Fishing Season: Open year-round

Swift River - MA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

45

Jay Aylward's Tip of the Week

The swift has been in decent shape, with flies hatching out of the water and hungry fish. We have been seeing some bigger mayflies still kicking around and transitioning to some of the smaller cahills. Dry-droppers when you get into the upper-water column scenarios and use standard nymph rigs until you see them rising.

Directions open in app

Map of Swift River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 6/11/25

Plenty of pods of brookies are around with bigger fish mixed in. The stockies are no longer freshman and are now incoming sophomores, still making plenty of mistakes, but being more selective about them. Bring your A-game and throw in some patient-stealthy behavior.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/11/25

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

Buy Now

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