Delaware River Fishing Report for Striped bass aka Stripers, American Shad, Smallmouth Bass, Flatheads Catfish, Snakeheads and other Species. We report specifically on the Philadelphia Bucks County, Mercer County, Hunterdon Country areas. We provide guided fishing trips on the Delaware river.

The 2021 Delaware River Fishing Season

Striped bass and American Shad first on the Docket

So far, we are early in the year of 2021 but already the one of the coldest two weeks are behind us and the forecast is mild in the 40's, According to the predictions for Pennsylvania and New Jersey area the winter will continue to stay mild. We supposedly are entering into a new weather pattern that should bring out of the deep freeze winters and bitterly cold springs and back to the March warm ups that we use to have prior to the last 6 years. If this is indeed the case we can expect to have solid shad action by early march and explosive action by mid to late March. The big Striped bass should be rolling in right behind the Shad giving opportunities for 40-50 lb fish caught in March. Following the big breeder striped bass are the solid 30 lb plus class of breeder stripers. April should be a fun month. 

Before the deep freeze years fishing for American Shad ALWAYS started in March sometimes in February and Striped Bass fishing would be in full swing by the end of March and prime for incredible none stop days in April. I can remember so may April days that produced 15-30 30 lb stripers in a 3 hour span. One time with my uncle on his boat we beat up a deep water drift so much we had to call my pops to come meet us on the bank with a 5 gallon tank to get back to the ramp. Non-stop madness and you pick running out of fuel over missing the bite. Now, I always fill up no matter what, but thats me.

Look forward to seeing you out on the water

Capt. Karl