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:

59

Kalil's Upstate Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Searching with big dry flys outside periods of insect activity

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 8/31/26

Some clouds Saturday with pm showers Sunday high of 74, evening low of 52

Techniques & Tips as of 8/31/26

Fast moving shallow running streamers and small dry flys

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):
Rosenbauer Parachute Beetle N/A 16
Bead Head Caddis Pupa Olive 14
Zug Bug N/A 14
Double Bunny White 6
Bead Head Giant Stone Black 16
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Black 6
Trico spinner Black/White 20
Flying ants N/A 16
Stimulators Royal #8
Daves Hopper Yellow 10

Rosenbauer Parachute Beetle

This terrestrial beetle fly is an effective searching pattern or attractor.

3.99

Item #63LY

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:

Early morning

Best Stretch:

Faster waters above Wilmington Dam

Best Access:

Rt 86