The 2026 FUDR One Bug is in the books and this year’s event highlighted the many dimensions of the unique UDR wild trout fishery and the passionate anglers and guides that come back year after year to ply its challenging waters.
Thanks to all our participants and supporters who helped make the One Bug such a success and for assisting FUDR in advancing our important river conservation initiatives!
First, the weather. Wind, rain, sun, clouds, and air/water temperatures play a critical role in the sport of fly fishing. Over the course of two days, our anglers and guides experienced the full spectrum of weather conditions during this year’s One Bug.
Day 1 arrived with pleasant temperatures, moderate wind, plenty of sun, and rising fish throughout the day with angler tallies reflecting those favorable conditions.

Day 2 couldn’t have been more different as a persistent all-day rain combined with air temperatures in the low 40’s (but it felt like 30’s) and windy conditions chilled our anglers to the bone.

Many veteran One Buggers described Day 2 as the worst weather conditions they have ever endured in the history of the event. To the casual observer, the sight of three anglers on a boat under those Day 2 conditions must surely seem astounding and let’s face it.... ridiculous. What they don’t see is the dedication, stamina, and eternal optimism of the UDR angler and their intrepid guides.

We tried something different this year by allowing our teams and their guides to choose their beats. Many anglers and guides have river section preferences based on their knowledge of the system, past experiences, and insight into angling conditions leading up to their day on the river. Amazingly, and for the first time ever, not a single boat chose the West Branch on Day 1 highlighting the mercurial nature of the UDR tailwater fishery that continues to hold mystery even for veteran anglers.

As always, Sherri and Shell did a stellar job making sure the needs of our participants were fully met. The One Bug takes a full year in preparation and so many details need to come together to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everybody. Thanks Sherri, Shell, and the FUDR One Bug Committee volunteers who devote countless hours planning this top-notch event!

The One Bug is about angling but it’s also about community. Hancock area businesses welcome the One Bug and recognize it as the kick-off to the UDR recreational season which is critically important to the economy of the region.

Our heartfelt appreciation is extended to the Hancock House Hotel, West Branch Angler, Circle E Diner, The Bat Factory, All Sorts, and Little Italy II for providing great meals and their gracious hospitality to keep our participants well fed and fueled up!

Our expression of deep gratitude goes to FUDR Board Chairman Craig Bouslough for hosting the Thursday night One Bug kick-off banquet at his beautiful home on the Delaware River main stem. “Pitmaster” Mike Cartechine and his crew served up a fantastic dinner! Mike has been our banquet chef extraordinaire for every One Bug. The potato ramp soup was a huge hit, Mike! Theresa from the Hancock Liquor Store and the Roscoe Beer Company generously donated the spirits for the evening. And many thanks to our versatile and highly skilled music men Darren Rist, Rich Thomas, and Pete Horger who brought their guitars, horn, and harmonies.

A special feature of the One Bug is the inclusion of a youth team comprised of alumni from our annual summer Fly Fishing Camp. We sure hope the four anglers on our Fly Camp team, and their predecessors, are emblematic of the future of fly fishing. Every year we are amazed at their angling skills, conservation knowledge, and leadership abilities. Thanks to FUDR Board member and Fly Camp leader Steve Taggert for his careful tutelage guiding four of our camp participants through the two days of fishing. Congratulations to Ben Gleason, Madi Charlier, Rex Sanclimenti, and Edward Baiazitov for their successful and inspiring One Bug performances! Two other former graduates - Isaac Jensen and Max Kowal - fished together as Team ‘Camp Alums’ in the event and did a great job!

Thanks to the Indian Springs Fly Fishing Club, long time FUDR supporters, who graciously granted us their ramp access helping us diversify the beats and provide our anglers with more space to fish the river. So helpful guys!

The Beaver-Del and Ray Turner helped us out by offering river access on the East Branch assuring the entire system was open for One Bug participants. Thanks Matt and Ray!

Joe Demalderis at Cross Current Outfitters provided his shop and grounds to coordinate One Bug logistics and to keep Sherri, Shell, and Drew dry on Day 2 as they handed out lunches for the guides and teams. Thanks, Joe!

Recognition and appreciation go out to our growing list of One Bug sponsors who help jumpstart our event by donating gear and providing financial support to help make it all possible:

Airflo, Axelrad, Crosscurrent Outfitters, FUDR Bug Study Team, Grundens, Hancock Liquor Store, Mako Reel Co., Orvis, Roscoe Beer Co., Sam & Wayne Decker, West Branch Angler

Finally, the 2026 One Bug award winners! As Blake Chapman noted at the Awards Dinner, everybody deserves a trophy for muscling through the harrowing weather conditions of Day 2. So true!

We’ve got some great anglers and guides on this river. Congratulations to all the winners!

2026 FUDR One Bug, Come Shine or Rain!

Friends of the Upper Delaware River

2026 FUDR One Bug, Come Shine or Rain!

The Importance of the Federal Government to the Upper Delaware River Watershed

Friends of the Upper Delaware River