Ausable River
New York · Adirondacks
Brown TroutBrook TroutRainbow Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Ausable River
Wilmington Notch
The West Branch through Wilmington Notch cuts through a dramatic gorge with excellent wild brown trout fishing. Catch-and-release regulations protect a quality fishery with fish up to 20 inches. Some of the most challenging and rewarding pocket water in the Adirondacks.
💧 Ideal flow: 300–900 CFS. The West Branch fishes best at moderate flows — stunning Adirondack High Peaks scenery throughout.
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Monument Falls
Monument Falls on the West Branch is a classic Adirondack destination with plunge pools holding large resident browns. The waterfall creates deep holding water that produces fish all season. Light pressure due to the hike-in access keeps fish relatively willing.
💧 Ideal flow: 200–700 CFS. The East Branch fishes well at moderate flows — native brook trout in the headwaters above the main stem.
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Jay Village
The main stem through Jay Village offers accessible wading with a mix of hatches throughout the season. Hendricksons in May and caddis in June are reliable hatch events. A good mix of wild and stocked trout provides consistent action.
💧 Ideal flow: 300–900 CFS. The Au Sable Forks confluence section fishes best at moderate flows — Hendrickson and caddis hatches are reliable.
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Keeseville
The lower Ausable through Keeseville holds large brown and rainbow trout in deep runs and pools. Streamer fishing is productive especially in fall. The river is wider and easier to wade than upper sections.
💧 Ideal flow: Fishes best at stable moderate flows — check TroutBible gauge as the Ausable drains significant Adirondack terrain.
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Ausable Chasm Section
Just above the famous tourist attraction this section produces good brown trout fishing in a scenic gorge. Nymph fishing through the faster slots is most productive. Access requires some scrambling but rewards with light pressure and willing fish.
💧 Ideal flow: 200–700 CFS. Fishes best after spring runoff in late May through fall — the Adirondack scenery alone makes any trip worthwhile.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Guide's Gear Picks
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About Ausable River Fishing
The Ausable River's West Branch is a premier Adirondack destination, flowing through dramatic High Peaks terrain with outstanding wild trout populations and pristine freestone characteristics. This renowned system features native brook trout in its upper headwaters while offering exceptional dry fly opportunities throughout its lower sections.
Best Time to Fish Ausable River
Spring and early summer bring the legendary Hendrickson and caddis hatches that make the Ausable a bucket-list destination for dry fly enthusiasts. Water levels peak in spring runoff but stabilize by late May, creating ideal conditions through September when consistent hatches and cooler temperatures support excellent fishing.
Species
The West Branch supports a healthy mix of wild brown trout and brook trout, with browns dominating the main river and brooks thriving in the pristine headwater streams. Rainbow trout are also present in the system, adding diversity to the Ausable's rich trout fishery and providing anglers multiple species to pursue.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current New York fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Ausable River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid New York fishing license is required.
Live River Data
This page pulls real-time CFS and gauge height data from the USGS National Water Information System, refreshed every 15–60 minutes. You're seeing the same streamflow information that local guides and outfitters check before heading to the water.