“Spectacular scenery unlike any
other in the Northeast.”
| Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway |
| Lake Everest |
| Wilmington Notch NYSDEC Campground |
| Whiteface Mountain Uphill Races |
| Flume on the Ausable River |
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No need to decide between fishing or enjoying the view - the multi-tasking is fine along the Scenic Byways
West Branch Ausable River Fishing
Olympic Byway, State Rt. 86, near Wilmington in Essex County
The West Branch of the Ausable River flows past the legendary Olympic ski jumps near Lake Placid and offers anglers some of the most prime trout water on the East Coast.
Flowing through Wilmington Notch about three miles south on Route 86, the West Branch of the Ausable really takes on its personality as a rocky and treacherous river. Many hiding places for trout and even a 100-foot waterfall (High Falls) a mile above the Wilmington State Campground, signify the classic appearance of this historic Adirondack river. With its tremendous attributes such as highly-oxygenated water, diverse cover, bug population, and a year-round optimum temperature, it harbors many trout from 10- to 18-inches long. Its beauty and the availability of some 20+ inch trout are the basis for many anglers' argument that it's the most scenic and productive trout stream in the East.
| Closest Community: | |
| Nearby Communities: | Lake Placid |
| Closest Byway: | Olympic Byway |
| Distance from Byway: | on |
| Closest Route #: | State Rt. 86 |
| Months Occurring: | may, june, july, august, september and october |
| Best Season: | summer and fall |
| Best Time: | anytime you think the fishing might be good |
| Scenic View: | beautiful river with glimpses of Whiteface Mtn and other High Peaks of the Adirondacks |
| Indoors or Outdoors: | outdoor |
| Admission Fee: | no |
| Latitude: | 44.3721991964 |
| Longitude: | -73.8290433945 |