Fishing Season: Late March through mid-October

Saco River - NH

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

100%Chart created using amCharts library

Water Temp:

70

North Country Angler's Tip of the Week

Dry dropper rigs are producing. We like the Duo dry with a small copper john.

Directions open in app

Map of Saco River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 7/10/25

Fish mornings and evenings for best results. Headwaters during the day

Techniques & Tips as of 7/10/25

Size 14 Duo with a size 16 nymph or soft hackle dropper.

Local Species Available Late March through mid-October

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    Brook

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    Brown

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    and Rainbow Trout

North Country Angler's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Bead Head Prince standard 12-16
Gold Bead Hare's Ear Nymph olive 12-16
Orvis CJ Nymph asst 16-20
Klinkhammer various 12-16
Saco Spinner light/dark 12
MOP Flies various 10
Adams Parachute Dry Fly pink 12-16
Red Quill standard 12-16
Duo dry fly olive 12-16
Humungous white/black 10

Bead Head Prince

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North Country Angler's Recommended Gear

Description: About Saco River

The Saco River emanates from Saco lake in Crawford Notch. From there it flows southeast through the towns of Bartlett, North Conway and Conway before flowing southeast into Fryeburg ME. The river is a freestone mountain stream from Crawford Notch through North Conway. Below there the river slows with sandy stretches and log jams. Throughout it's NH course the river is crystal clear providing excellent dry fly fishing throughout the spring, summer and fall months. Known for it's gray drake spinner falls in the month of June, the Saco also fish's well throughout the summer months with terrestrials. When flows bump up the Saco becomes a streamer junkies dream. Fish will often chase baitfish before committing, so be sure to give an erratic retrieve. While the river gets stockings of brook, brown, and rainbow trout, it is also known for producing exceptionally large brown trout. Fish over twenty inches are not uncommon and fish over two feet are seen every year. Flows on the Saco can vary greatly and it is not uncommon to see the river go from 300 to 3,000 cfs after a rainstorm. When flows are below 1,000 cfs the river can be easily wade fished. When flows are above 1,000 cfs the river is best fished from a raft. The river falls just as fast as it rises. If you want to hit a good float day be sure to do so within a few days of a solid rain, or during spring runoff.

Nearest Airport:

Portland ME

Hatches:

Caddis Stoneflies Red quills

Best Time to Fish:

most comfortable time of day

Best Stretch:

Bartlett to Conway

Best Access:

First Bridge Park - River Street in Bartlett