Conway / North Conway Sectionson Saco River
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
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.
What to tie on at Conway / North Conway Sections
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
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.
Clouser Crayfish (river)
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.
Pheasant 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 (Olive)
A versatile baitfish and leech imitation, highly effective for enticing aggressive trout and smallmouth bass in the Saco River's cooling fall waters.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (BWO)
Matches the intermittent fall Blue-Winged Olive hatches, offering a low-profile presentation for selective trout rising on overcast days on the Saco River.
Baby Brown Trout (Streamer)
Imitates juvenile trout, a key prey item for larger, more aggressive brown trout during their fall feeding frenzy and prespawn activity.
Zebra Midge
Midges are the most prolific and consistent food source in the Saco River during the winter months. A black or red Zebra Midge mimics the larval and pupal stages active in the substrate.
Buy at AmazonLittle Black Stonefly nymph
Small winter stoneflies (Capniidae) begin their emergence cycle in late February. These nymphs are active in the rocky runs and provide a significant protein source for trout.
Black Woolly Bugger
A classic searching pattern that mimics leeches or small sculpins. In winter, a slow-stripped or dead-drifted bugger can trigger territorial strikes from larger, more aggressive Brown Trout.
New Hampshire 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.