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What are some of the rivers that come to mind when talking about smallmouth bass fishing? Do rivers like Maine's Androscoggin River, West Virginia's New River, the John Day River in Oregon and Minnesota's Upper Mississippi enter your mind?
What would you think about a river that local guides claim is the best kept secret in the Northeast?
Healthy populations of smallmouth and prime habitat are what characterize any excellent bass river. But, like many destinations, they seem to always happen someplace too far for a comfortable drive.
The Upper Delaware hosts a world class smallmouth bass fishery yet is only a couple of hours drive from several major metropolitan areas. Its pristine enough to be given special protection by the US Department of the Interior.
In their July, 2007 issue, Field and Stream Magazine named the Upper Delaware River on the NY/PA border as one of the top five smallmouth bass rivers in the US. The four rivers mentioned in the first papagraph complete the line up.
These rivers all share the same common denominator; sizable self sustaining populations of river bred bass and ideal habitat for them to thrive. The Upper Delaware is close enough to New York, Northern New Jersey, Philadelphia and the metropolitan areas that surround them to be reached in a two to three hour drive.
Well known for its wild trout fishery, the Upper Delaware River's reputation as an excellent smallmouth bass fishery has until now, remained mostly local knowledge. From late June to the end of October the smallmouth bass is king. More than sixty miles of prime habitat is the reason these fish have flourished and driven the river into the "top five" status.
The deep pools, riffles, small rapids and deep runs of the Delaware provide an ideal home for these river residents. The abundant insect, baitfish and crayfish populations provide the fuel to these fish that have earned them the reputation as, inch for inch, the hardest fighting fish in freshwater. Whether you are a spin fisherman or fly fisherman the smallmouth bass of the Delaware are always willing to come out and provide excellent light tackle sport.
Cross Current Guide Service & Outfitters are the smallmouth bass experts on this river. Call them for your day on the water.
