Saco RiverFishing report · river in New Hampshire
Originating in the White Mountains, the Saco and its tributaries (notably the Swift River) are renowned for dry-fly and streamer action, with productive runs around the Conway area and below Bartlett.
River flows have been excellent recently
- 01River flows have been excellent recently, the best since July, creating prime fishing conditions (USGS data for today is currently unavailable).
- 02Water temperatures are cooling, pushing trout and smallmouth bass to feed aggressively on larger prey and subsurface insects.
- 03Expect strong subsurface activity from Blue-Winged Olive nymphs and midges.
- 04Streamer fishing is highly effective for targeting aggressive, prespawn trout and hungry smallmouth bass.
- 05Opportunities for BWO dry fly action may occur on warmer, overcast afternoons.
Past reports week by week
8 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Clouser Crayfish
Crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth bass in rocky river sections, and this pattern is excellent for stripping along the bottom in the Saco River's currents.
Buy at AmazonPheasant Tail Nymph
A classic mayfly nymph imitation, particularly effective for Baetis nymphs, which are a consistent food source for trout in fall on the Saco River.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger
A versatile baitfish and leech imitation, highly effective for enticing aggressive trout and smallmouth bass in the Saco River's cooling fall waters.
Buy at AmazonBaby Brown Trout (Streamer)
Imitates juvenile trout, a key prey item for larger, more aggressive brown trout during their fall feeding frenzy and prespawn activity.
Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph
An excellent general searching nymph, mimicking various aquatic insects that remain active subsurface in the Saco River's cooling fall temperatures.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Matches the intermittent fall Blue-Winged Olive hatches, offering a low-profile presentation for selective trout rising on overcast days on the Saco River.
Buy at AmazonOctober Caddis (Dry)
If present, the large October Caddis hatch provides a significant meal, drawing aggressive strikes from trout in the Saco River.
Buy at AmazonMicro Egg
With larger trout entering their prespawn phase, egg patterns can be highly effective for opportunistic feeders below spawning areas in the Saco River.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Bartlett / Glen Ellis Falls Access
Scenic access with deeper pools and strong insect activity attracting trout and streamer-feeding fish.
Conway / North Conway Sections
Popular float and wade spots with consistent hatches and accessible bank fishing.
Swift River / Saco Headwaters (Fryeburg area)
Small, technical water with excellent brook trout and selective fish in the headwaters.
Fly shops within 40 miles
North Country Angler Fly Shop
Hill Country Guides
Hill Country Guides
North Country Angler
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Every Thursday: conditions, hatches and what's working across New Hampshire, with Saco River at the top.
New Hampshire season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Quick answers
Common questions about Saco River.
What flies work best on Saco River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Saco River right now are Woolly Bugger (80% confidence), Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (80% confidence), Clouser Crayfish (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Saco River?
Saco River holds Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Saco River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Saco River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.