Heavy Water Anglers

Heavy Water Anglers is a fly fishing guide service and lodge run by Captain Tom Martin, based at 2023 Savage River Rd in Swanton. It suits anglers who want a guided day on Western Maryland trout water, from first-timers giving fly fishing a try to experienced casters looking for a guided float or a place to stay near the river.

Guided Trips and Instruction

Trips run as float trips on the North Branch of the Potomac and walk-and-wade outings on the Savage River and other local rivers, and the outfitter also guides on waters in Pennsylvania and New York. Target species include trout, smallmouth bass, musky and steelhead, depending on the water and the season. Your guide calls the day before to set a meeting time and place based on river flows and weather. Rods, reels, lines, tippet and flies are supplied, and waders and boots can be rented if you share your sizes when you book. Instruction covers everything from fly tying to Spey casting, and the outfitter practices catch and release.

Your Guide

Tom Martin started fly fishing for trout as a kid in small mountain streams, trained at Sweetwater's guide school in Livingston, Montana, and was offered a guiding job at a Sweetwater lodge in Alaska, guiding professionally in Maryland, Pennsylvania and upstate New York between Alaska seasons. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard captain's license, and Heavy Water Anglers lists itself as licensed and insured.

The Lodge

The lodge on Savage River Road has four bedrooms (three with a queen bed and one with two full beds), two full bathrooms with walk-in showers, and a fully equipped kitchen with an outdoor grill. Linens, towels, WiFi, coffee and breakfast are provided, and the property includes about a thousand feet of private access along a trout stream. Children are welcome, though the lodge is not childproofed; pets and smoking are not allowed.

Book a guide and the lodge together and you can spend the whole trip close to the water.

Call Us!

• Website
• (443) 536-6531
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