Date: 7/24/2023
Stream: West Branch Ausable River
Flow: 222 cubic ft/sec West Branch, 123 cubic ft/sec East Branch, 345 cubic ft/sec main stem
Clarity: Clear
Temperature: 66 degrees F West Branch Ausable River, Behind the Fly Shop (9:45am)
Hatches: Caddis, Stoneflies, BWOs, Tricos
Hot Flies: Dries: 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, Hexagenia spinners, and BWO parachutes. Nymphs: Birds Nest, Soft Hackle Hares Ear, Jig Gallop’s Hares, Girdle Bug coffee/black, Olive Napoleon (perdigon), prince nymph, pheasant tail, hexagenia nymphs and Caddis Pupa. Streamers: Dark colored Wooly Buggers (Olive or Black preference), Sparkle Minnow Conehead and JIG, classic Mickey Finns and Great Ghosts, Dhali Lama.
Fishing Outlook: Flows are down on the Ausable, but still very fishable. Water temperatures in the mornings have been prime and should remain relatively cool in the mornings. Daily air temperatures are looking to average in the 80s over the next week and high 60s at night. Large terrestrial patterns such as fat alberts and chubby chernobyls have been the best option for fishing on the surface. 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 right now. 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 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 with sporadic clouds. Slight possibility for afternoon thundershowers. High around 80 degrees F, low of 61 degrees F.
Warm Water Temps: As we come into July and August we will begin to see our annual increase in water temperatures on the Ausable and the surrounding rivers. These increases in water temps are completely normal for this time of year and are caused by a variety of factors such as, warm nights, less consistent rain fall, low river levels, etc. It is important to carry a thermometer and watch for water temps that increase above 68 degrees Fahrenheit. 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.
2 Hour Family Learn-To Fly Fish: For those who want to experience the excitement fly fishing 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 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 needed equipment. For those interested in booking or have any further questions give us a call here at the shop (518) 946-2117.
Note: Black fly season has hit us here in the Adirondacks, hatches are spread sporadically across the river. Good idea to pack a good face covering and have bug spray ready to go.
Lost and Found: An iPhone 7 in water proof case and black strap dropped downstream of Whiteface, and Two tenkara rods lost at the end of the no kill zone on route 86. If you come across any of these items give us a call here at the fly shop (518) 946-2117 or drop them off so they can be returned to their owners!
Adirondack Anglers Outpost: Our sister shop The Adirondack Anglers Outpost 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) 946-3474.
Guiding: We are wide open for guided trips for this month and August. 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. Big terrestrial patterns have been the most productive on the Ausable. Franklin County Bass Season opens is officially open and the bass are coming off their beds and are hungry looking for poppers. Our Boat guide (Zack Horrocks) has been crushing it on both Lake Placid and the Saranac Lakes. 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.
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!!
