Can anyone recommend accomodations near the west branch of the Ausable?
Looking for a comfortable cabin or other reasonable clean place to stay while throwing insects around next May.
Definitely, I got you covered bro. I'll recommend three, all within a mile of each other in Wilmington. You can choose depending upon your budget. The group I go with has for years always stayed at the Wilderness Inn II, they have a number of cabins at very reasonable prices plus the added bonus is they also have one of the best restaurants in the area again at reasonable prices (you can compare the prices between them and the Hungry Trout's restaurant, they use the same purveyor). The portions are generous which is great after a full day on the water. Find the number on the web and talk to Paul and June,
ask if they are still offering a fishermans package (it is an AWESOME deal for food and lodging- 2 nights lodging, 5 meals for $130/person; 2 dinners, 1 bag lunch, 2 breakfasts)
Fran Betters family also now runs a motel and restaurant that I believe is budget friendly, called the Evening Hatch Restaurant and Motel I believe.
Just down the road from the other two is the Hungry Trout, gorgeous streamside accomodations and dining but at a stiffer price. They're located right on the river in what they call the "Dream Mile" so you pay a little more for that setting.
The C&R section (Trophy Section) is very popular but in my experience the most pressure is right within the "Monument area." There are some less obvious little pulloffs that require a bit of a hike thru the woods but you can find the river all to yourself and much more willing biters.
My biggest recommendation to having a good fishing experience up there is too sample more rivers than just the West Branch Ausable. Head over to the Saranac River, find the Sam Tedford bridge and fish that area and then several other bridges downstream. IMO, the Saranac often produces steadier action. Also check out the Ausable Forks where the East and West Branches meet and fish the areas around the bridges in town.
