It has been over 40 years since my first cast to a trout on the Delaware River.  After decades learning from some of the best to ever fish the Upper Delaware’s flows, my wife and I built a home on the banks of the Delaware so we could enjoy all this marvelous region offers.  I felt so incredibly blessed to live here and have a drift boat that, despite many suggesting I should guide on the river, I resisted.  My priority was to be available for my friends to experience the beauty, hidden treasures and magnificence of the Delaware.  From 2019 through 2022, I took them on trips, introducing my buddies to the river I love.  I felt phenomenally fortunate to be able to do that for my buddies.

In one conversation, that all changed.  A fellow guide said to me, “Bob.  I appreciate that.  I really do.  But what about all the people you are not letting experience that.  You have a lot to offer and your friends should not be the only ones to get to know it.”  It was time to share my passion for the Delaware with a wider circle.  Modeling my guide service after one of the great saltwater guides on Long Island (Ken Turco), I now share what many consider some of the finest, and most challenging, wild trout fishing in North America with those who seek the challenge.  I am both a NYS and PA licensed guide and am authorized by the US to fish the Delaware River Wild and Scenic area.

From April through early November, my Hyde drift boat dances on the Delaware’s flows.  Here is a rough schedule of what can  be expected:

The latter part of April through July 1, I typically focus on trout on the Main Stem.  We are supposed to enjoy the day together and that is hard to do if swarms of drift boats are casting to the same fish you are trying to catch.  Delaware trout are remarkably difficult and that kind of pressure can ruin the day, so I try to avoid the West Branch, which is typically mobbed. 

July through mid August the pressure on the West decreases and there is excellent summer trout fishing, so I spend a lot of time around Deposit. 

July through October is a fantastic time for warmwater species.  Smallmouth, walleye, yellow perch and fat, feisty red breasted sunfish gorge on the run of baby shad to the ocean.  Streamers fished deep are the way to go, with poppers as the sun sets.

Early September the Main Stem temperatures typically recede and the whole system from the reservoirs down fires up.  Personally, the second half of September through the first frost in November is my favorite time of year to fish.  There are not many boats on the river and, while the days are shorter, fish furiously fattening up for winter are aggressive!  Dry flies and streamers are very productive and the hatches are remarkably predictable.

A day on the river includes lunch and any needed equipment.  During the long days of Spring and Summer, days are typically 10 hours (or more) long.  Autumn days are shorter.  Prices are as follows:

April through August, $525 for a full day (8 hours minimum, typically 10 – 12) or $450 for a half day (6 hours)

September and October, $450 for a full day (6 hours or more)

My contact info is as follows:

JCnflies@charter.net

Phone:  (H) 845.887.3161

               (C) 631.790.5326