Savage River
Garrett County · Bloomington Tailwater
W Maryland, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 01598000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Early June on the Savage River means sulphur season is hitting peak stride with warm afternoons triggering reliable evening emergence. Mountain water temps climbing into the upper 50s with stable dry conditions through the week — textbook timing for Garrett County's signature hatch. Focus evening sessions from 6-8pm when sulphurs start coming off, then switch to rusty spinners as light fades. Morning caddis action before 10am offers a solid warmup before the evening show.
- Conditions: Stable mountain conditions with highs near 75-80°F warming water into prime sulphur range. Zero precip forecast maintains clear water.
- Hatches: Peak sulphur emergence 6-8pm with water temps hitting optimal 58-60°F range. Morning caddis activity before heat sets in.
- Water Temp: Climbing through upper 50s during afternoon warmup — crossing key sulphur threshold with consistent evening emergence.
- Best Window: Evening sessions 6-8pm for sulphur duns, then spinners until dark. Early morning caddis 7-10am before thermal shutdown.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Apr–Oct, peak May–June
The Savage River below Savage River Reservoir in western Maryland is a small, wild trout tailwater running through Allegany County's mountain country. The river holds wild brown trout in cold, productive water — among the best wild trout fisheries in the mid-Atlantic. The Savage River Tailwater Trophy Trout Project Area mandates catch-and-release with artificial flies/lures only. Hatches center on caddis and mayfly emergences through spring and early summer.
The Savage tailwater section was one of the first east-coast tailwaters to be managed exclusively for wild trout — a 1980s-era program that pioneered tailwater wild-trout regulations adopted later by neighboring states.
January Outlook
January on the Savage River tailwater in western Maryland's Allegheny Mountains. The trophy trout section below Bloomington Dam fishes year-round. Midge and BWO patterns produce consistent results in the cold stable tailwater.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Blue Winged Olive
- Scud
Tips
Winter on the Savage River is excellent for the dedicated few who make the drive to Garrett County. The trophy section is virtually deserted in January. Midge nymphing in the deeper pools below the dam produces the most consistent action. The mountain setting is beautiful under winter skies.
Water Notes
Regulated by Bloomington Dam. 50–200 cfs typical. Water 44–52°F. Garrett County winter — cold but the tailwater stays fishable.
February Outlook
February tailwater fishing on the Savage River. The constant dam releases keep conditions stable. Midges and early BWOs on mild February afternoons produce rising trout in the trophy section.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- BWO Cripple
- RS2
- Scud
Tips
February on the Savage River is one of Maryland's finest fishing experiences — few anglers, consistent tailwater, and large wild brown and rainbow trout. The trophy section above the lower bridge is the best water.
Water Notes
50–200 cfs. Water 44–52°F. Stable dam release. Garrett County winter conditions — dress appropriately.
March Outlook
Spring arrives slowly in the Allegheny Mountains. March brings increasing BWO activity to the Savage River tailwater. The first major hatches of the year produce rising fish in the fly-fishing-only trophy section.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive #18-20
- Hendrickson #12-14 (late March)
- Zebra Midge
- Elk Hair Caddis (small)
Tips
March is when the Savage begins its transition from pure winter fishing. BWOs appear on overcast afternoons and the first Hendricksons may arrive by late March. The trophy section holds excellent fish. Clear water requires stealthy approaches.
Water Notes
50–300 cfs. Water 46–54°F. Mountain spring arriving. BWO activity building. Some high water possible from snowmelt.
April Outlook
April prime season on the Savage River. Hendrickson and caddis hatches begin in earnest. The fly-fishing-only trophy trout section produces exceptional wild brown and rainbow trout on dry flies.
Productive Patterns
- Hendrickson Dry #12
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Blue Winged Olive
- Quill Gordon
Tips
April is the Savage River's finest month. The Hendrickson hatch in mid-April produces consistent surface action. The trophy section above the lower bridge holds the best fish — wild browns and rainbows to 20 inches. 5X tippet minimum.
Water Notes
50–400 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Prime spring tailwater conditions. Hendrickson hatch peaks mid-April.
May Outlook
Sulphurs and caddis define May on the Savage River. Evening Sulphur hatches produce excellent surface fishing. One of Maryland's finest fly fishing experiences in a remote Allegheny Mountain setting.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Dry #16
- Elk Hair Caddis
- March Brown
- Light Cahill
Tips
The evening Sulphur hatch is the Savage River's signature event. Position in the trophy section by 5:30pm and wait — the hatch builds steadily through the evening. Wild brown trout to 18 inches rise confidently in the tailwater.
Water Notes
50–300 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Excellent spring tailwater conditions. Evening hatches most productive.
June Outlook
Early summer on the Savage River with caddis and terrestrial fishing. The remote Garrett County setting is beautiful in early summer. Fish the morning caddis and evening sulphur periods for the best action.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Sulphur Dry
- Ant
- Beetle
Tips
The Savage River in June is productive but requires picking the right time of day. Morning caddis and late evening sulphurs bookend productive sessions. The mountain setting is beautiful — combine fishing with exploring the Savage River State Forest.
Water Notes
40–200 cfs. Water 54–62°F. Mountain summer arriving. Fish mornings and evenings.
July Outlook
Summer terrestrials on the Savage River. The tailwater's cold releases keep the trophy section productive even in the hottest Maryland summers. Ants and beetles are the primary summer flies.
Productive Patterns
- Ant #16-18
- Beetle
- Elk Hair Caddis (evening)
- Zebra Midge
Tips
The Savage River in July benefits from its tailwater character — water stays 52-58°F even when air temperatures climb to 85°F. Fish the early morning and evening. The remote location is an advantage in summer — crowds are minimal.
Water Notes
30–150 cfs. Water 52–58°F (tailwater). Air temps 80–88°F. Fish mornings and evenings. Tailwater provides summer refuge.
August Outlook
August continues summer patterns on the Savage. The tailwater keeps fish active in the heat. Terrestrial fishing is the primary summer approach. The trophy section holds the best fish in summer low water.
Productive Patterns
- Ant
- Beetle
- Hopper (small)
- Elk Hair Caddis (evening)
Tips
August on the Savage River is productive in the early morning and evening. The cold tailwater releases keep this river fishable when surrounding freestone streams are stressed. The trophy section fish are all wild — technical and selective.
Water Notes
25–100 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Summer low water. Tailwater keeps conditions consistently cool.
September Outlook
Excellent fall fishing on the Savage River. BWO hatches return and brown trout become pre-spawn aggressive. The Allegheny Mountain setting in fall is spectacular. One of Maryland's finest fall destinations.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive #18-20
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Mahogany Dun
- Streamer
Tips
September on the Savage is excellent — BWOs begin producing consistent afternoon rises and pre-spawn brown trout are increasingly aggressive. The trophy section's large wild fish are at their annual peak of activity. Streamer fishing at dawn for the largest fish.
Water Notes
40–250 cfs. Water 54–62°F. Outstanding fall Allegheny Mountain conditions.
October Outlook
October is the Savage River's finest month. Trophy brown trout in pre-spawn aggression, BWO and Mahogany Dun hatches, and the spectacular fall foliage of the Allegheny Highlands. Streamers produce the largest fish of the year.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer (olive/black)
- Mahogany Dun #14-16
- Blue Winged Olive
- Soft Hackle
Tips
October is exceptional on the Savage River — the combination of trophy brown trout aggression, fall BWO hatches, and stunning Allegheny foliage makes this one of Maryland's finest fishing experiences. The trophy section holds fish over 22 inches.
Water Notes
50–300 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Outstanding fall tailwater conditions. The finest month for trophy brown trout.
November Outlook
November late season on the Savage River. Post-spawn brown trout recover and feed aggressively. The remote Garrett County setting is quiet and beautiful. Midge and BWO fishing for the dedicated angler.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Zebra Midge
- Soft Hackle
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
November on the Savage River is excellent and completely uncrowded. The remote western Maryland location deters casual visitors. Post-spawn browns feed aggressively on midge and nymph patterns. Late BWO activity on mild afternoons.
Water Notes
50–250 cfs. Cooling 42–52°F. Late fall Allegheny Mountain conditions. Post-spawn brown trout feeding.
December Outlook
December returns the Savage River to winter. The tailwater remains fishable year-round. Midge fishing in the trophy section for the few dedicated anglers who make the winter trip to Garrett County.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Scud
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
December on the Savage River is a solitary experience — the remote Garrett County location and mountain winter conditions mean essentially no competition. The tailwater keeps conditions stable. A genuine western Maryland wilderness experience.
Water Notes
40–150 cfs. Water 42–50°F. Winter dam release conditions. Garrett County mountains in winter — cold but fishable.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulphur Ephemerella dorothea |
May, Jun | May, Jun, Jul | #14–18 |
|
| Blue-Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #16–20 |
|
| Midge Chironomidae spp. |
Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec | #22–26 |
|
Access & Approach
Westernport, MD is the primary base. Public access at multiple state-managed sites. Maryland fishing license required. Trophy Trout Project regulations: artificial flies/lures only, catch-and-release.
Regulations & License
Fishing in Maryland requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Maryland fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Savage River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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