West Branch Anglers, "The BEST Trout Fly- Fishing Resort in Eastern USA"

I know I often promote WBA for their services, property location, and fishing potential, but why not?! You can have it all at WBA. They have plenty of private river frontage, plenty of fish, shallow riffs, heavy riffs, glides, braids, calm water, and deep water, easy access, and beautiful clean accommodations. This video is just SOME highlights of two early mornings adventures BEFORE breakfast! That doesn't mean it's easy catching fish there, because believe me, it's not, but the potential IS there. Hope you get a chance someday to stay there and enjoy what they have to offer. Please check out their website about them, daily fishing reports, and links to various USGS gages throughout the Upper Delaware River system.

[@toddwilcox142]

Some awesome mornings at the West Branch Angler resort. Outstanding video Scott. Thank you for always being so helpful and unselfish. You always help so many people that have limited time to fish. Keep doing what you’re doing brother. We love your videos.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey Todd! We sure had a few great mornings, amazing what is possible, even before breakfast. Appreciate you watching and commenting and all your support.

[@DonohoeDSc]

Agree 100% on the West Branch Anglers water, accommodations and location for quick access to regional fishing; fishing till dark in front of the cabin can’t be beat.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Well said brother! Almost an all-inclusive experience, but we do still gotta put in the work to catch the fish. Glad to hear you’ve had good times up there. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@berks8260]

Awesome outing as usual. Very nice Fish even though a few got off early 😊 but of course that happens….looking forward to when I can get up there….

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Thanks Phil! If I can keep my landing percentage above 50% on the Delaware, I’m happy 😃. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@BIGJ3748]

Nice job Scott. Really enjoyed it, thanks.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

You’re welcome Big J, and my pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@richschaeffer5366]

Great job Scott as usual, you are a great teacher& share all your knowledge with all who listen. I've been to West Branch Anglers you are right it is a great destination right out your front door. So why do people care if it's a commercial They should let you stay for free you are a good guy & ambassador for the sport. Always a pleasure watching you fish & learning from your technique.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Thank you Rich for your kind words, now you sound like a commercial for PA WOODS N WATER, ha! But I have a great relationship with the guys in the fly shop, no special treatment expected. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@zachsnow8629]

Well your videos helped me land a 19 1/2 inch brown this past week on the delaware. Its definitely a humbling fishery but you have definitely helped me get a little something finally figured out. Thanks for all the info and tips you put in your videos scott i think it helps alot of people more than you think.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Congratulations Zach! 19.5” brownie, I’m very happy for you! No, there is NOTHING easy about the Upper Delaware trout fishing, the rewards are great but it definitely takes time learning that water system and how to read big water and the complexity of bugs. But, you’re on your way 👍🏻. Take something away from every trip up there. Thanks for the feedback.

[@zachsnow8629]

​@@pawoodsnwater7551I just purchased a g.loomis nrx+ 10 foot 4 weight. I was wondering what line you run on your setup?

[@snookmcdermott6894]

Scott the fog raising on the water was beautiful Nice fish and nice scenery Stay safe and keep those great videos coming

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Mr. Snook! Thank you, yes very beautiful being out there all by myself at the crack of dawn, but crazy exciting when a big boy hits and screams your drag off 😉. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Fishin-Ipps]

Some tanks again! And glo-bug magic. Totally agree on WBA - on top of all you said, their staff and guides are awesome. I’m only able to get up to the Catskills once a year (at most), and your vids have been a huge help to a lot of us, Scott. Keep it up dude! - Chris

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning Chris “dude”! Ha! You’re welcome and my pleasure, hope a lot of viewers get a chance to experience the West Branch and from WBAs , I believe a great fly fishing vacation destination. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@gregtarris9057]

Well done Scott. Thank you!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Greg! Thank you brother, glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@chuckgyeski4607]

Awesome Scott !!! 🎣

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey hey Chuck! Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it.

[@Pwrcritter]

You're my favorite yacht rock singin fly fisherman!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Ha! That is hilarious!!🤣😂😅 It’s crazy what songs pop into my head, I so often have a song playing in my head and it’s most likely country or from the 70s. Yacht rock! 😆. You really made me laugh. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@dalesheehan9404]

Hey Scott! Nice timing for my trip up there next week,super psyched. I do know that at first light one of my flies will be a glo-bug. First class accommodations for sure. It is an annual trip and we always book for the next year while we are there. Thanks for the great video.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Dale! Hope you have a great time with big fish memories. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@andreanngeise3738]

Looks like wonderful mornings

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hello again Andrea! Believe me, I love the wonderful mornings at WBAs, hope you get to experience it some time. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

Great info Scott . Thanks .

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

You’re welcome brother! Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@anthonyb1661]

Nice, Scott. Your name and your son’s came up while on a recent trip with Nick Raftas. All good stuff. Loved the video and have to say the “whatever, whatever….” after the last fish made me laugh. Keep ‘em coming.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Anthony! You and Nick, on a guided trip I hope. Great guy, hope you had a fun day. My son caught some monsters with Nick, he definitely knows how to put you onto fish. I know, I know, that last fish, you always remember the ones that get away! 😩 Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@michaelcapurso]

Amazing Scott! It looked like you had a great flow. I miss the Lodge, it was affordable.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Yes, good flows Mike. That’s why you gotta go with a buddy, but either way, it’s totally worth it. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@rayjock4400]

Man Scott, looks like you need to hang on to that fly rod with both hands with those big boys!! Nice fish!!!!!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Ha! Yessir Ray! If you’re not used to some of those hard hitting fish in the Upper Delaware, especially in fast water, you can very easily lose a rod, or at the very least, break your line. Hold on tight, it’s gonna be a wild ride! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@foxchaser21]

yo scotty, wow the upper delaware was a gem for you. boy, those browns are beautiful, just amazing fish up there. great video's from the last few weeks. would like to get up there in the next few weeks for a few days. been so busy with work and of course work at home to. probably going back up to my lodge in potter in 2 weeks if the flows are ok. if not, might be an upper delaware trip. thanx for the great video's and sharing the excitement my friend.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning Mike! Yep, gotta split your time between Potter and the Delaware, at least we can fish year round here in PA. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@uni_shadow164]

Scott! I too speak to the Lord when fishing those waters! Bumming on the last big one that broke your line. I will be in NJ next week to see my youngest graduate high school. We are planning an outing but not sure if we are doing the Ken Lockwood Gorge in NJ or the Broadhead! Great video as usual and hope to share some pix with you soon!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey Dave! Yessir, always talking/praying to God, always by my side. We all dream of the ones that get away. Congratulations for your son graduating, hope you get to share some special good times with him while you’re up here. Good luck if you get out. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@westsidewil]

Fished upstream from where you were on Friday morning of the Memorial Day weekend. Caddis were popping. Used EP Tan caddis dry. Went 3/4 with fish ranging from 15-17”. First time I took a bath/fell in. Stopped down to the WBA to get some studs for the bottoms of my boots.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Well hey, gotta take the good with the bad, sorry to hear you fell in , but 3/4 trout, on top 👍🏻! I love Orvis Posi-Grip studs, the best! Glad you had some success and fun. Thanks for the feedback.

[@mrasmrguitar]

I love June upper Delaware club area.. I will be up another four five days .. I been catching and seeing huge fish off the road and bridges upper eb but the bug action is best happening close or after sundown right into flashlight dark.. i will be in my first summer time float this year.. have a little roanoke inflatable for night fishing .. i use it on these warm June nights( rare warm night swing buggers and big dries like iso at night . Now if days are too sunny warm ) I may paddle to the shaded with have my little Roanoke catamaran to paddle some shores anchor different seams in those easy to paddle deep pools.. try to stay close to the ramps.. but yes sometimes need to paddle out to reach the fishies or those sipping in the suds lol

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi buddy! Sounds like you have a good strategy to have some fun and get into some big boys, just be safe out there. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@boneheadjunkies7379]

I’m going to book a week there next year with my wife. Can’t wait!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good for you! May and June are pretty busy, I like Summer and Fall, there’s bugs there most times on the WB except for Winter. I like Spring too, but I’m very familiar with the area and water, either way you’ll enjoy the stay. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@boneheadjunkies7379]

@@pawoodsnwater7551 how far in advance would you recommend booking?

[@boneheadjunkies7379]

@@pawoodsnwater7551 would you book a summer or fall trip rather than a trip in May or June just to beat some of the crowds?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

@@boneheadjunkies7379 Honestly, there’s no bad fishing time, so yes, just less pressure on the fish and less fishing traffic at those times.

[@miken9166]

Hey Scott it's Mike we're headed up next week Monday am till Thursday. Tuesday I'll be doing a float.Staying on Airport Drive, West Branch hope to see ya good luck 👍

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Mike! I sincerely wish you a great trip with many happy fishing memories. I really don’t have plans on going up next week, but I never know, things can change. Be a good observer and read that water, be an explorer too. Good luck, have fun and be safe! Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@1pcmedic]

Nice fish! I never fished there......

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

John!! Nice to hear from you! Put it on your bucket list, something special to experience, especially being from PA. Hope you get a chance to go. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Doc19999]

Absolutely love the video..all your videos for that matter …I started fly fishing about 20 years ago problem is I only really ever threw dry flies in one body of water Cayuta creek I was only introduced to that creek when my father bought his home on the creek…at the time 2001 they had a huge artificial only …last few years that’s all changed …So I’ve been kinda moving around but what I’ve learned is the bugs I had come to know for cayuta really aren’t working on say the west branch ..pine creek …so I was wondering if you could recommend a few bugs dry & nymphs for the west branch that you think should be essential this time of the year?? And going forward in these summer months!! I’m definitely paying attention to what you’re using on videos!! Again thanks for sharing all your videos they are definitely inspiring!!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Doc! Well, this time of year and year round for that matter, my combination flies of the Globug egg pattern, a golden or brown stonefly nymph, and a pheasant tail are all staples. But this time of year, littybright yellow sulfurs size 18-20, BWOs size 18-22, Rusty/red quill spinners 12-22, Slate drakes size 12, caddis 12-18 all different colors, light Cahills towards evening 10-12, and also midges and Griffiths gnats 20-26, hope this helps. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@douglasrandall6737]

Scott , of all people who complains about losing a fish, how many do you catch? Answer way more than most people. Great video thanks.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey Doug! Ha! To be very truthful, I care more about missing a fish vs losing a fish, after I hook and fight the fish for like 30 seconds, it gets to be more work than fun, but it’s still exciting. I love catching a big fish but fish 12”- 16” are my favorites, I’ve never been a big fish hunter, they just seem to come along when you’re doing things right. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@erikb1861]

I've been waiting for this one! Awesome! I don't think you said why you only fished the mornings or just filmed in the am?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Erik! No, I filmed all day for the first 2.5 days until my Sd card was full. I didn’t film the last two days. The fishing was just as good those days too, but so nice not to bring the camera sometimes. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ithacaster]

Since I have a house on the east branch I haven't stayed at the WBA and thus haven't been able to fish that private section of the river. I fish the WB often, just not in that section. We love early mornings on the upper delaware with the fog and watch it slowly burn off as the day warms (when I should be out there fishing). Something that you don't mention is that WBA has drift boat rentals, and I haven't found any place in the area that does that. The nearest USGS gauge is Hale Eddy, just upstream from WBA. I'm going to be down there in the next few days to prepare for a guest at our short term rental house and hope to get in some fishing.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

I’m pretty sure the boat rental place on the NY side of the Hancock bridge does rent drift boats, at least I’ve seen drift boats launch from there. Yes, I go by the Hale Eddy usgs gage. You can fish the WBA’s property from a drift boat, they’re always stopping there.

[@ithacaster]

@@pawoodsnwater7551 I've rented kayaks from that place and think he stores boats there but I've never asked about renting a drift boat. His web site doesn;t say anything about drift boat rentals either. Last year the access to the river on the upstream PA side has been posted and a chain put up blocking access. That's been a real popular pool in the past downstream from the bridge. Thanks for the info about your rig.

[@JohnKolb-iq3gw]

Great video as always with a nice mix of rainbows and browns. What split shot are you using? I hear the numbers but can't relate. Thanks again!!!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi John! I’m using Dinsmore Eggshot, but I’m pretty sure all splitshot sizing is also relative to their weight, I mostly use #1 and #4, but more or less when needed. I build my tandem rig from heaviest fly up top and my lightest fly on bottom and I place my splitshot above my top fly. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@michaelzobrist8846]

Great video Scott. When you were fishing from the opposite side of the west branch property where did you cross over? I’ve caught some beautiful fish about 200 yards down river from where you were fishing. Scott you do a great job with your videos. Your explanation of what where and how and why you’re using the flys that you are using. Always a pleasure watching my friend 👍

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hello Michael! That whole riff and braids, all the way down to home pool is wadeable, I break it into sections and cross numerous times working my way throughout that whole area. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@donpatterson7134]

​@@pawoodsnwater7551om

[@Buppcragg]

Awesome video as always Scott- I was just up there with my brother over the weekend. Using 6x, had a bunch of break offs at the Hancock bridge there in the fast water. What size tippet were you using?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Thank you brother! Nymphing I was using both 4x and 5x, For dries up there I’m using 5x mostly, occasionally 6x. Well, in that fast water the fish are extremely tough to get in on 6x, now if it was calm water ok, but not in that heavy current, the fish are super strong as is. Just my opinion. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@lkADSADAS]

Great video and beautiful fish! Could you talk through your technique, are you bottom bouncing with the split shot or just kind of dead drifting them through?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi buddy! I’m going to ask you to check out two of my past videos, first, Nymphing Strategies Part 3 from March 2018, and My Leader Setup from June 2022, both of those I go into detail about my leader and my drift technique. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@lkADSADAS]

@@pawoodsnwater7551 Hey man, awesome! Thanks for referring me to your past. videos - I bet those have everything I am looking for. Furthermore, thank YOU for putting out great content, being positive, AND for interacting with your viewers in a helpful and constructive manner. You rock. Tight lines and heavy nets my friend.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

@@lkADSADAS Thank you for your kind words, any further questions just hit the comment section of a recent video. Good luck 👍🏻

[@richiegruber4473]

Hi, I heard you mention your Ross Gunnison 2 reel in the video, but wanted to know what T&T rod you were using and the line. I have an Avantt 10’ 4 weight , and was looking for line recommendation Thanks Rich

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey Rich! Great minds think alike! That’s the exact rod I have my Gunnison 2 matched with. I’m using a Wulff Triangle Taper Floating Classic Trout fly line in a 4wt. Great combination, my recommendation 👍🏻. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@smoothlarryhughes]

What weight rod do you recommend for nymphing the west branch or east branch? I typically fish a 10'10" 2 wt Diamondback ideal nymphing rod on streams like Penns or the Tully.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning Smooth Larry! Ha! Well, I like 10ft/4wt or 5wt because of wind and I use a heavier nymphing tandem rig. But if you’re euro nymphing then at least a 3-4wt because on this big water you’re most likely not going to be fishing right in front of you, plus typically there’s wind to deal with on the Delaware. I like a 10ft also because I can dry fly fish with it very comfortably. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ithacaster]

How are you rigging the glo bug? Are you treating it so that it acts as a dry dropper or indicator or is it acting more like a 3 nymph rig?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

A three nymph tandem rig with flies tied off the eyes, flies are 15-16” apart, built with heaviest fly up top to lightest on the bottom, I place my splitshot above my top fly.

[@zachsnow8629]

What line recommendation would you give for the g.loomis nrx+ 10 foot 4 weight? I just ordered one and was curious what line you run on yours.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

I’m running a Wulff Triangle Taper Classic Trout Floating line, I love it. Got it from Dette’s Fly Shop. Just do an internet search.

[@zachsnow8629]

Awesome thanks! I see in some of your comments you say you run flies heaviest to lightest? I was running glo bug up top then one of your big nymphs then I had a weighted tungsten head as my bottom fly. Is that the wrong way to rig them up? I thought the heaviest fly would be on bottom.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

@@zachsnow8629 For euro nymphing or if you’re using a dropper tag rig or drop shot nymphing it is, but my point fly or heaviest fly is up top , medium weight in the middle and lightest on the bottom.

[@Tdog7694]

What size tippet do You run on the west branch? Flourocarbon?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Mostly 4x Flouro nymphing, occasionally 5x, for dries 5x or 6x Flouro also. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@wordhog61]

12' or 9' leader? Ty

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi again! My nymphing leader is 9ft plus my tandem rig, and my dry fly leader is 12ft. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@lesscobrandon6803]

So this is a commercial for WB anglers? Did u stay for free? Good to be upfront when you get into videos like this

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Nope, no commercial, just a shout out for the great services they provide and telling everyone what a great time I always have up there. No special treatment, just mutual respect. Thanks for watching and commenting.