Skip to main content

Swift River

Boat Ramps
0
Access Points
6
Species
7

The Swift River is a premier 23-mile freestone stream that originates on Mount Kancamagus in the White Mountains National Forest near Livermore and flows through both Carroll and Grafton Counties before joining the Saco River. This clear, cold mountain stream offers exceptional brook trout fishing in a stunning wilderness setting. The river is characterized by its rushing waters, varied structure including pocket water and riffles, and gravel and cobble substrate typical of freestone streams. The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) provides excellent access along much of its length, making it one of New Hampshire's most accessible wild trout fisheries while still offering opportunities to reach more remote stretches for anglers willing to hike.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Swift River and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Swift 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 Swift 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.

New Hampshire licenses and regulations

New Hampshire 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.

Learn more, opens in new tab

New Hampshire Fishing License

Persons 16 years or older need a license to fish in freshwater or saltwater in New Hampshire.

Learn more, opens in new tab

New Hampshire 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.

Learn more, opens in new tab

New Hampshire Stream Access Laws

Fishing is a New Hampshire tradition, one that we strive to pass on to present and future generations. With greater than 70% of New Hampshire’s land under private ownership, access for most shoreline and stream fishing occurs over private property. If we are to maintain the New Hampshire fishing tradition, it is important to remember that access to private land is a privilege provided to us through the generosity of landowners sharing their land. Practicing positive landowner relations is the key to maintaining access for present and future generations of anglers.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Take Swift 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 Swift River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Swift 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 Swift River and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.


Explore New Hampshire waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.