West Branch of the Ausable River

There is probably no river in America that offers such diversity to the angler as the West branch of the Ausable River. Located in the High Peaks region of New York State's Adirondack Park, the legendary West Branch offers miles of pocket water, vast stretches of slow moving water, deep pools and long channels, all as productive as any river in the East.

Because of its natural beauty and high fish populations, the West Branch of the Ausable River ranks among the premier trout streams in the country. In a 1996 Cornell University study, anglers gave the West Branch the highest angler satisfaction rating of all New York waters in the survey. Browns are the most prevalent species here, but opportunities also exist for nice rainbows and even brook trout in the upper stretches. Because of its large size and impressive hatches, the West Branch is excellent for fly fishing, especially for skilled waders who want to tackle pocket water. Spawned in the shadow of Mount Marcy, the highest peak in the Adirondack Mountains, this splendid river runs independently for about 30 miles before linking up with the East Branch at Au Sable Forks. Along the way it undergoes many changes in character...everything from flowing quietly and gently through fertile mountain meadows to raging whitewater squeezed between austere mountain cliffs. Every trout habitat imaginable can be found in its path, earning the West Branch its reputation as one of the prime trout streams in the Northeast.

The Fishing

Brook trout of up to 14 inches occupy the wilderness portion of the river a few miles south of the village of Lake Placid. In addition, a few lunker speckled trout, refugees from the numerous tiny feeders, are caught each year in other sections of the river. The West Branch is loaded with browns and rainbows from the Olympic ski jumps towering over the south side of Lake Placid village all the way to Au Sable Forks. A combination of plentiful cover (boulder fields, blowdowns, undercut banks), cool water temperatures (maintained by cold mountain springs, shady banks, and sun-blocking cliffs), and a good food supply (abundant populations of aquatic and terrestrial insects, crayfish, and minnows) conspire to make the river ideal trout habitat. Fish between 12 and 16 inches are common and browns and rainbows tipping the scale at slightly more than 8 pounds are caught each year. SPECIAL REGULATIONS: From the mouth of Holcomb Pond outlet on Riverside Drive downstream to the marked boundary 2.2 miles downstream of Monument Falls on route 86, anglers must use artificial lures only. There is a "no kill" stretch that is open year-round.can be found in its path, earning the West Branch its reputation as one of the prime trout streams in the Northeast.

Access

Anglers will find an abundance of access along Route 86 and portions of Riverside Drive and Route 73. Route 86 is a typical mountain road and the pull-offs come up quickly. There are numerous access points and the fishing is always better the further you walk from the parking lot!