It has been written that in a mountain stream pool, a 10-inch brook trout is every bit the predator that an 80-pound tarpon is in its own mangrove environment. If that appeals to you, then this is the Trail site for you. With 120 miles of interconnected wild trout streams, the upper Savage River may be the finest brook trout habitat in the eastern United States, south of Maine. Situated at the mouth of the Savage River Reservoir, Big Run State Park is the perfect base camp from which to access the river and enjoy the surrounding Savage River State Forest. Campers at Big Run have easy access to other fishing, boating, hiking or hunting opportunities. The Upper Savage River and its tributaries are located within one of Maryland’s old growth hemlock forests, with overhanging limbs and brushy undergrowth. A decent cast can be challenging, but the jewel like brook trout deposited from the last ice age are certainly worth pursuing.

Site Location

The Upper Savage River is located in Western Maryland in Garrett County, surrounded by Big Run State Park, Bear Pen Natural Area and Savage River State Forest, flowing into the Savage River Reservoir.

How to Get There

From Interstate 68, just prior to Grantsville, take Exit 41, crossing over the highway to Avilton Lonaconing Road, right turn onto Lower New Germany Road which continues on as Westernport Road, with a right turn onto Savage River Road once you cross the Savage River.

Address

16394-16460 Savage River Road Barton, MD 21521 39.598518668794114, -79.08286578930122

Parking

The stream and ample parking is located alongside Savage River Road, just above the reservoir. Parking at Big Run State Park allows for close proximity to Big Run, Middle Fork a few miles below the campgrounds, and going upstream to the upper Savage and, a few miles further, Poplar Lick. Parking is also available at multiple pull offs along Savage River Road and at Poplar Lick Campground.

Where to Fish

You can fly fish the river from the bank or by wading in the river, casting in riffles or towards deeper pools.

What to Catch

Brook trout and rainbow trout

What to Fish & How

A seven to nine-foot 4 weight fly rod, with a floating fly line and nine-foot leader are good fly fishing gear.  Blue wing olives in the spring and fall, blue quills in the spring, green drakes in June, tan elk hair caddis, parachute Adams, terrestrials during the summer, and attractors such as the Royal Wulff, Royal Coachman and trudes are all appropriate flies.  Wooly buggers and wooly worms can produce in the deeper holes.

Fly Fishing Organizations

Connect with local fly fishing organizations to learn about mentoring opportunities and to connect with others interested in fly fishing.