Ausable River - Au Sable Forks - New York
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Trip planning summary
Ausable River – Au Sable Forks fly fishing at a glance
Use this page to check rules, flow, access, hatch notes, flies, and tactics before planning a trip.
Rules first
Check the current rule before fishing. Seasons, limits, methods, and closures can change.
Flow check
Open the gauge or source context before wading, floating, or driving to the river.
Access plan
Use legal public access and confirm posted, park, tribal, or private boundaries.
Report status
Source review queued. Fly notes are planning guidance; current rules control.
Ausable River – Au Sable Forks - Water Flow Chart
Ausable River – Au Sable Forks - Weather report & radar
Ausable River – Au Sable Forks - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| March | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Winged Olive, Pheasant Tail | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Noon-Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Winged Olive, Pheasant Tail |
| Stoneflies | Late Afternoon | 10-14 | Henryville Special, Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| Hendricksons | Afternoon | 12-16 | Red Quill, Hendrickson | |
| May | Hendricksons | Afternoon | 12-16 | Red Quill, Hendrickson |
| March Browns | Noon-Afternoon | 12-14 | March Brown, Light Cahill | |
| caddis | Afternoon | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| Stoneflies | All Day | 10-14 | Golden Stone, Swisher’s PMX | |
| June | March Browns | Noon-Afternoon | 12-14 | March Brown, Light Cahill |
| caddis | Afternoon | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| Light Cahills | Evening | 12-14 | Light Cahill, Rusty Spinner | |
| Stoneflies | All Day | 10-14 | Golden Stone, Swisher’s PMX | |
| July | caddis | Afternoon | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis |
| Light Cahills | Evening | 12-14 | Light Cahill, Rusty Spinner | |
| Tricos | Morning | 20-24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun | |
| August | caddis | Afternoon | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis |
| Tricos | Morning | 20-24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun | |
| Ants & Beetles | All Day | 14-20 | Black Ant, Foam Beetle | |
| September | Tricos | Morning | 20-24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun |
| Ants & Beetles | All Day | 14-20 | Black Ant, Foam Beetle | |
| Isonychias | Noon-Afternoon | 12-14 | Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail | |
| October | Isonychias | Noon-Afternoon | 12-14 | Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Winged Olive, Pheasant Tail | |
| caddis | Afternoon | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| November | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Winged Olive, Pheasant Tail |
| Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge | |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
Ausable River – Au Sable Forks Access Points
Fishing enthusiasts treasure the Ausable River for its vast and plentiful fish populations. Some of the best access points to fly fish on the Ausable River-Au Sable Forks include:
- Hungry Trout Resort: This private resort provides anglers with access to the river, including prime fishing spots.
- Ausable Chasm Campground: Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, the campground serves as a perfect launch point for an angling adventure.
- Whiteface Mountain Ski Center: This landing offers excellent fishing opportunities. Just follow the signs to the nearby fishing access.
- Wilmington Town Beach: A top-notch spot frequented by anglers. Located upriver from the Jay Covered Bridge, it boasts deep and slow flowing pools, perfect for fly fishing.
In these spots, make use of state-sanctioned Fishing Access Sites that are found throughout the region, ensuring a safe, lawful, and enjoyable fishing experience.
Ausable River – Au Sable Forks Fishing Spots
The Ausable River – Au Sable Forks is a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts. The river, known for its clear waters, offers some of the best spots for a rewarding fly fishing experience.
Favorite fishing spots:- West Branch of the Ausable River: Renowned for its wild trout, makes it a popular spot for fly fishing.
- East Branch of the Ausable River: Known for its scenic beauty and abundance of brown trout.
- The stretch between High Falls Gorge and Whiteface Mountain is teeming with wild rainbow trout.
- The Flume Falls to Monument Falls stretch is ideal for catching brook trout and brown trout.
All these spots offer stunning natural beauty and an unforgettable fishing experience.
Ausable River – Au Sable Forks Local Fish Species
- Brook Trout : Brook trout, also known as speckled trout, are one of the prime species sought after by fly fishers on the Ausable River. Their beautiful markings make them a favorite among anglers.
- Brown Trout: Ausable River’s representative species, brown trout, are popular for their aggressive behavior and prolific numbers.
- Rainbow Trout: Although not as common as Brown and Brook trout, Rainbow trout are also a notable catch in the Ausable River, known for their acrobatic fights and vibrant colors.
- Salmon: In the fall, you can find a massive run of salmon, specifically coho and chinook, making their way up the Ausable River for spawning.
- Northern Pike: Northern Pike are aggressive predators and provide exciting sport for fly fishers, particularly in the lower reaches of the Ausable River system.
- Smallmouth Bass: These robust fish provide a great fight on a fly rod, making it a popular target for anglers.
- Lake Trout: Though Lake Trout are found predominantly in the deeper waters of Lake Champlain, they occasionally make their way into the main branch of the Ausable River.
- Walleye: Walleye are occasional catches in the Ausable River, especially during their migration in the spring.
About the Ausable River – Au Sable Forks
The Ausable River, also known as Au Sable Forks, is a gem tucked away in the beautiful landscape of New York State. This scenic river originates from the convergence of the East and West branches near Au Sable Forks. A historic and valuable resource, the Ausable has been the life-line of several communities for centuries.
- Firstly, it was of great importance to Native Americans for fishing and transportation.
- Later, in the 19th century, it garnished a different significance, driving the operations of local industries like timber and iron.
- Today, the Ausable is a cherished oasis for recreational activities, from kayaking to fly fishing, enchanting locals and tourists alike.
In environmental terms, its watershed serves as a significant habitat for diverse species and is a key component of regional biodiversity. A true witness of time, the Ausable River continues its undulating song of history, progress, and natural beauty.
Sources checked
Source review queued
This river report has not yet received a full official-source review. Fishing rules, access, flows, and closures can change quickly; confirm current details with official state and local sources before planning a trip.
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