New York
Ausable River near Au Sable Forks
Location Snapshot
Ausable River near Au Sable Forks is the Adirondack mainstem formed below the junction of the East and West branches, where rocky runs and pools carry the river toward Lake Champlain. Brown and rainbow trout define the coldwater fishery, giving this reach a broader mainstem character than the smaller branch waters upstream.
Current River Rating
Fair · 56
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Dawn low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 466 CFS
- Gage Height
- 1.86 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:15 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 04275500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
44°F
Feels like
37°F
Wind
6 mph SW
Wind gust
7 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 3:15 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 6 AM
Clear
Temp 44°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 10 AM
Clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Tue 2 PM
Clear
Temp 55°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 9 mph
Tue 6 PM
Clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Tue 10 PM
Clear
Temp 41°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 2 AM
Clear
Temp 36°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Clear
High 55°F / Low 40°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 21 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Clear
High 54°F / Low 34°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 9 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 58°F / Low 39°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 20 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Partly cloudy
High 49°F / Low 32°F
Chance 3%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 9 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
The Ausable River near Au Sable Forks is the Chesterfield water New York lists for rainbow trout in Essex County.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Ausable River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- Medium confidence
Source: NYSDEC
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- Medium confidence
Source: NYSDEC
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- Medium confidence
Source: NYSDEC
Landlocked Salmon
Salmo salar
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Migratory
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: NYSDEC
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Stocking information
- Stocked
Brown Trout
Stocked · NYSDEC
- Stocked
Rainbow Trout
Stocked · NYSDEC
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Essex, New York
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Essex
DEC Region
5
Management Category
Adirondack trout river
Regulation Scope
Main-stem Ausable below Au Sable Forks confluence.
Regulation Summary
Region 5 special regulations may apply on designated Ausable reaches.
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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