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| The Honorable Eliot Spitzer
State Capitol
Albany, NY 122224
Dear Governor: I write to you as a professional in the fly-fishing industry. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss the remarkable wild trout fishery that exists on the Upper Delaware River, the threats it faces and the steps needed for its protection and enhancement. My focus is on the West Branch and Upper Main Stem, recent release modifications having largely resolved problems on the East Branch and the Neversink. Moreover, the comparatively large West Branch holds the key to conditions on the Upper Main Stem. Both are world famous trout fisheries. As you probably know, management of the Delaware River has been the subject of much controversy. The River is controlled pursuant to a 1954 US Supreme Court Decision and the related Delaware River Compact. The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) is empowered to administer the River's management subject to decisions made by Commissioners appointed by Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and New York City. The importance of the River as a source of water for NYC and many down steam communities and other users is well known. Less well known and generally not understood is the importance of the West Branch and Main Stem wild trout fishery that exists on the River's upper stretches. This fishery has achieved worldwide acclaim and constitutes a remarkable resource within easy driving distance of the millions of people who live in the urban corridor of the North East. The fishery was created in the 1960s by the cold- water releases from the then new Catskill dams. Today, when releases are adequate and artificial fluctuations in flows are minimized, the Upper Delaware wild trout fishery is spectacular - even during the warm weather months of summer. The River's aquatic insect populations are prolific, resulting in fat wild trout that can feed all day long when cool water temperatures allow for insect hatching. Thus, even during the summer we can have 20 to 25 inch trout feeding on the surface 10-20 miles down the Main Stem given adequate releases from the Cannonsville Dam. Thus, many miles of "Blue Ribbon" trout waters are created, including long stretches suitable for fishing from drift boats, rivaling such famous Montana Rivers as the Madison, Missouri and the Clark Fork. Not surprisingly, the Upper Delaware's potential has attracted broad attention. In fact, the River is talked about in fishing lodges around the world and is visited by fishermen from Asia, Europe and Latin America as well as from many communities through out the United States. As noted, when releases are sufficient and consistent, the River lives up to its reputation and the visiting fishermen have a great experience. All too often, however, low releases starve the River and drive up water temperatures. The trout become stressed, daytime hatching disappears and fishing becomes impossible. Visitors from around the world are disappointed they cut their stays short and don't return. In fact, many miles of the River are virtually deserted as the weather heats up and releases are kept at low levels or made to fluctuate wildly, a circumstance that also kills the fishing. Parenthetically, eco tourists and recreational boaters are as discouraged by unsatisfactory River conditions as the angling community. Fishermen and recreational boaters stay away and the local communities lose needed revenues. Thus, a world class natural resource is compromised and undermined and local economies are penalized all by a release policy that is dominated by the interests of New York City and by the unwarranted fears of some down stream constituencies that not enough water exists in a normal year to satisfy all users. A proper minimum release regime from the Cannonsville Reservoir (we recommend a minimum of 600 cfs during the warm weather months) would make for a vibrant fishery for seven months of the year rather than two or three. The reputation of the River as a reliable destination fishery would be protected and improved, the local economies would be greatly benefited and a world class natural resource for New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania would be enhanced. At the same time, a more enlightened release policy would result in substantial flood mitigation, a major issue for the down stream communities. We know that during very dry years, all River users will have to make sacrifices. In most years, however, there is plenty of water for all. A more rational and equitable release regime would do wonders for the great resource that nature, together with the Catskill Dams, have given to New York State and would help reduce the flood damage that has been so devastating in recent years. I have traveled the world for 35 years researching trout rivers for my books and hosting fishing trips for my clients. In the industry, I am known as an expert on the subject and certainly have the credentials to prove it. I hope you will give my suggestion (for an much improved release regime at Cannonsville) consideration. I would be delighted to provide more information and/or to discuss the Delaware with you at your convenience. Sincerely Al Caucci 1250 Winterdale Road Starlight, PA 18461 Tel. 570-635-5897, Cell 570-807-5123 |
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