West Branch Delaware River

Boat Ramps: 8
Access Points: 24
Species: 22

The West Branch Delaware River is a premiere tailwater fishery that flows from New York's Catskill Mountains to the Pennsylvania border, eventually joining the East Branch to form the main Delaware River at Hancock, NY. This 90-mile waterway is divided into two distinct sections by the Cannonsville Reservoir. The lower section below the dam forms one of the most celebrated trout fisheries in the eastern United States, while the upper portion offers excellent stocked trout opportunities. With cold, clear water from reservoir releases maintaining ideal temperatures even during summer, the West Branch is renowned for its prolific insect hatches, wild trout population, and technical fishing challenges that attract anglers from around the world.

New York licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at West Branch Delaware River and what's needed to catch them.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

Brown Trout20 fish · 12.1 inMay 2025
Brown Trout220 fish · 7.5 inMay 2025
Brown Trout20 fish · 12.1 inMay 2025
Brown Trout220 fish · 7.2 inMay 2025
Brown Trout70 fish · 12.1 inMay 2025

Source

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on West Branch Delaware River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on West Branch Delaware River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

New York licenses and regulations

New York Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the weblink below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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New York Fishing License

"You need a fishing license if you are 16 years and older and fishing for: -Freshwater fish species by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, and tip-ups. -Frog species by spearing, catching with the hands, or by use of a club or hook. -Freshwater baitfish for personal use."

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New York Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you to check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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New York Stream Access Laws

Public Fishing Rights (PFRs) are permanent easements purchased by NYSDEC from willing landowners, giving anglers the right to fish and walk along the bank (usually a 33' strip on one or both banks of the stream). This right is for the purpose of fishing only and no other purpose. Fishing privileges may be available on some other private lands with the permission of the landowner. Courtesy toward the landowner and respect for their property will ensure their continued use.

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Take West Branch Delaware River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around West Branch Delaware River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for West Branch Delaware River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish West Branch Delaware River and check the forecast before you go.