Upper Delaware River Makes the "Top Five" List

The Upper Delaware River has been listed by Field and Stream magazine as one of the top five smallmouth bass rivers in the US. This places the Delaware in the company of other notable smallmouth rivers like Maine's Androscoggin River, West Virginia's New River, the John Day River in Oregon and Minnesota's Upper Mississippi, all of which were placed in the "Top Five".

The deep pools, riffles, small rapids and deep runs all provide an ideal home for these river residents. The abundant insect, baitfish and crayfish population provide the fuel to these fish that have earned them the reputation as, inch for inch, being the hardest fighting fish in freshwater.

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 Upper Delaware River is under the protection of the US Department of the Interior as the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and forms the border between New York and Pennsylvania. The river is a partnership of individuals; private landowners; and local, state, and federal governments working to protect the river, its environment, and the communities in the valley. Almost all the land along the river is in private ownership with several access areas operated by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.

Floating the river is the perfect way to fish the swift riffles and slower pools on an all day excursion down the Delaware. The services of a professional fishing guide will help assure your fishing trip is the best it can be. Joe Demalderis, an Orvis Endorsed Fishing Guide and owner of Cross Current Guide Service and Outfitters, knows how to put you in the action.

Visit www.crosscurrentguideservice.com to learn more on Delaware River's smallmouth bass and enjoy the fun and excitement of light tackle or fly fishing for the Upper Delaware's acrobatic smallmouths.