Savage River Dam / Tailwateron Savage River (Reservoir Tailwater)
Brown and brook trout are actively spawning
- 01Brown and brook trout are actively spawning, increasing opportunities for egg patterns and aggressive streamer takes.
- 02Expect consistent subsurface activity on midges and BWO nymphs as primary food sources in the cold tailwater.
- 03Water temperatures remain cool (49°F), maintaining good trout activity despite the seasonal shift.
- 04Fish are highly selective, necessitating technical presentations and varied fly selection.
- 05Focus on deeper pools, runs, and pocket water for actively feeding trout.
What to tie on at Savage River Dam / Tailwater
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Olive Woolly Bugger
A versatile streamer pattern imitating leeches and baitfish, effective for enticing aggressive strikes from larger brown and brook trout in the colder fall waters.
Jujubaetis
Excellent Baetis nymph for year-round subsurface feeding in clear, low tailwater conditions.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Primary food source year-round in cold tailwaters, crucial for selective trout in clear, low flows.
Buy at AmazonPheasant Tail Nymph
A versatile general mayfly nymph, a spring staple, especially effective when BWOs are active subsurface.
Buy at AmazonScud (Pink/Orange)
Consistent freshwater amphipod food source in tailwaters with aquatic vegetation, effective in deeper runs.
Buy at AmazonPine Squirrel Leech
Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cold water, triggering strikes from larger, lethargic trout.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Hare's Ear Nymph
An excellent general searching nymph, mimicking various aquatic insects and scuds active in the currents, effective year-round in this tailwater.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Classic spring BWO hatch for selective risers in this technical tailwater.
Mysis Shrimp
A consistent, high-protein food source in tailwaters below Mysis-producing reservoirs, effective year-round subsurface.
Buy at AmazonMaryland season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.