Date: 9/15/2023
Stream: West Branch Ausable River
Flow: 236 cubic ft/sec main stem
Clarity: Clear
Temperature: 57 degrees F West Branch Ausable River, Behind the Fly Shop at 9am. Prime temps!
Hatches: Caddis, Stoneflies, BWOs, Tricos
Hot Flies: Dry Flies: Elk Hair Caddis Grey, Tan, Green 10-16. Fluttering Foam Caddis 16-12, Ausable Wulff, Ausable Bomber, Haystack, Rusty Spinner, Yellow and Orange Stimulators, Chubby Chernobyl Gold, Purple, Black. Fat Albert Pink, Tan, or Yellow, Trico Spinners, Isonychias. Nymphs: Birds Nest, Soft Hackle Hares Ear, Jig Gallop’s Hares, Girdle Bug coffee/black, Olive Napoleon (perdigon), prince nymph, pheasant tail, Iso nymphs and Caddis Pupa. Streamers: Dark colored Wooly Buggers (Olive or Black preference), Sparkle Minnow Conehead, Articulated Sparkle Minnows and JIG, classic Mickey Finns and Great Ghosts, Dhali Lama.
Fishing Outlook: We are back in prime trout fishing conditions! With the heat wave last week, then this cold front this week, conditions are prime but the fish are definitely a little shaken up so expect a few more days for the fish to acclimate. But it seems like the heat is behind us, the fishing will only get better from here on out. Some rain here and there on the 10 day forecast will keep flows at the perfect level.
The ISO hatch will arrive shortly. We have been seeing success on ISO wets, and even had a fish rise to an ISO dry this morning. BWOs are also starting to show themselves, but another week of cool weather should will should see some nice hatches of both ISOs and BWOs. Tan caddis are also an option for dry flies, big bushy caddis dries that you can swing/skate have produced some nice fish lately. Large terrestrial patterns such as fat alberts and chubby chernobyls have been the best option for fishing on the surface. Its always a good idea to drop nymphs off these big foam terrestrials. Small and slim mayfly nymphs 16-18 and caddis pupas 14-18 have been our go tos for droppers under terrestrials. Nymphing wise, girdle bugs, caddis pupas, hares ears and pheasant tails have been the best options. Tandem rigs with either two nymphs or a nymph and a attractor dry, are the best fishing strategy for this time of year. Bass fishing in the Adks is on. Poppers and larger streamer patterns are our go to for catching hungry smallies. Small stream brook trout fishing is both fun and adventurous. Brookies are generally less picky then most of the trout in the larger rivers. Size 12-16 parachute adams, 12-16 sized elk hair caddis, and size 14 and smaller fat alberts will have brookies leaping out of the water for them. For the most up-to-date reports give us a call here at the Fly Shop at 518-946-2117.
Today’s Weather Forecast: Sunny, high of 66 degrees F and a low of 49 degrees F.
Warm Water Temps:We have been very lucky this summer with cool temps, but past few days water temp on the West Branch has hit 70 degrees in the afternoon, and we have a little stretch of warm weather this week with highs in the mid 80s. Lows will still be in the 50s and 60s, but the river will be temping out in the afternoon hours so it is important to have a thermometer handy the next 10 days. When water temperatures increase to 68-70 degrees F, trout begin to exert a tremendous amount of more energy which creates a high amount of physical stress on the fish. Hooking into a trout in warm water causes them to build up fatal levels of lactic acid. Fish often times will not even survive making it to the net, and the fish that manage to make it to the net, will not survive release. In the event you are on the river and water temps hit above 68 degrees F don’t fret it, just change gears. Here in the Adirondacks we have a vast variety of fishing opportunities. When the larger trout waters become warm, the bass are in their prime and hungry. For those who still want to hit some trout fishing and are adventurous hit the high peaks or other wilderness areas for some blue line brook trout adventures. If you have any questions regarding water temperature and other fishing opportunities in the Adirondacks give us a call here at the shop 518-946-2117, and we will get you dialed and back out on the water.
Lost and Found: A Scott 9′ 0″, 5 weight line fly rod, with a black Lamson Speedster Reel was found at the Whiteface Parking lot. If you lose any items on the river, or locate a lost item, don’t hesitate to either stop in or give us a call (518-946-2117) so we can help it be returned to its rightful owner.
Adirondack Anglers Outpost: Our partner shop The Adirondack Anglers is open 9am-5pm, 7 days a week. The shop is located at the Four Corners in Wilmington, 5698 NYS ROUTE 86. Warm Water Fly and Conventional Tackle, Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals, NYS Fishing Licenses, live bait and more can be purchased at the Anglers Outpost. For any questions regarding the Adirondack Anglers Outpost give the shop a call at (518) 946-FISH.
Guiding: We are in the countdown of summer. With most kids heading back to school in a few weeks what better way to end your Adirondack summer with some fly fishing! We have plenty of openings during the week days and the week ends, from now well into October. The Ausable has seen a large amount of water this summer, therefore, this fall will be incredible and you do not want to miss out. Our guiding service specializes in creating a fishing experience tailored for you and with plenty of fishing opportunities in the Adirondacks you definitely don’t want to miss out. We have a variety of options to include, wading trips for trout, float trips for bass, boat trips on Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, and backcountry small stream brook trout fishing. We are finding much success on the Ausable in the mornings, and river temperatures should start cooling down as we get into August. Bass fishing is on and our floats have seen nothing short of success with aggressive smallmouth. Our boat trips on the various lakes here in the Adirondack have been very successful and a great way to explore some of the best fishing lakes in the area. For those looking for more more secluded fishing options, we have two selections of private water for you. The Dream Mile and Bush Country are two sections of river privately leased by the hungry trout and only open to our guests. If you are interested in booking a trip, and/or looking for more information on guiding give us a call here at the shop, (518)-946-2117, and we are more than happy to fill in the blanks.
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!!
