West Branch of the Ausable River
Evan Bottcher
Fly Fisher, Fly Tier, Guide, Shop Owner
★ ★ ★ ★ ★Join us as Evan Bottcher reveals the secrets of the West Branch of the Ausable River, a legendary fly fishing destination. With a rich history of legendary anglers and diverse insect hatches, Evan shares expert tips and techniques honed since childhood. Perfect your skills and discover captivating stories in this not-to-miss show!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes the West Branch of the Ausable River such a unique fly fishing destination?
- Can you tell us about the history of fly fishing on the West Branch and its significance in the region?
- How has the river's reputation among anglers evolved over the years?
- What is the overall health of the river's ecosystem and the quality of the water?
- What species of trout are most commonly found in the West Branch of the Ausable River?
- What is the best time of year to fly fish the West Branch, and how does the fishing change with the seasons?
- Are there any specific regulations anglers need to be aware of when fishing this river?
- What are the different sections of the river and how do vary in terms of fishing difficulty and trout density?
- What's best way to fish the areas that are difficult to wade?
- What role do local hatches play in planning a successful day of fishing on the river?
- What is your favorite hatch?
- Where and when are streamers likely to be effective on the Ausable?
- Is it true that many times larger flies produce better than those that match the hatch?
- What are some key strategies for fishing this river, especially for first-time anglers?
- Do you have any recommendations for targeting deeper pools versus shallower runs on the West Branch?
- Where an how do you sight fish for striped bass?
- How does the presence of large boulders and pocket water impact your approach to fishing specific sections of the river?
