Date: 10/11/2023
Stream: West Branch Ausable River
Flow: 1060 cubic ft/sec main stem
Clarity: Clear
Temperature: 55 degrees F West Branch Ausable River, Behind the Fly Shop at 9am.
Hatches: Caddis, Stoneflies, BWOs
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, Isonychias 10-14, BWOs 16-24. 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 Grey Ghosts, Dhali Lama.
Fishing Outlook: Flows are on the drop from the large bump in flows past few days! We got a ton of rain this past weekend and blew out the rivers but we definitely needed it. Water clarity on the West Branch is pretty good, and as it continues to drop the fishing will really turn on. Its really starting to feel like fall, which means streamer season. The biggest, meatiest streamers you have will produce some nice fish.
As we start to see some more seasonal fall temps, bug activity is definitely going to start to taper off. That doesn’t mean the dry fly action will end. The BWOs will still be popping off in the evening which can be a ton of fun to fish. BWO wets, emerges, adults, and spinners, the whole schabang. #16-#26 is the size range you should expect to see. A good work around for those tiny dries and emergers is fish a big bushy atractor fly and drop the little dry fly no longer than a foot from the big fly. If you see something rise near your atractor, set that hook! Large elk hair caddis, Ausable bombers and Wulffs, and stimulators are all perfect options for the atractor. Half the time the fish will eat the atractor as well. Large terrestrial patterns such as fat alberts and chubby chernobyls can still see some action in the fast water. Its always a good idea to drop nymphs off these big foam terrestrials. Small and slim mayfly nymphs 16-18 and caddis pupas 12-18 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 nymph rigs under an indicator or tightlipped 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: Cloudy, high of 52 degrees F and a low of 37 degrees F
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 on weekends, 12pm-5pm on weekdays. 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 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. 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!!
