Stream: West Branch Ausable River Fishing Report 

Date: 5/29/2026

Flow: 580 cfs

Clarity: Clear

Temperature:  56 f AM

Weather: 63 degrees, Scattered Showers 

Current Shop Announcements: It is prime fishing time here in the High Peaks and Tri-Lakes in the Adirondacks! We are seeing some great Caddis numbers across the region, as well as good numbers of March Browns here on the West Branch, so no matter what river in the region you are fishing have those dry flies at the ready. Exploring some of the other rivers in the area has been paying off for our guided trips and anglers doing a DIY trip. Rivers like the Saranac, St. Regis, Salmon, Bouquet, and Chateaugay have been fishing excellent so do not hesitate to do some exploring while here in the North Country! Bugs are hatching across the area, with Caddis making up the bulk of the bugs in the air, with March Browns, Hendricksons coming off in great numbers. We have also seen some stoneflies and Yellow Sallys getting started the last couple of days.

Available Dates: June; 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 (Some dates have more availability than others so give us a call here at the shop and we’ll be happy to get you set up with a trip!)

Hatches: Early Brown Stone, Caddis, Hendrickson, March Brown, Yellow Sally

Hot Flies:   Dry Flies: Elk Hair Caddis (Tan, Brown, Black, Olive: 16-20), High Rise Foam Caddis (Olive, Yellow Sally: 14-16), Chubby Chernobyl (Brown, Gold Hopper, Peacock: 14-16), Stimulators (Royal, Yellow, Orange: 12-16), Hendricksons (Light: 14-16), March Brown Parachute (10-8), Parachute Adams (10-14)  Nymphs: Girdle Bugs (Black, Coffee/Black, Brown: 8-16), Pheasant Tail (Natural, Black (12-16), Prince Nymph (12-18), Duracell Jigs (Original, Olive: 12-16), Caddis Pupa (Tan, Olive: 12-18), Waltz Worm (12-18), Hare’s Ear (Natural, Olive: 14-18) 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, Mint), Headbanger Sulpin (mini or regular)

Fishing Outlook: Fishing has been great!  Fishing has been excellent recently, dry fly season is officially in full swing for us. March Browns and Caddis dries have been fishing great, especially run as a dry/dropper rig with emergers or lightly weighted nymphs. Skating large dries like you would swing a soft hackle was the move during those March Brown hatches last week, and typically works well in most of the hatches for our larger mayflies through the season. We are also seeing large numbers of Golden Stone nymphs all over the river and it’s only a matter of time until we see them in the air. Consistent rain every couple of weeks has been keeping flows at good levels for us give higher water for a day or two at most, so there have been some great opportunities to fish larger nymphs and streamers on those days.

We have also been getting great reports from the Saranac River over the last week with people getting some great action on dry flies and streamers. We have even gotten reports of great Rainbows being caught right in the village of Saranac Lake so heading just to the west of us is something to consider if you want to change it up!

Warm Water: Not yet, but Bass opens here on June 15th! However to get those gears turning, check out this great article from Fly Lords about selecting flies for Northern Pike (and Musky) here in the Adirondacks, featuring our own Max Hogg and our good friend Fred Schroeder of First Cast Flies! You can find the article at the link here.

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.

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: Booking for 2026. Record snowpack has the region prepared for an amazing spring.

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!!