Fishing on the Upper Delaware River

The pristine and undammed waters of the Upper Delaware River provide excellent habitat for a diverse variety of fish species, including but not limited to trout, bass, walleye, and shad. As a result, the Upper Delaware River is a well-known and popular destination for fishing, attracting anglers from all over the country. Public river accesses offer places anglers can fish or launch boats, and fishing guide services are available for anglers wishing for local expertise. Fishing Regulations A valid New York or Pennsylvania license is required for all anglers, 16 years and older, on the Upper Delaware River. New Jersey fishing licenses are not valid. Anglers must follow all laws and regulations. Please review the summary of laws that accompanies your license for information on size, creel limit, and open season. For more information, please see our fishing page. River Safety Wearing a life jacket is the #1 thing you can do to stay safe on the river. Make sure your life jacket fits snugly and is the correct size for you. Familiarize yourself with the life jacket rules of the river. During all seasons, there is always a risk of hypothermia. Even during summer, water temperatures can remain cold. Always come prepared, check the weather forecast, wear appropriate clothing, and bring an extra set of dry clothes. River conditions can change very quickly. Stay informed by calling the river hotline line at 845-252-7100 for daily information about river height, condition, and temperatures. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from April 1st to October 31st. Glass is prohibited on the river. Closed toed shoes are recommended to protect your feet. The river is surrounded by private property. Please respect landowners and do not stop or get off on private property.