Striped Bass Trips
The Striped Bass Migration in the Delaware River
Striper or striped bass fishing in the Delaware River can be some the most explosive fishing you have ever done. Every spring the striped bass make their annual migration up the coast into the Delaware River to spawn. This spawning rituals brings thousands of striped bass right to the Philadelphia areas foot steps. The run typically starts with the big females following the American Shad into the river. In March (depending if the winter and spring is cold or warm) can bring fish upwards of 50-60 lbs into the river. This is followed by the second wave of striped bass which is the rest of the spawning females chasing the herring along the banks of the Delaware River. These fish can range anyway from 18-50 lbs. As the season matures into May the schoolies striped bass flood the river in the tens of thousands, these schoolies depending on the years class can range from 24-33 inches. At any given point in May you could collide with several schools of fish providing non-stop striped bass action. As we enter June the water warms on the Delaware River, pushing the majority of the bigger fish back to the ocean leaving a solid class of fishing in the river until the water hits a critical temperature that either shuts the fish down or push them all back to the ocean.
Striped Bass and water temperatures on the Delaware River
Striped Bass fishing on the Delaware River is highly dependent on the weather and the water temperatures. In the early season when the water is still sub 60 degrees, a cold water temperature with a warm day that will warm the water up is much better for the striper bite than a cold water coupled with a cold day, for obvious reasons. Mid season when the water temperature has stabilized and the temperature is warm the fishing becomes a bite more predictable but cold fronts, rain storms, water clarity, pressure systems, and forage all play factors into a successful trip. The warm river temperatures with warm air temperatures can provide explosive action for prolong period of times. When Delaware River reaches 75 degrees and the air temperature sky rockets in to the upper 80's and 90's the fish tend to have a small window that they bite in so it is critical to be there when that time is. At these warmer levels the fish avoid the high sunlight and seek refuge in the shade.
Fishing Licenses and Permits Needed
Fishing the Delaware River either a Pennsylvania or a New Jersey License will work for the Delaware River. You can typically buy a single day, multi-day or yearly fishing license at your local tackle shop, sporting goods store or Walmart. New Jersey offers online license and Pennsylvania licensing
NJ Buddy License can save you and your buddy some money NJ Buddy License
For all Migratory fish you NEED a Saltwater registry permit even if we are not fishing saltwater. A Pennsylvania Permit or New Jersey Permit or any states permit will work. New Jersey is FREE. You may need to have you fishing license prior to obtaining a saltwater registry.
What to Wear
Dress in layers it is always cooler on the water
Bring Sunglasses, not just for sun protections for your eyes!
Sunscreen if needed
A hat
Rain Gear, if rain is in the forecast
Wind breaker ,if no rain is in the forecast
Gloves if it’s cold
Boots to keep your feet warm
FAQ's
What happens if it rains?
Most likely we are fishing
We will not fish in torrential rain
We will not fish in lighting storms
What happens if a lightning storm is in the forecast?
It is at the captain's discretion to either fish or postpone the trip
In the spring and summer storms move through quickly and we can be fishing with little interruption
After and during rain can be the best fishing
What happens if the river is blown out from rain?
If the river is muddy or blown out the captain will decide to fish or postpone
A plugging trip can turn into a bait trip
A shad trip can turn into a striper trip using bait
A spring trip and turn into a summer trip
Deposit Policy
We are very fair and honest, and we want you to go fishing and catch fish
but I need to protect my business and the available slots, if I book the slot, I will return your deposit.
Every Trip requires a $100 deposit regardless if you have fished with us in the past or not. We have a strict policy to only hold fishing dates with paid deposits. During the spring we refuse customers that could have filled your spot.
What happens if I need to cancel a trip?
Cancelation 16 or more days, full refund
On and within the 15 days deposit is forfeited
If I can fill the trip time slot, I will return your deposit
Deposits can take up 60 days for returns.