The AuSable River consists of three sections including the East Branch, the West Branch and of course the main river itself. However, it is the 30 miles of the West Branch that provides anglers some of the best trout water on the East Coast. In fact, the West Branch is known for that large trout up to 18 or even 20 inches long. Due to the rich, cold, clear, highly oxygenated turbulent waters, these trout are indeed feisty.
The West Branch of the AuSable starts high on the south side of Mt. Marcy, which is about 4,000 feet high and is the highest peak in the Adirondacks. From there, it flows about five miles before reaching the Rt. 86 bridge. Another three miles south of the bridge it flows through the Wilmington Notch and becomes more treacherous as it goes over a 100 foot waterfall called appropriately Monument Falls. Continuing the West Branch enters the “Flume” and then flows through Wilmington and another ten miles to the village of AuSable Forks where it meets up with the East Branch forming the main section of the AuSable River.
The first five miles of the West Branch of the AsSable River flows through meadows until it reaches the Rt 86 bridge and then the gradient increases sharply and the river becomes treacherous as it tumbles over boulders with pools and pocket waters before going over the Monument Falls and the rapids at the “Flume”. After this section, the river enters a small lake at Wilmington and then several miles later the river is joined by the Little Black Foot and the Great Black foot streams. From here, to the confluence of the East Branch at AuSable Forks, the river is flatter and less productive for trout fishing. After AuSable Forks the water becomes too warm to support a good population of trout.
The water in the West Branch is often, tannic-stained like the color of dark tea. And even with polarized glasses it can difficult to see the bottom, so wading can be dangerous due to the large submerged rocks and drop-offs. A wading staff is recommended to provide some additional stability.
If you are planning a trip to the Lake Placid area, the West Branch flows under Rt. 73 just west of Lake Placid and it offers awesome trout fishing for stocked trout aswell as large holdovers..
Fishing the AuSable river:
From a mile above the Rt. 86 bridge at Holcomb Pond Outlet, down to the Wilmington Notch, is a five mile long catch and release section. An excellent map of the catch and release section is provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
From this section down past the Wilmington Notch State Campground to the small lake in Wilmington is a section that holds some very large trout and is best fished from a canoe or boat. There is within this section a small catch and release section as well. The next 10 or 11 miles after leaving the dam, consists of fast water with pockets and pools. This section is known for excellent dry fly fishing.
From this point downstream to AuSable Forks is a section known as “Bush Country” which is more remote but can be accessed from the lower end of AuSable Forks. Be alert for posted areas in this section.
Many stretches of the river provide excellent dry fishing and many other deeper colder pools provide super fishing with nymphs so the West Branch has something for everyone. The abundant hatches of mayflies caddis and stoneflies make the river capable of supporting a healthy population of trout perfect for the fly fishermen.
Spring:
The best time to fish the West Branch of the AuSable is from the first week in May to the end of June. In early May, you can expect a couple of good weeks of Hendricksons to be followed by continuous hatches of March Browns, Gray Foxes, and Cahills until the end of June.
Summer:
The summer remains good for trout fishing because there are many springs and overhanging branches to shade the water which tends to keep the water cold. The summer season starts in early June with the most famous hatch of all on the river which is the Green Drake. Don’t miss the evenings when the spinners come back to the water to lay their eggs. This hatch continues into July followed by the Sulphurs and the mid morning Tricos.
Fall:
Starting in the last week of August until mid October the Slate Drake hatches will be occurring. Also at this time the streamers like the minnow imitations will work well in the deeper pools and do not forget to keep some terrestrials like black ants in your flybox.
Winter:
Winter fishing can be very cold in that climate and it is not recommended.
Coming from the North or East, take Exit 34 on the Northway, then Rt. 9 south to AuSable Forks and Jay. Turn West at jay on Rt. 86 and follow that into Wilmington.
It is just a five hour drive from New York City. If you are approaching from the South, take exit 30 to Keene Valley, Keene, Jay and then Wilmington.
The six mile remote stretch just above AuSable Forks can be accessed by entering at the lower end of AuSable Forks, but it requires some hiking.
View Northeast USA in a larger map