Ausable River
Upper & West Branch · Adirondacks
Clinton/Essex County, New York, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown, Rainbow, and Brook.
Stream gauge: 04275000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 165 cfs the Ausable is running low and clear — perfect for sight fishing and technical presentations. Hungry Trout reports excellent caddis action regionwide, and with water temps hitting 62°F, we're right in the sweet spot for consistent evening emergences. Focus midday on nymphing the deeper pools with Hare's Ear #12s, then switch to Elk Hair Caddis #16 as afternoon shadows hit the water. The weekend's cooler temps and light rain should keep fish active through midday rather than shutting down in the heat.
- Flow: 165 cfs — significantly below typical June range. Crystal clear water demands long leaders and stealthy approach but rewards with visual fishing.
- Hatches: Caddis prime time with 62°F water. March Browns still active in #12. Evening emergences most reliable 6-8pm as temps cool.
- Water Temp: 62°F — ideal for sustained insect activity. Cool enough to keep trout feeding through longer windows, warm enough for consistent hatches.
- Best Window: Midday nymphing 11am-3pm, then dry fly action 6-8pm. Saturday's cooler weather extends productive hours significantly.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: Apr–Oct; peak May–June (Hendrickson, Green Drake) and Sept–Oct
The Ausable River drains the highest peaks of the Adirondacks — its West Branch below Whiteface Mountain and the main branch near Keeseville are storied trout waters with a legacy dating back to the golden age of American dry fly fishing. The West Branch's famous pools — the Flume, the Monument Pool, Mirror Lake inlet — hold large wild brown trout in clear, fast Adirondack water. The Ausable Wulff pattern was designed specifically for this river's tumbling currents. Wild brook trout occupy the headwaters above Lake Placid.
The Ausable Wulff dry fly — designed by Lee Wulff for these very waters — has arguably influenced more fly tyers and anglers worldwide than any other American dry fly pattern, spawning the entire 'Wulff' family of flies still used globally today.
January Outlook
January on the Ausable River — deep Adirondack winter. The river may be frozen in upper sections near Lake Placid. The Wilmington Notch section can have open water but conditions are extreme. Planning season for April's Quill Gordon hatch.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — possible midge in Wilmington Notch
Tips
January on the Ausable is not practical for most anglers. The Adirondack winter is severe. The Wilmington Notch section may have pockets of open water from the West Branch's gradient. A winter scouting trip is more practical than a fishing trip.
Water Notes
Low flows. Water 33–40°F. Likely frozen in upper sections. Adirondack winter.
February Outlook
February continues the Adirondack winter on the Ausable. Ice in upper sections near Lake Placid. Planning season for the spring run. Tie Quill Gordons and Hendricksons by the fire.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — tie spring flies
Tips
February on the Ausable is winter. Prepare for the April Quill Gordon season — the Wilmington Notch section is one of New York's finest Adirondack experiences. Book lodging in Lake Placid for the spring trip now.
Water Notes
Frozen or near-frozen. Deep Adirondack winter. Plan the April spring trip.
March Outlook
March brings ice-out to the Ausable. Snowmelt from the High Peaks raises flows dramatically. Late March can see the first tentative Baetis activity near Wilmington as the river begins to clear.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Nymph
- Blue Winged Olive
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
Late March on the Ausable is a mixed picture — flows can be very high from High Peaks snowmelt but mild afternoons produce early Baetis activity near Wilmington. The West Branch above Lake Placid clears fastest. Check flow gauges before traveling.
Water Notes
High variable 500–3,000 cfs. Water 38–48°F. Snowmelt and ice-out. First Baetis possible late in month.
April Outlook
The Ausable River in the Adirondacks is one of the Northeast's finest wild trout streams. Quill Gordon and Hendrickson hatches begin as the snow melts from the high peaks.
Productive Patterns
- Quill Gordon
- Hendrickson
- Blue Winged Olive
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The West Branch Ausable near Lake Placid is arguably New York's finest wild trout stream. The Wilmington Notch section is spectacular — wild rainbows and browns in a scenic Adirondack gorge. Watch for ice-out flooding.
Water Notes
Variable 300–2,000 cfs. Water 42–52°F. Snowmelt can cause rapid rises — check flow before heading out.
May Outlook
Prime season on the Ausable. Hendrickson, March Brown, and Green Drake hatches provide the classic Adirondack fly fishing experience.
Productive Patterns
- Hendrickson
- March Brown
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Sulphur Sparkle Dun
Tips
May is the Ausable's finest month. The West Branch and East Branch both fish exceptionally well. The upper West Branch above Lake Placid is classic Adirondack freestone water.
Water Notes
400–1,500 cfs. Water 48–58°F. Prime spring conditions.
June Outlook
Green Drake and Sulphur season on the Ausable. The classic fly fishing experience in a spectacular Adirondack setting.
Productive Patterns
- Green Drake #10
- Sulphur Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD
Tips
The Green Drake hatch on the Ausable is one of New York's finest. The evening spinner falls concentrate fish and produce some of the year's largest trout. Fish the West Branch for the best experience.
Water Notes
300–900 cfs. Water 52–62°F. Excellent early summer conditions.
July Outlook
July summer fishing on the Ausable — caddis and terrestrials in the Adirondack setting. The river stays relatively cool from its High Peaks watershed. Evening hatches and morning terrestrials.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper
- Beetle
- PMD Cripple
Tips
July on the Ausable is excellent — the Adirondack climate and elevation keep the river cooler than most Northeast streams. The Wilmington Notch section fishes well all day. Fish the bank edges and pocket water with terrestrials.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 56–64°F. Adirondack setting keeps temperatures moderate. Good summer conditions.
August Outlook
August summer fishing on the Ausable. The Adirondack watershed keeps temperatures reasonable through August. Hopper and caddis fishing in the scenic mountain gorge sections.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Beetle
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Ant
Tips
August on the Ausable is generally good — the Adirondack elevation moderates temperatures compared to lowland rivers. Fish the Wilmington Notch morning sessions and evening caddis hatches. The wild rainbow trout in the gorge section respond well to terrestrials.
Water Notes
150–500 cfs. Water 58–66°F. Adirondack climate moderates summer temps. Good August conditions.
September Outlook
Fall BWO and streamer fishing on the Ausable. Brown trout become aggressive before spawning and the Adirondack foliage is world-class.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Streamer
- Mahogany Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
The Ausable in fall foliage is one of the Northeast's most beautiful fishing experiences. Brown trout averaging 16–20 inches move up from the deeper pools. Streamers along the undercut banks produce the largest fish.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Cooling 50–58°F. Outstanding fall Adirondack conditions.
October Outlook
October on the Ausable — the Adirondack fall foliage peaks and the brown trout fishing is at its finest. Streamers and BWO hatches for pre-spawn fish. The Wilmington Notch section is stunning in fall colors.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Streamer
- Egg Pattern
- Mahogany Dun
Tips
October on the West Branch Ausable is one of the Northeast's finest fishing-and-foliage experiences. The High Peaks turn brilliant orange and red above the river. Brown trout are aggressive. Book Lake Placid lodging for a fall foliage fishing trip.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Peak Adirondack foliage. Outstanding brown trout fishing.
November Outlook
November on the Ausable — late season as the Adirondacks head into winter. Brown trout spawning in the gravel riffles. The last fishing before freeze-up.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer
- Egg Pattern
- Soft Hackle
- BWO (early month)
Tips
November fishing on the Ausable is the last opportunity before Adirondack winter closes the season. Brown trout spawning in the riffle sections. Streamers along the deeper pools. The Wilmington section stays open latest. Check weather carefully.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 40–50°F. Late season. Spawning activity. Adirondack winter approaching.
December Outlook
December closes the Ausable season as Adirondack winter arrives. The High Peaks fill with snow and the famous stream returns to its winter sleep. Plan next spring's Quill Gordon trip.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season
Tips
December on the Ausable is winter. Lake Placid is a world-class winter destination — the Olympic venues and Whiteface Mountain skiing make a December visit worthwhile even without fishing. Plan the April return.
Water Notes
Low flows. Water 36–44°F. Winter. Stream freezing. Planning season.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrickson Ephemerella subvaria |
Apr, May | Apr, May | #12–14 |
|
| March Brown Maccaffertium vicarium |
May | May, Jun | #10–12 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Caddis (Tan/Olive) Hydropsyche spp. |
May, Jun | May, Jun, Jul, Aug | #14–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Lake Placid and Keeseville, NY are the main bases. The West Branch above Lake Placid is mostly public water along Route 86. Multiple guide services based in Lake Placid. New York fishing license required. The lower main branch has excellent public access near Keeseville.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Hungry Trout Fly Shop
- All Points Fly Fishing
Regulations & License
Fishing in New York requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
New York fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
More in This Region
About Current
Ausable River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Ausable River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.