Fishing Season: Open year-round

Swift River - MA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

45

Jay Aylward's Tip of the Week

Watch out for redds, Both brookies and browns are spawning over here, dont trample the redds and dont target the spawning fish. BWO’s and MIdges have been hatching in the afternoons and some nice fish have been coming to the net using dries and emergers, fished from the surface to a couple of inches under. There has been a fairy bit of poaching over here in the lower catch and release stretch. Feel free to call the EPOs to report it.

Directions open in app

Map of Swift River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 11/20/25

Looks good, Especially with this cool down coming.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/20/25

I would say nymphing would be your best technique over here.

Local Species Available Open year-round

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

Jay Aylward's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Sparkle Dun N/A
Pale Morning Dun Thorax N/A
Dave's Cricket N/A
Flying Ant N/A
Bead Head Prince N/A
Lightning Bug N/A

Sparkle Dun

A must-have in every box of trout flies

0.00

Item #749F

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Jay Aylward's Recommended Gear

Description: About Swift River

The Swift River is the outflow of the Quabbin reservoir, and is a bottom released body of water and remains cold year round. This ultra-gin clear river offers challenging opportunities for above average browns, bows, and brookies. The clarity of the water makes it look shallower than it is. Small flies and light tippets are key on this river. It sees a lot of pressure and the fish are educated. BE patient and persistent and you will be landing fish over there.

Nearest Airport:

Boston

Hatches:

BWO's Midge's Sulphers Hoppers/crickets Tricos

Best Time to Fish:

Early and late

Best Stretch:

Above the Rt. 9 Bridge

Best Access:

Route 9 Bridge