Fishing Season: Open year-round

Swift River - MA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

45

Jay Aylward's Tip of the Week

Can you say “ZEBRA MIDGE”???? The red Zebra midge is a must have over here in the mornings. There are plenty of midges hatching all day, making the afternoons your best chance for topwater action. Drift your cluster midge patterns, like the Griffith’s gnat for the fish feeding at the top.

Directions open in app

Map of Swift River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 4/3/26

This warm up is going to make things interesting. Don't forget your walking shoes over here, as fish are still pretty spread out. Be on the lookout for BWO’s and maybe even a Quill Gordon with this rise in temperature.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/3/26

If you only carry one rod, rig up with nymphs to drift mid column , cough cough (zebra midges),

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