth.
Dry Flies / Emergers
- Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) — Tan — best evening or caddis-feeding pockets.
- Parachute - Blue Wing Olive — reliable baetis impression in tight-size waters.
- Stealth Link Mercer - PMD — soft emerger profile when PMD activity shows.
- Parachute - March Brown — go-to when larger mayfly activity appears on sunny pockets.
Nymphs & Jigs
- Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig — Olive — excellent as a jig below indicators or on tight Euro rigs.
- Tungsten Dart — Red — small, dense point fly for deep seams and faster current.
- Roza's World Spain Perdigon — Barbless — slick perdigon for subtle takes and tight drifts.
- Pheasant Tail — Tungsten — versatile imitation for baetis and nymph trout feeding lanes.
Streamers & Pike/Predator Patterns
- Egan's Poacher — Olive — a great anchor-style streamer for deeper pools and drop-offs.
- Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow — Sculpin — target marauding trout in structure seams.
- Joe's Mini Crayfish Jig — small cray imitation for low, slow retrieves near rock piles.
- Sculpzilla — Olive — articulated baitfish/sculpin profile for aggressive strikes.
Midge / Egg / Micro Patterns (winter staples)
- Black Zebra Midge (TBH) — go small and subtle in cold water windows.
- Top Secret Midge — excellent for indicator or tight Euro presentations.
- Redneck Midge — another effective winter micro.
- Bling Midge — Black — use when a little flash triggers finicky trout.
Tactics & Quick Rigging
Winter is a slow, precision game. Read fish location (deep seams, tails, slacks) and present low-and-slow.
Nymphing
- Indicator or Euro (tight-line) rigs both work. Use tungsten jig nymphs to reach bottom quickly. Leaders: 9–11' 4X–6X for winter trout.
- Strike detection: watch subtle pauses and weight changes — fish often inhale slowly in cold water.
Dry Fly / Emerger
- When baetis or caddis activity shows, drift emerger patterns and smaller parachutes in seams and pocket water. Keep drifts drag-free.
- Presentation wins: long, natural drifts near inside seams and behind small current breaks.
Streamers
- Fish streamers on a short line with aggressive strips in cold spells (to provoke a reaction) or slow sweeps in clear, deep pools.
- Use a 6–8 wt with a stout leader when swinging larger sculpin/baitfish imitations.
Where to Fish — By Reach
Upper Basin (Catskills / Hancock area)
Cleaner water, classic trout pockets. Best for tight nymphing and midges in January.
Cleaner water, classic trout pockets. Best for tight nymphing and midges in January.
Middle River (Dingmans / Milford)
Mix of pocket water and deeper runs — good for streamer work and jigs near current seams.
Mix of pocket water and deeper runs — good for streamer work and jigs near current seams.
Lower River (Trenton / Wilmington areas)
Wider, warmer stretches hold tailwater trout and predators — focus deeper structure and baitfish streamers.
Wider, warmer stretches hold tailwater trout and predators — focus deeper structure and baitfish streamers.
Gear, Leaders & Tippet
- Rods: 3–5 wt for finesse nymph/dry, 6–8 wt for streamers.
- Lines: Floating for dries & nymphs (with long leaders) — switch to weight-forward sink tips for heavy streamers.
- Leaders & tippet: 9–12' leaders, 4X–6X tippet for nymphs/drys; 2X–3X for streamers.
- Use tungsten jigs and small perdigons to get to depth in winter flows.
Regulations, Safety & Conservation
The Delaware crosses multiple jurisdictions — ensure you carry the correct state license and follow possession/size limits for the stretch you fish. Winter bank conditions can be icy; wear traction devices and a floatation vest if wading deeper water. Practice careful handling: wet hands, quick photo, and revive trout before release.
Short-Term Forecast & Strategy
Over the next 7 days expect continued cold with intermittent cloud and sun. Fish the warmest, sheltered windows for surface activity; otherwise work mid-depth and bottom with jigs / tungsten nymphs. If a sunny afternoon appears, try a short dry/emerger session where baetis shows.
