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:

66

Kalil's Upstate Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Early morning water temps have dropped, though still warm as day progresses, use your thermometer , fishing high on watershed and early am.

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 7/31/25

Cool day today, daytime high of 67, mostly sun through the weekend, daytime high of 80 for Sunday with Friday evening low of 39.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/31/25

Searching with big drys.

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
Extended Body Eastern Green Drake N/A 10
Sulphur dry fly N/A 16
Giant black stonefly nymph Black 6
Sulphur Parachute N/A 16
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Black 6
Yellow / Orange Stimulator N/A 10
Elk hair caddis Olive 14

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:

Early Morning

Best Stretch:

from Wilmigton dam upstream

Best Access:

Rt 86