Stream: West Branch Ausable River Fishing Report 

Date: 5/22/2026

Flow: 626 cfs

Clarity: Clear

Temperature:  51 f AM

Weather: 64 degrees, Mostly Sunny  

Current Shop Announcements: It is prime fishing time here in the High Peaks and Tri-Lakes here in the Adirondacks! We are seeing some great Caddis numbers across the region, as well as Hendricksons hatching on the upper and lower parts of 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, and March Browns, Hendricksons coming off in great numbers. We have also seen some stoneflies and Yellow Sallys getting started the last couple of days.

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!  We had a couple of big storms roll through just before the Two Fly Tournament began, but water levels dropping QUICKLY and air temperatures climbing over the weekend and into this coming week, we are set up for some EPIC fishing for this second half of May! Caddis hatches have been great across the region, as well as the number of Hendrickson hatches increasing every day. We can expect this coming week to be the real start of some fantastic spring dry fly fishing! With the Caddis and Hendrickson hatches happening in the afternoons, keep your dry flies and emergers at the ready to be prepared for fish to start rising. Nymph rigs are continuing to be as consistent as ever, and the streamer bite in the deeper sections of the river continues to produce as the water level continues to drop after Thursdays rain. Both branches of the Saranac River have been fishing great on recent guide trips, with some great hatches occurring in the afternoons. Getting out on the Saranac and exploring some of our other rivers and small streams has led to some fantastic days of fishing, so do not hesitate to ask us about some of those other water bodies here at the shop as we love to fish as many of them as we can this time of year!

Warm Water: Not yet! 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!!