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:

44

Kalil's Upstate Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Big flys fished deep with light action and very slow. Be careful! Be aware of drifting ice chunks that can knoc a wading angler over if caught off guard. Sink tips when fishing streamers are very handy with cold water temps still the norm

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 5/1/25

Showers in to the weekend with clouds Sunday, high of 62 evening low of 42.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/1/25

Searching with big streamers deep or big stonefly nymphs, any action should be minimal and slow moving. Work big pools well.

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
Matuka Olive 6
Giant black stonefly nymph Black 6
Tunghead Stonefly White 8
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Black 6
Muddler minnow fished dry N/A 14
Nutcracker Olive 6

Cone Head Muddler Minnow

Catch more fish with the classic muddler minnow fly.

2.99

Item #084T

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:

from Wilmigton dam upstream

Best Access:

Rt 86