Have you ever experienced the frustration of a dry fly being swirled up by a fish but not taken? Or struggled to keep your dry fly afloat on the water?
Today is your lucky day because we have Evan Bottcher, owner of the Hungry Trout, to guide us in fly fishing the Ausable with Dry Flies.
Get ready to dive into the beauty of the Ausable River in the Adirondacks as Evan shares three crucial tips to help you land more fish while fishing with dry flies this year, especially in pocket water.
In this episode, Evan will guide us through selecting the right fly size, determining the ideal distance from the bank for fishing, and mastering skittering a fly to entice the fish.
Show Notes with Evan Bottcher on Fly Fishing the Ausable. Hit play below! 👇🏻
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(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)
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Episode Chapters with Evan Bottcher on Fly Fishing the Ausable
02:00 – Evan Bottcher shares his childhood memories growing up on the property along the Ausable River. His family purchased the Hungry Trout in 1981, initially a motel with a small restaurant, and transformed it into a renowned fly fishing destination.
8:15 – Evan learned from the seasoned anglers at Hungry Trout, including guides like Rachel Finn and Jeff Kirschman.
11:00 – Evan delves into the origins of Hungry Trout, a blend of the iconic Sable River’s allure and his father’s visionary approach.
Through strategic additions like RF McDougall’s Pub and a dedicated fly shop, Hungry Trout evolved into a comprehensive hub for anglers seeking the unique charm of the Adirondacks.
The Unique Charms of the Ausable River
14:50 – Evan paints a vivid picture of the Ausable River’s unique character, contrasting it with other rivers in the region.
The Ausable River stands out with its steep topography, dramatic waterfalls, and pocket water, offering a thrilling experience for anglers.
21:00 – Evan discusses the importance of stoneflies in the Ausable River, especially during the active months from May through June. He also touches on the dynamic hatch schedule throughout the year.
31:00 – Evan reflects on Rachel’s exceptional personality and her ability to see life beyond conventional destinations.
The movie “After You’ve Gone” by Fly Lords portrays Rachel’s journey of coping with personal challenges like cancer and her husband’s passing.
The Hungry Trout Lodge
Evan discusses the transformation of their family’s lodge and restaurant, which they sold in 2022 while maintaining the operation of the fly shop and fishing business.
The lodge offers a 21-unit motel, a restaurant called the Hungry Trout Restaurant, and RF McDougall’s Pub, creating a bundled experience with lodging, guiding, and river access.
Tips for Fishing the Sable River
51:50 – Evan emphasizes the importance of sizing up flies when fishing the Ausable River in May and June. A size 16 fly at home might equate to a size 14 or 12 on their river.
He recommends using dry droppers and fishing closer to the riverbank, starting with a short cast of about 10 feet of fly line, which can cover a significant portion of the river’s width.
54:00 – Evan suggests using flies like the Ausable Wulff or Ausable Bomber.
Euro Nymphing on the Ausable River
1:04:00 – Evan discusses the rise of Euro nymphing in their area, thanks to clinics by Loren Williams.
While dry fly fishing remains a classic choice, Euro nymphing has become more widespread among anglers.
Follow them on Instagram: @hungrytroutflyshop @hungrytroutresort
Visit their website: The Hungry Trout Resort The Hungry Trout Fly Shop
Fly Fishing the Ausable Videos Noted in the Show
Related Podcast Episodes
WFS 072 – Ausable River with Rachel Finn – Adirondack Fly Fishing, Hungry Trout, Cigars and the Hang
Read the Full Podcast Transcript Below
Conclusion with Evan Bottcher on Fly Fishing the Ausable
Evan Bottcher shares the evolution of the Hungry Trout into a renowned fly fishing destination along the Ausable River. He shares insights into the unique charm of the Ausable River and its dynamic hatch schedule.
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