Fishing Season: All year w/ a few closures during stockings

Savage River - MD

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

40

Savage River Angler's Tip of the Week

Fish slow and low Report wildlife violations to MD NRP. Put this number in your cell phone 1- 800-628-9944. Fish poaching has been a big problem for us.

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Map of Savage River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Savage River Angler

5-Day Outlook as of 1/29/26

A lot of ice is starting to form with the cold air temps. Probably better to fish lower river. instagram.com/pj_daley www.facebook.com/savage.river.angler and www.savageriverangler.com

Techniques & Tips as of 1/29/26

Upper savage is iced over…

Local Species Available All year w/ a few closures during stockings

  • Fish Icon

    Native brook and stocked rainbow trout

Savage River Angler's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Adams Parachute Dry Fly N/A 12-16
Elk Wing Caddis N/A 14-16
RS2 N/A 12-14
Magic Midge N/A 14
Bead Head Emerging Sparkle Caddis Pupa N/A 14-16
Shaky Worm N/A 20-24
Stimulator black or olive 08-12

Adams Parachute Dry Fly

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Item #0356

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Savage River Angler's Recommended Gear

Description: About Savage River

The upper river is a freestoner that produces all the major hatches you'd expect to find on any healthy eastern trout stream. It is stocked heavily with rainbows every spring, but has a thriving brook trout population as well. A portion of the upper savage is put and take regs with no tackle restrictions, but what makes this river special is that upstream from poplar lick it becomes artificial only, catch and release for brook trout. This also includes every tributary upstream from the dam on savage resevoir. Dry fly fishing is terrific from April to mid June. Wading in here is fairly easy, but you still may want a wading staff in the spring when the bottom is slick and the flow is full.

Nearest Airport:

Pittsburg Intl (PIT) or Dulles Intl (IAD)

Hatches:

Midges Olives

Best Time to Fish:

Early or very late evening.

Best Stretch:

Anywhere that looks good to you. The whole river fishes well. The C&R brook trout water is upstream of Poplar Lick.

Best Access:

Good access is all along Savage River road.