Fishing Season: Catch & release all year the rest of the river April 1 - October 15 (Prime: May 15th - September 30)

Ausable River, West Branch - NY

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

Kalil's Upstate Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Big flys fished deep with light action and very slow. Sink tips when fishing streamers are very handy.

Directions open in app

Map of Ausable River, West Branch

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

(Ken Kalil) Kalil's Upstate Outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 5/26/25

Clouds, sun, warmer air to start the week high of 73, low of 41.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/26/25

Searching with big streamers deep or big stonefly nymphs, any action. Some rising fish to Hendricksons with some days cooler air th others, Hendrickson emergers can be good to have on hand.

Local Species Available Catch & release all year the rest of the river April 1 - October 15 (Prime: May 15th - September 30)

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

Kalil's Upstate Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Cone Head Muddler Minnow White 6
Bead Head Caddis Pupa N/A 8
Zug Bug N/A 14
Cone Head Marabou Muddler Olive 6
Hendrickson Dry fly Light 14
Giant black stonefly nymph Black 6
Tunghead Stonefly White 8
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Black 6
Muddler minnow fished dry N/A 14
Elk hair caddis Olive 14

Cone Head Muddler Minnow

Catch more fish with the classic muddler minnow fly.

2.99

Item #084T

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Kalil's Upstate Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Description: About Ausable River, West Branch

The West Branch of the Ausable River is a freestone river flowing out of the High Peaks of the Adirondacks. Two Catch and Release areas totalling 7.2 mile are open year round to fishing, when the weather cooperates. Our season really kicks into gear Mid May through October. Great public access to miles of river and a variety of water types including great pocket water and deep water runs awaits those who fish this river. Abundant hatches and quality fish make this a great destination for those interested in fishing a productive stream in a beautiful setting and really who isn't.

Nearest Airport:

Saranac Lake - 12 miles, Albany - 2 ½ hours, Burlington - 2 ½ hours

Hatches:

Blue Wing Olive Isonychia Tan and Grey Caddis Yellow stones Hoppers Ants

Best Time to Fish:

Mid day

Best Stretch:

from Wilmigton dam upstream

Best Access:

Rt 86