September 24–27 | Two Full Days of Guided Floating | Limited to 8 Anglers | Novices are Welcome
Location: Delaware River Club, Starlight PA
Cost: $1,124 per angler
Includes: 3 nights lodging, two full guided float days, guide tips, guide-provided flies and tackle for float days, simple but yummy cold breakfasts, self-prepared lunches, snacks, and JASC processing/insurance fees
Not included: personal beverages/adult beverages and one shareable dinner contribution for the group
Fall in the Catskills is pure magic. The leaves will be in full color, the rivers are less pressured, the hatches are varied, and the fishing can be downright explosive. Big wild trout are feeding hard as they prepare for winter, showing off deep pre-spawn colors and making the kind of powerful runs that stay with you long after the trip is over.
This special outing is limited to just 8 anglers and includes two full days of guided float fishing on the Upper Delaware system. We will be floating from mid-morning until dusk or beyond on Friday and Saturday, giving anglers long, immersive days on one of the most beautiful and productive wild trout rivers in the East. Dusk comes around 7pm that time of year, so we expect to return to camp most evenings between 8 and 9pm.
Novices are very welcome. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain confidence with experienced guides who are happy to provide supportive on-the-water coaching throughout the day.
This is your chance to experience the Upper Delaware at its most beautiful: two full days of guided floating, fall color, strong wild trout, great company, long days on the water, and easy evenings back at camp. For anglers who love big rivers, big trout, and the magic of the Catskills in autumn — this is the trip.
Arrival and Accommodations
Anglers are welcome to arrive as early as 11am on Thursday to settle in and fish the DRC grounds. Informal streamside casting instruction will also be available from Christina for anyone who would like a little extra help dialing in before the float days begin.
The Delaware River Club is a legendary home base for trout fishing. Rooms are simple but comfortable and clean. We have 4 double unit suites reserved, two anglers per suite, each with their own bedroom and a separate living area and bathroom. Amenities are simple, refrigerator, coffee maker, TV and WiFi.
Checkout is at 11am on Sunday, but anglers are welcome to stay and fish the DRC property as late as they wish, or explore the area on foot. Guides can offer suggestions for Sunday walk-and-wade options for anyone who wants to keep fishing before heading home.
Meals & Evenings at Camp
We’ll prepare our own grab-n-go breakfasts in the dining hall, and pack our own lunches. Simple but delicious cold items for breakfast and lunch as well as snacks, and bottled water will be included.
Anglers are welcome to bring any additional beverages they would like, but please remember there is a no glass rule on the river.
Evening dinners will be shared and casual. Each angler is expected to bring a dish to contribute for group dinners. Since we’ll be getting back late from long days on the water, dinner items should be crockpot-style, oven-ready, or easy to quickly heat so we can relax into the evening with laughs, fish tales, and a well-earned meal. Bring any adult beverages you wish for evenings at camp.
We’ll review dietary needs and coordinate the dinner menu a few weeks before the outing.
What to Bring
Fall weather in the Catskills can bring a little bit of everything — hot or cold, rainy or sunny — so anglers should come prepared with flexible layers and weather-ready gear.
Either a PA or NY fishing license is required, with trout stamp (fishing licenses between NY and PA are reciprocal on the West Branch and Main Stem along the boundary).
This is big-water fishing for large trout, so a 9' 5-weight or 6-weight rod is recommended, along with a good reel and dependable drag. These fish are strong, wild, and capable of serious runs.
Flies and tackle will be provided by your guide for floating days, but anglers who wish to fish on foot before or after should be prepared with files, floatant, tippet from 3x-7x and leaders at least 9’ long and 4 or 5x. There is a small pro shop on site and several fly shops in the area. A list of likely hatches will be sent out a few weeks before the outing.
Anglers are invited to “mouse” in the evenings after dinner if conditions permit, and our home pool is the den of some truly large fish. Mouse patterns can be bought locally. Small flashlights or headlamps are recommended.
A hat and polarized glasses are a must. Anglers should also bring waders, wading belt, wading boots, wading staff and a landing net. While we most likely will not be getting out of the boat during float days, wading gear is important to have in case of rain, changing conditions, or for fishing on foot during off times.
Biting insects are generally not an issue this time of year, but those who are sensitive may still want to bring bug spray. Sunscreen is also recommended, especially for long days exposed on the boat.
Please also note that we will be in boats for 8 hours or more each day. There will be plenty of opportunities for potty breaks, but they will be streamside, “find a bush” style — so please bring bio-friendly toiletries as needed.