Bass Fishing a bust, Delaware Exceeded Expectations

Bill is in the zone

Unfortunately we had to cancel the bass outing on the CT River. Flows were just too high. Safe wading is between 4,000 and 7,000 CFS. Current flows were at 16,300 cfs. There was a but, we planned a trip to the West Branch anglers on the Shores of the Delaware River three days later August 9 through 11.

The 10 man crew

We had 5 cabins, each sleeping 2 vets and vols right near the river. Cabins were absolutely perfectly well kept and clean.

Day one we settle in and headed to the Riverside restaurant for dinner right on the property.

The next morning we paired the guys up, setting them up with guides for a float trip down Delaware. Depending on the guide the vets fished twin nymphs, dry droppers, or dry flies. Four of our vets brought fish to the net, and Edwin was an over-achiever landing 5. Mike had 2, Manny and Bill one each. They all had more on that fish that practiced social distancing.

The Dry Fly Crew

Two boats chose a more challenging style, fishing dries to rising fish. No fish to the net, but that was made up for with the float down a pristine rive loaded with deer, eagles, and more. All this helps with the recovery.

Bill Bring One to the Net

guide the vets fished twin nymphs, dry droppers, or dry flies. Four of our vets brought fish to the net, and Edwin was an over-achiever landing 5. Mike had 2, Manny and Bill one each.

Midafternoon, while on the river we were caught in a driving rain with thunder, The smartest thing was to head in, dry off and head to Amanda's Family restaurant a local's favorite where they met a local vet and swapped some stories. Great night!

Amanda's Dinner on Night Two

While out for dinner at Amanda's a local vet joined us and stories were swapped.

The Nymph Team

Edwin showing one of his 5 to the net

Day 3 Tim O took control of the team, we packed up, did some wade fishing with wet flies. All were tired and headed back.

Conclusion, this being a team effort, so no one was skunked. Next year we will be back with a bigger crew.

Next up Doc's Pond this coming Saturday 8/22, followed by Pint Night on 8/27, our biggest fundraiser of the year.

Our biggest fundraiser of the year

I hope you can join us and support Vets Healing on the Fly allowing us to continue our mission.

See you in 2 weeks,

Tight lines,

Don