Savage River
The Savage River may be better known as the
site of World Whitewater Championships and Olympic Whitewater Trials
than as one of the finest trout streams in the East. Lying within
the boundaries of the massive 50,000 acre Savage River State Forest,
the Savage River and it's tributaries flow through some of the last
remaining old growth forests in Maryland. The upper two-thirds of
the river is typical of eastern freestone streams, small at first
but widening as multiple tributaries add their strength.
Many
of these tributaries flow from cold mountain springs, and support a
strain of brook trout considered by many to be a heritage strain.
Untouched by man's breeding techniques, they are as genetically pure
today as they were thousands of years ago. The mainstem of the
river remains relatively shallow as it makes it's way toward the
reservoir and is plentifully stocked with brown and rainbow
trout. Below the reservoir the character of the river changes
dramatically. Flowing from the dam at a year-round temperature in
the mid-50's, it pours through a series of swift channels and deep
pools. Conditions on this section can test even the most
sure-footed angler, but create an ideal habitat for wild brown and
brook trout. Managed as a "Trophy Trout Area" the Savage River
tailwater is divided into two sections, with the water nearest the
dam being designated "Fly Fishing Only". Although the structure of
the river seems more suited to nymphs than dry flies, trout can be
found feeding on the surface throughout the year.
As the season
progresses midges and stone flies give way to overlapping hatches
of caddis and mayflies with terrestrials providing the bulk of the
late summer and autumn action. The abundance of insects in the
Savage River can allow the trout to be very selective in their
feeding habits, and should provide an experience that is challenging
enough for even expert fly casters.
