Stream: West Branch Ausable River Fishing Report
Date: 6/18/2025
Flow: 311
Clarity: Clear
Temperature: 66 Degrees
Weather: High of 84 Degrees F, Mostly Sunny
Current Shop Announcements: River temperatures are on the rise as summer gets going here in the High Peaks. As those temps continue to rise getting started on the river right at or before sunrise has been the best approach. We strongly encourage having a thermometer with you on the river this time of year with temps rising as we get into July. When those temps get into the mid 60’s shifting focus to the blue line streams and brookie ponds are the best way to keep targeting trout as the summer heats up. Bass Season has officially opened here in the Adirondacks, as the river temps rise going into July Bass are an excellent species to target in both rivers, lakes and ponds in the region. Northern Pike in our local lake systems also present a great alternative target species, the opportunities to throw some seriously large flies at big fish is some of the most fun to be had here
Hatches: Stoneflies, Caddis, Blue Winged Olive, Yellow Sallies, Sulphurs
Hot Flies: Dry Flies: B.W.O Parachute 18-22, March Brown #12, Klinkhammer #12, Elk Hair Caddis 18-22 (Black, tan and green), Rusty Spinners #10-14, Ausable Wolfs and Ausable Bombers, Chubby Chernobyl (Purple 12-14, Peacock 16-14, Golden Hopper 16-12, Black/Orange 10-12, Golden Stone 10-8), Sulphur Parachutes 16-20, Sulphur Emerger 16-20, Mrs. Tickle Cripple (BWO 18-20, March Brown 12-14, Mahogany 12-14) Nymphs: Black Stoneflies 12-16, Girdle Bug Coffee/Black: 10-12, TJ Hooker: 10-14, Frenchie: 14-18 (Original or Pink), Pheasant tail 10-18, Prince Nymph: 12-18, Copper Johns: 12-18, Perdigons: 12-18 Caddis Pupa’s: 12-18, Sexy Waltz Worms: 12-18, Duracell Jig 12-18 (Darker colors), Juan’s Kryptonite Caddis sz. 16-18, Mop Flies: 10-14 (Cream or Olive) Streamers: Wooly Buggers, Sparkle Minnow (Conehead, Articulated, and JIG), classic Mickey Finns and Grey Ghosts, Dhali Lama (olive and brown), Galloup’s Dungeon (mini and regular sized, black, olive, and White) Godzilliz Sculpin: 8-6, Chicago Overcoat: 14-10 (Sculpin, Black, White), Headbanger Sulpin (mini or regular).
Fishing Outlook: Flows are down after a streak of warm weather, with some storms in the forecast weekend conditions are looking good. Early morning trips on the rivers will be more productive than fishing the middle of the day as trout seek cooler water to avoid the heat. Large nymphs are continuing to work very well in combination with a smaller caddis or mayfly imitations. Chubby Chernobyls have been very effective over the last week, especially run as a hopper/dropper rig, Gold Hopper, Purple, and Black/Orange have been particularly effective. Caddis hatches have been solid over the last few days with emergers being key to success into the evenings. This time of year we can take fish more often on Skated dry flies if they aren’t committing. Having a thermometer with you on the river is strongly encouraged as the water temps have been getting high mid morning making lake and pond fishing more productive. As river temps climb going into July targeting Bass becomes an excellent alternative species. Our favorite big streamers, poppers and crayfish patterns are all on the menu, and stocked up here at the shop ready for the first weeks of Bass season here in the Adirondacks. For the most up-to-date reports or if you have any questions regarding fishing strategies give us a call here at the Fly Shop at 518-946-2117.
Current Shop and Guided Fishing Updates: AWESOME CLINIC WITH JOE GOODSPEED! Write up to Follow.
If you are interested in guided trip or would like more information, please Call 518-946-2117 or email flyfishing@hungrytrout.com for guide inquiries. Thank you and see you soon!
Guiding: Guide trips are going out everyday and we have plenty of availability. Our trips are flexible with scheduling, we do offer mornings, evenings and full day.
2 Hour Family Learn-To Fly Fish: For those interested in trying fly fishing but have no idea where to start, we have the perfect adventure for you. Our two hour learn-to fly fish is the perfect choice for you. One trip covers four people, full outfitted, two hours with your very own private guide, instruction, and of course fishing. It is the perfect way for those who are interested in fly fishing to give it a try, or for families looking for an Adirondack fishing experience. We have 4 time slots daily throughout the summer months, 8-10, 10:30-12:30, 1-3, and 3:30-5:30. No prior fishing experience or gear required, we will fully outfit you with all of the necessary fishing equipment. For those interested in booking or have any further questions give us a call here at the shop (518) 946-2117.
For any questions regarding Adirondack Fishing give the Fly Shop a call at (518) 946-2117 a call and we will get everything squared away, and dial you in for your Adirondack Fishing Adventure.
We look forward to seeing you in the shop and on the water. Tight lines!!