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Saco River

Boat Ramps
8
Access Points
17
Species
16

The Saco River is a pristine waterway that begins in New Hampshire's White Mountains at Crawford Notch and flows approximately 136 miles southeast through New Hampshire and Maine before emptying into Saco Bay in the Gulf of Maine. The river offers diverse fishing opportunities in its crystal-clear waters, with the upper sections providing excellent cold-water fishing and the lower sections transforming into a productive warm-water fishery. Known for its scenic beauty and abundant fish populations, the Saco River provides anglers with a tranquil and rewarding fishing experience set against the backdrop of lush forests and rolling hills.


Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Rainbow Trout500 fish · YearlingsJun 26, 2026
  • Brown Trout500 fish · YearlingsJun 26, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout500 fish · YearlingsJun 26, 2026
  • Brook Trout500 fish · YearlingsJun 26, 2026
  • Brook Trout200 fish · AdultsJun 9, 2026

Source

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Saco River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Saco River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Maine licenses and regulations

Maine Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Maine Fishing License

A valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older, to fish in inland waters or transport fish taken from inland waters. A person is required to keep their fishing license with them at all times while fishing or transporting fish and must exhibit their license for inspection by any warden, department employee, guide, or landowner upon request. An electronic license or permit can now be displayed in lieu of a physical paper license or permit.

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Maine Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Maine Stream Access Laws

"All streams of sufficient capacity in their natural condition to float boats, rafts or logs, are deemed public highways and as such are subject to the use of the public."

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Take Saco River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Saco River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Saco River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Saco River and check the forecast before you go.

SACO RIVER AT RIVER STREET, AT BARTLETT, NH

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