Stream: West Branch Ausable River Fishing Report 

Date: 8/18/2025

Flow: 105

Clarity: Clear

Temperature:  60 Degrees at 9am

Weather: High of 67 Degrees F, Partly Cloudy

Current Shop Announcements:  Last nights rain did us very well, while it did not do much for the flows, but our temperatures (both air and water) are much more favorable for some morning trout action! Over night temps will be staying cool over this week giving us some great cool water in the mornings. We still strongly encourage having a thermometer with you on the river this time of year with temps rising as we go through August, with flows as low as they are the water will still be getting warm in the afternoons. 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 is open, and going very well here, in the Adirondacks, as the river temps rise going through July, Bass are an excellent species to target in rivers, lakes and ponds in the region. The Saranac Lake system is one of our favorite places for bass, and if you’re looking for something more rustic, places like the St. Regis Canoe Area boast ample opportunities to target big bass in some of the more remote ponds in the region, both offer you a chance to use larger streamers and throw some top water poppers for some of the most fun you can have when targeting bass. 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.

Starting on August 1st we will be starting our weekly, free, fly fishing 101 events! Every Friday in August at 10am and 12pm we will be hosting a 1 hour class where we will be introducing you to casting a fly rod, tying flies, and the types of aquatic insects we have here in the high peaks. We hope to see you here! For more information check out the link HERE!

Hatches: Stoneflies, Hoppers

Hot Flies:   Dry Flies: B.W.O Parachute: 18-22, 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)  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) Warm Water: Bombshell Popper: Sz. 6 (Damsel Blue, Chartreuse, Black, White, Olive), Goodall’s Popper (Green/Black/White), Gallup’s Bangtail: Sz. 1/0, Drunk and Disorderly (Chartreuse/White, Fire Tiger), Sparkle Minnow: sz. 4-6 (Conehead, Jig, and Articulated), Madden’s Foam Scorpion (Blue, Lemming, Yellow)

Fishing Outlook: Last nights rain had a great effect on our water temps, giving us the chance for some morning trout fishing. With overnight lows forecasted in the 40’s we should have some good temperatures for some morning trout fishing. Flows are still low, there is some rain forecasted mid week, along with thew cooler temps, we should see some decent morning action. Be sure to focus on areas of deeper water, like the many waterfalls along the West Branch. Even with the cooler temps be sure to keep an eye on water temps as the day progresses. When conditions have been in our favor, large nymphs are continuing to work very well in combination with a smaller caddis or mayfly imitation. Chubby Chernobyls have been very effective over the last few weeks, especially run as a hopper/dropper rig; Gold Hopper, Purple, and Black/Orange have been particularly effective. Having a thermometer with you on the river is very strongly encouraged as the water temps will go up as the day goes on.

Warm Water: As river temps climb through July and August, Bass becomes an excellent species to target. Our favorite big streamers, poppers and crayfish patterns are all on the menu, and stocked up here at the shop ready for Bass season here in the Adirondacks. We have been having some great action on poppers for Smallmouth in the lakes and rivers, and for Largemouth in the ponds just to the west of us with streamers being as effective as ever for them. The Saranac River has been treating us to some great Bass action over the last few weeks, floating the river in rafts or canoes is the best way to cover some water and get onto some fish, but there are plenty of shore/wade fishing opportunities along the Saranac. The Franklin Falls and Union Falls Ponds have been a great section of the Saranac system to spend some time targeting Smallies, and in the evening we have been seeing some great Walleye getting caught. Poppers have still been effective in the early mornings, with Stonefly dries and nymphs filling out the middle of the day along with streamers. We have also been getting into some great Pike fishing recently with some seriously big fish taking big streamers. Recently we have been seeing the pike sticking to slightly deeper water, looking for drop-offs along shore lines, islands, rock piles and in the channels for those big fish sitting in that deeper water ready for an ambush.

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!!