Savage River Annual Trout Population Survey

Type: Nontidal
Region: Western
Location: Savage River

The Inland Fisheries Service staff from across the state recently conducted the annual trout population survey in the Savage River Trophy Trout Fishing Area. One station in each of the management areas - the Fly Fishing and the Artificial Lure/ Fly Fishing Area - were sampled to monitor the wild trout fishery. Brown trout were the most abundant species, with a high percentage of the population in the 12 to 15 inch size range. Brook trout were present in both sample stations, with brook trout up to 12 inches collected. Brook trout reproduction was considered to be "good" while brown trout reproduction was considered "fair" in 2015 based on the number of young of year fish collected in the surveys. A few rainbow trout were collected in the lower section of the river. River flow levels are perfect, and anglers should try using small elk-hair caddis (#18) or terrestrial patterns such as ants to fool these beautiful wild trout!

Pictured are:

Inland Fisheries Service Director Tony Prochaska with a trophy brook trout.
Volunteer Jessica Klotz with even bigger trophy brook trout.
Jessica Klotz with a wild brown trout.
A young of year brook trout?.