Stream: West Branch Ausable River Fishing Report
Date: 4/24/2026
Flow: 753 cfs
Clarity: Clear
Temperature: 43 Degrees
Current Shop Announcements: We are open for the season! We will be open 9-5 Thursday to Sunday, and open 7 days a week starting April 30th! Stop in and check out some of the new gear, flies, and information here at the shop before our season really kicks off.
Flows have leveled out nicely and the river is looking good for some action. While the water is still quite cool in the mornings it does warm up nicely once the sun has a chance to hit those rocks and the fish will become more active. Persistence is key for these early season outings, so make sure you are covering the section of water you’re fishing well, as getting your fly a few inches deeper, left or right can make a difference to a fish in cover.
While the river is still getting going we have been getting great reports from the lakes in this area. Lake Placid, the Saranac Lakes system and even some of the smaller water bodies have been seeing some great Lakers and Land Locked Atlantic Salmon. Its a great time of the year to target those bigger fish when they’re still hanging in the shallower parts of the lakes.
Hatches: early brown stone any time
Hot Flies: Dry Flies: Nymphs: 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: Flows are right where we would like to see them for a day of fishing, but water temps are still quite low (low 40s). Holding off until the afternoon, letting the water get some sun to heat up is the best way to see some fish move. With the water still being very cold taking your time to cover the stretch of water your fishing becomes key to success. Weather that means getting your fly closer to shore, deeper, or to the left or right a bit all comes into play while the trout are still rather lethargic eating for the water to get warmed up. Streamers and large nymphs are the go to picks this time of year while we wait for the first hatches in May.
Early season Can be quite good but the windows are short and you have to be pretty tuned in – which we are. We do encourage guiding early season because of this. With that said – Word of advice: March and April are tough fishing on the West Branch Ausable. We high encourage anglers to book there destination fishing vacation from May 1st onward. The last few years we have had eager groups fishing in April for days in a row and it’s simply to cold and being flushed with mountain runoff that the bite is minimal. Avoid the disappointment – come May!
Warm Water: Not Yet!
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!!
