About
Savage River Public Fishing Access is public angler access to the Savage River Tailwater in Swanton, the roughly four-mile stretch of river below the Savage River Reservoir dam. It's managed by Maryland DNR Fishing and Boating Services as wild trout water, and it's for wading anglers after wild brown trout and native brook trout.
Trophy Trout Water
The whole tailwater is under Trophy Trout regulations and open year-round. The upper 1.25 miles, from the reservoir down to the Allegany Suspension Bridge, is fly-fishing-only. The remaining 2.75 miles, from the bridge to the river's mouth, is artificial lures or flies only, with a single hook required and treble hooks prohibited. DNR sets a daily creel of two trout, with a 12-inch minimum for brook trout and an 18-inch minimum for brown trout. Trout stocking here ended in 1991, so the fishery relies on natural reproduction; rainbows occasionally drift in from nearby waters.
The River and Getting In
The Savage runs through a steep valley of hardwoods, hemlocks, rhododendron and mountain azalea, with deep pools, pocket water and riffles. Wading is the way to fish it, since rafts and drift boats are nearly impossible at fishing flows. The cobble-and-boulder bottom is tricky, so DNR strongly recommends a wading staff and studded boots. Public access is intermittent: park in the designated areas marked with Fishing and Boating Service signs, and stay off private stretches marked by posted signs or blue paint. DNR's online Public Angler Access tool maps the regulation areas.
Before You Go
Flows depend on releases from the dam, which was completed in 1952. DNR considers 50 to 100 CFS good for fishing; check the USGS gauge or the Army Corps of Engineers release schedule, or call (410) 962-7687. High-water releases bring out whitewater paddlers. For flies and a fishing report, Savage River Outfitters sits along Savage River Road, and the Savage River Reservoir North and South Boat Ramps reach the lake above the dam.
Check the flows and the regulations before you pull on your waders, and you'll be set for a day of wild trout.
Address
Swanton, MD 21561