I doubt that's still the case, now that appreciable shad runs have returned and smallmouth can be caught everywhere from Trenton's tidal waters to the river's New York headwaters. The point of all this is that if you're looking for something different to do with friends or family, consider renting a raft from any of several concessions operating on the upper Delaware and, with their help, plan a day on the river. The entire stretch of the Delaware from Hancock, N.Y., south some 200 miles to the tidal line at Trenton, N.J., offers floatable waters chock full of fish. For sheer beauty and productivity the stretch from Matamoras down to and through the Delaware Water Gap is unmatched. That's more than should be attempted in a day, however.
Shorter sectors allow more time for fishing and casual paddling.
Experienced canoeists, of course, can easily cover more water in a day's float. Canoe and raft concessionaires are easy to find in the Poconos. The list at the end of this article includes additional outlets for raft rentals. By calling well in advance, plans can be made for short or extended floats, and arrangements can be made for pickup. On the plus side, however, is the freedom to cast while bobbing through riffles and along the wooded shorelines.