Fishing

 

As part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, the Upper Delaware River is managed to maintain the scenic integrity and biological diversity that makes this area so unique, while leaving the surrounding land in private ownership. The pristine water of the Upper Delaware River provides ideal habitat for a great variety of fish species and is known for its abundant fishing opportunities. Before you head out for your next catch, make sure you review the information on fishing licenses, regulations, and safety on the Upper Delaware River.

 

Licenses and Fishing Guides

A valid New York or Pennsylvania fishing license is required for all anglers, age 16 and older, on the Delaware River between New York and Pennsylvania when fishing from a boat or from either shore. New Jersey fishing licenses are not valid.

Fishing licenses may be purchased from local sporting goods stores or other state license issuing agents.

 

Fish Free Days

Keep an eye out for Fish-For-Free Days during National Fishing Week in June of each year. Along the Upper Delaware, a license is not required on these days. All other regulations still apply.

 

 

Regulations for Fishing on the Delaware

Please review the summary book of laws and regulations that you receive with your fishing license and refer to the boundary and border waters section to find the regulations for catch size, creel limit, and open season. Anglers may use a maximum of two lines. The use of live bait is prohibited.

For Pennsylvania license holders, trout permits are required to take, kill, or possess any trout, in addition to the fishing license.

When planning your fishing trip, check which accesses best meet your needs. Not all public accesses have boat ramps, although all are accessible for smaller, non-motorized boats and wading. If using a boat on your fishing trip, please review our boating page for information on boating regulations in the park.

 

 

Responsible Angling

Please be respectful and responsible on the water by following responsible angling guidelines. 

Responsible Angling Practices

• Follow fishing regulations
• Keep only the fish you plan to use. Learn the proper catch and release techniques. 
• Never stock fish or plants in public waters
• Follow Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose (see below)
• Do not release live bait into the water
• Do not disturb nesting birds
• Handle fish carefully to avoid injury
• Observe safe angling and safe boating
• Follow Pack It In, Pack It Out and Leave No Trace principles
• Leave the area as clean as you found it
• Do not transport fish or aquatic plants from one body of water to another 
• Do not dispose of fish carcasses or by-products in the water 
• Properly dispose of used fishing line

 

Plan Your Upper Delaware River Trip!

 

Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) can introduce disease, transform habitats, and outcompete native species, negatively impacting the river ecosystem. Invasive species can include non-native plants, animals, and other tiny creatures. Help the Upper Delaware River clean and free of invasive species by following the Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose method:

• CLEAN off any aquatic plants, animals, mud, sand, and other debris from your boat, watercraft, gear, boots, paddles, anchor, ropes, or any other equipment used. This includes waders, bait traps, dip nets, fishing lines, downrigger cables, and other field gear. Do this before you arrive.

• DRAIN all water from the boat, including from the motor, livewells and any other compartments. Do not dump water or organisms (such as live bait) from one body of water to another.

• DRY all equipment for at least five days in the sun or with high-pressure, hot water. Dry with a towel before reuse.

• DISPOSE of all unwanted bait, fish parts, and packing materials in the trash. Do not dump them in the water or on land.

 

 

Hook, Line, and Safety

Before heading out on or into the water, always check the weather forecast, the park’s current conditions, and river levels. The US Geological Survey (USGS) provides detailed information on the Upper Delaware River water temperature, discharge, and river level height at the Barryville and Callicoon gauges. Learn more about river conditions and related paddling recommendations.

Visitors can also call the Upper Delaware River Hotline at 845-252-7100 to receive daily information about the river height, temperatures, and boating conditions. Check ahead so you can come prepared. This hotline is active from May 1st through October 31st.

 

Wearing a life jacket is one of the easiest things you can do to ensure your safety on the river.

Life jackets are required to be within reach of anyone in a boat, tube, or vessel while on the river.

They are required to be worn by children 12 years old and younger and by everyone when the river height reaches 6 feet or above. During the cold water season from November 1st to April 30th, everyone is required to wear a life jacket regardless of river height.

We recommend life jackets are worn at all times, regardless of age, river height, tempearture, and time of year.

 

 

Become a Fishing Junior Ranger!