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:

33

Kalil's Upstate Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Slow, very deep, big flys, fast sinking tipped fly lines for your early season on water time.

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 4/1/26

Clouds, rain, highs in low 60s and evening lows in the high 20s.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/1/26

Large streamers fished slowly along bottom of deep pools

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):
Moto's Minnow White 8
Bead Head Caddis Pupa Olive 14
Zug Bug N/A 14
Double Bunny White 6
Black nose dace N/A 6
Flying Ants Black 16
Bead Head Giant Stone Black 16
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Black 6
Golden Stonefly nymph N/A 10
Nutcracker Olive 4

Moto's Minnow

A minnow fly pattern for all types of water

2.99

Item #960P

Buy Now

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:

Most of the river rite now

Best Access:

Rt 86