The Saco River is a freestone river in New Hampshire, listed as Fly-fishing only by New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (official eRegulations edition of the Freshwater Fishing Digest).
2 USGS gauges on the water report flow. No guide or shop nearby is listed yet; the nearest destination hub is White Mountains: North Conway & the Saco.
Saco River is a freestone river in New Hampshire. Our destination hub White Mountains: North Conway & the Saco is 5 mi away in a straight line and lists it among its waters.
Pick one of its USGS gauges and hear from us when the flow moves into or out of its usual range for the date, or crosses a flow you set. We check the public USGS reading every 2 hours and email only when it crosses, at most once every 6 hours. Flow alone is not a fishing forecast or a safety call.
Signed in: one step. Otherwise we email a confirmation link first. Every alert has one-click links to stop it.
Start from the agency's public access map. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.
Nothing on this page grants or implies access.
Gauges, shops and guides within 40 miles
Map of Saco River: gauges, shops and guides
Map of Saco River with 2 USGS gauges.
Restrooms within 2 miles of Saco River in a straight line, nearest first, with what anglers found when they went. The map says a restroom is there, not whether it is clean or open today.
Map of 3 restrooms near Saco River
Skip the map; every place is in the list belowMap of 3 restrooms near Saco River, numbered as in the list, with the water’s point marked.
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Restroom locations and map details: © OpenStreetMap contributors, Open Database License, read Oct 24, 2026. Ratings, answers and photos are members' own; who shared them is never shown, and every photo is reviewed before it appears. Visits older than 18 months no longer count. Distances are straight-line miles, not driving. Nothing here grants access to private land. Community guidelines.
Special-regulation trout waterRepresentative photo · not Conway LakeMooselookmeguntic Lake from Oquossoc, Maine. Photo: Doug Kerr, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Conway Lake.
New Hampshire · about 3 mi
Special-regulation trout waterRepresentative photo · not Ossipee LakeRangeley Lake, Maine. Photo: Manuel Velazquez, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Ossipee Lake.
New Hampshire · about 14 mi
Fly-fishing onlyRepresentative photo · not Ellis RiverThe Androscoggin River near Berlin, New Hampshire. Photo: AlexiusHoratius, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Ellis River.
New Hampshire · about 15 mi
Catch and releaseRepresentative photo · not Peabody PondSunset at Lake Moultrie, South Carolina. Photo: Kcstanfield, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Peabody Pond.
Maine · about 20 mi
Wild Trout WaterRepresentative photo · not Ethan PondLake Jocassee from a canoe, South Carolina. Photo: TimothyJ from Atlanta, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Ethan Pond.
New Hampshire · about 21 mi
Fly-fishing onlyRepresentative photo · not Saco LakeSunrise over Lake Marion from Santee State Park, South Carolina. Photo: Andrew Parlette from Elkridge,MD, US, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Saco Lake.
New Hampshire · about 22 mi
Seasons, limits, special regulations and closures for each reach are on the agency pages below. Read them before you go.
Each comes from the agency's own published list; where the list names a reach it is quoted. A designation applies to the listed reach, not necessarily the whole water.
On the Rivers & Streams with Special Rules — fly-fishing only sections list (New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (official eRegulations edition of the Freshwater Fishing Digest), read 2026-10-16). All waters with this designation
Measured from the NHDPlus High Resolution (flowlines and waterbodies) (U.S. Geological Survey, read 2026-11-04) for this water’s own mapped feature. Rounded figures; they describe the channel, not today’s conditions.
Areas the Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US), public access (U.S. Geological Survey, Gap Analysis Project, read 2026-11-05) lists as owned or held in easement and open to the public, crossed by the mapped channel. Boundaries are mapped, not surveyed. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.
2 of 132.3 mi on public land
Nothing on this page grants or implies access.
Listings marked Unclaimed are built from open map records and the business's own website: confirm licensing, rates, dates and hours directly.
No guide within 40 miles yet.
No shop nearby yet.
North Conway sits in the Mount Washington Valley on the east side of New Hampshire's White Mountains, where the Saco River comes down from Crawford Notch; the Ellis River joins it from Pinkham Notch and Jackson, the Androscoggin runs along the north side of the mountains through Gorham and Berlin, and the Pemigewasset drains the west side of the range.
Destination hub · 5 mi away in a straight line
A practical checklist for fly fishing small mountain trout streams: a short 3–4 weight rod, light line, a few buoyant dries and simple wet-wading gear, with estimated prices and where to buy.
7′6″–8′6″ rod, 3–4 weight, floating line · Brook, cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout
Open the checklistSeams, shelves and soft water, shown on real rivers.
Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.
Not sponsored All videos on reading water
Indicator rigs, depth and detecting the take.
Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.
Not sponsored All videos on nymphing
Trip stories anglers chose to share publicly and tagged with Saco River.
No stories from here yet.
Not a statement of access, fish presence or conditions.
A water page organises discovery. It does not assert public access, legal access, current fish presence, guide availability or fishing conditions.
Flows, gauge statistics and flood stages come from USGS and the National Weather Service when the page is shown. Regulations, stocking, species and season statements link to the agency that publishes them; this page copies only the species names and the quoted sentences. Guide and shop listings come from the Legendary directories. Position: the USGS gauge Saco River near Conway, NH. Water type is our own classification.
Caution: Low water: go quiet and stealthy
At SACO RIVER AT RIVER STREET, AT BARTLETT, NH (USGS 010642505) · 1 of 2 gauges below Provisional USGS data
USGS 010642505 · NWS BLTN3
What the agencies suggest
Approach the stream carefully and with a low profileIowa Department of Natural Resources
Fishing upstream will usually spook fewer fish than working downstreamIowa Department of Natural Resources
Deep pools and undercut banks provide refuge during sunny days and low waterMinnesota Department of Natural Resources
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 1:45 PM EST · provisional USGS data
Lowest for this date on record for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 169 readings from Oct 29, 3:30 PM EDT to Nov 5, 1:45 PM EST; ranging 37.1 to 43.8 ft³/s; latest 39.3 ft³/s.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS Water Data API continuous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) | Water temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 1:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 52.2 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 52.2 |
| Nov 5, 11:45 AM EST | 37.1 | 2.58 | 51.8 |
| Nov 5, 10:45 AM EST | 37.1 | 2.58 | 50.5 |
| Nov 5, 9:45 AM EST | 37.1 | 2.58 | 49.3 |
| Nov 5, 8:45 AM EST | 37.1 | 2.58 | 48.2 |
| Nov 5, 7:45 AM EST | 37.1 | 2.58 | 47.7 |
| Nov 5, 6:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 47.7 |
| Nov 5, 5:45 AM EST | 37.1 | 2.58 | 48 |
| Nov 5, 4:45 AM EST | 37.1 | 2.58 | 48.2 |
| Nov 5, 3:45 AM EST | 37.1 | 2.58 | 48.6 |
| Nov 5, 2:45 AM EST | 37.1 | 2.58 | 48.9 |
| Nov 5, 1:45 AM EST | 37.1 | 2.58 | 49.3 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 AM EST | 37.1 | 2.58 | 49.6 |
| Nov 4, 11:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 50 |
| Nov 4, 10:45 PM EST | 37.1 | 2.58 | 50.4 |
| Nov 4, 9:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 50.9 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 51.3 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 51.8 |
| Nov 4, 6:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 52.3 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 52.9 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 53.6 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 54.5 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 PM EST | 37.1 | 2.58 | 54.9 |
| Nov 4, 1:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 54.5 |
| Nov 4, 12:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 53.6 |
| Nov 4, 11:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 52.2 |
| Nov 4, 10:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 50.5 |
| Nov 4, 9:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 49.1 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 48.2 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 47.8 |
| Nov 4, 6:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 47.8 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 48.2 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 48.2 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 48.4 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 48.7 |
| Nov 4, 1:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 49.1 |
| Nov 4, 12:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 49.3 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 49.5 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 49.5 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 49.8 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 49.8 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 50 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 50.2 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 50.2 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 50.4 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 50.5 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 50.5 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 50.2 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 PM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 49.8 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 49.1 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 48.4 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 47.7 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 47.1 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 46.8 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 46.6 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 AM EST | 38.2 | 2.59 | 46.6 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 46.6 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 46.6 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 46.6 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 46.6 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 46.6 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 46.8 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 46.8 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 46.9 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 47.1 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 47.3 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 47.5 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 47.8 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 48.2 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 48.6 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 48.6 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 47.8 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 47.1 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 46.2 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 45.1 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 43.7 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 42.6 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 42.1 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 AM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 42.1 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 42.1 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 AM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 42.6 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 AM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 42.8 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 43.2 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 PM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 43.7 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 44.2 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 PM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 44.6 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 PM EST | 39.3 | 2.6 | 45 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 PM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 45.5 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 PM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 46 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 PM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 46.8 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 PM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 47.5 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 PM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 47.8 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 PM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 47.7 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 PM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 46.9 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 AM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 45.5 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 AM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 43.7 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 AM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 41.9 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 AM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 40.8 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 AM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 40.5 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 AM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 40.6 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 AM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 40.8 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 AM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 41.2 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 AM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 41.4 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 AM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 41.7 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM EST | 40.4 | 2.61 | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM EDT | 40.4 | 2.61 | 42.4 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 AM EDT | 40.4 | 2.61 | 42.8 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 PM EDT | 40.4 | 2.61 | 43.3 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 PM EDT | 40.4 | 2.61 | 43.9 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 PM EDT | 41.5 | 2.62 | 44.4 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 PM EDT | 40.4 | 2.61 | 45 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 PM EDT | 41.5 | 2.62 | 45.5 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 PM EDT | 40.4 | 2.61 | 46 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 PM EDT | 40.4 | 2.61 | 46.8 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 PM EDT | 41.5 | 2.62 | 47.5 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 PM EDT | 41.5 | 2.62 | 48.2 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 PM EDT | 41.5 | 2.62 | 48.7 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 PM EDT | 41.5 | 2.62 | 48.2 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 PM EDT | 41.5 | 2.62 | 47.1 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 AM EDT | 41.5 | 2.62 | 45.9 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 AM EDT | 41.5 | 2.62 | 44.8 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 AM EDT | 41.5 | 2.62 | 44.1 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 AM EDT | 41.5 | 2.62 | 43.9 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 AM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 44.2 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 AM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 44.8 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 AM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 45.1 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 AM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 45.5 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 AM EDT | 41.5 | 2.62 | 45.9 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 AM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 46.2 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 AM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 46.8 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 AM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 47.3 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 PM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 47.8 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 PM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 48.2 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 PM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 48.6 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 PM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 48.7 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 PM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 49.1 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 PM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 49.3 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 PM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 49.6 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 PM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 50.2 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 PM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 50.7 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 PM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 51.4 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 PM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 52 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 PM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 50.9 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 AM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 50.2 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 AM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 48.9 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 AM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 48.2 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 AM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 47.8 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 AM EDT | 42.7 | 2.63 | 47.8 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 AM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 47.8 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 AM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 48 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 AM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 48 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 AM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 48 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 AM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 48 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 AM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 48 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 AM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 47.8 |
| Oct 29, 11:45 PM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 47.8 |
| Oct 29, 10:45 PM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 47.8 |
| Oct 29, 9:45 PM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 48 |
| Oct 29, 8:45 PM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 48.4 |
| Oct 29, 7:45 PM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 48.7 |
| Oct 29, 6:45 PM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 49.1 |
| Oct 29, 5:45 PM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 49.8 |
| Oct 29, 4:45 PM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 50.4 |
| Oct 29, 3:45 PM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 50.5 |
| Oct 29, 3:30 PM EDT | 43.8 | 2.64 | 50.5 |
Normal for Nov 5: 130–348 ft³/s (middle half of 17 years of record). Now: 39.3 ft³/s, lowest for this date on record.
Lowest for this date on record for this date. 39.3 ft³/s is below the lowest daily mean recorded on this date of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 17 years of record: 10th 86.7, 25th 130, median 183, 75th 348, 90th 720 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 44 ft³/s, highest 1,150 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Steady over 24 hours (+2.9% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 2.6 ft stage, 39 ft³/s at Nov 5, 1:45 PM EST (NWS gauge BLTN3; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
Forecasts are not available. Only observed stages are available for this point.
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
Federal guidance. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department publishes no water-temperature line for trout anglers that we found. The lines below are the National Park Service's, federal guidance, not a New Hampshire rule:
Under the federal 68°F line. Water 52.2°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 54.9°F. That is under the 68°F at which the National Park Service, at Grand Teton National Park, recommends anglers stop fishing in the afternoon (“cease fishing at 2 p.m. when water temperatures are likely to exceed 68°F”). Water warms through the afternoon, so check again later in the day: “Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature.”
High water temperatures prompt fishing advisory in Grand Teton National Park (29 July 2022) (National Park Service)This gauge is on our page for Saco River, but no agency page we read lists its species.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)Cold water. Water 52.2°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
USGS 01064500 · NWS CNWN3
What the agencies suggest
Approach the stream carefully and with a low profileIowa Department of Natural Resources
Fishing upstream will usually spook fewer fish than working downstreamIowa Department of Natural Resources
Deep pools and undercut banks provide refuge during sunny days and low waterMinnesota Department of Natural Resources
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 1:45 PM EST · provisional USGS data
Much below normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 169 readings from Oct 29, 3:30 PM EDT to Nov 5, 1:45 PM EST; ranging 165 to 192 ft³/s; latest 165 ft³/s.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS Water Data API continuous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 1:45 PM EST | 165 | 2.28 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 PM EST | 165 | 2.28 |
| Nov 5, 11:45 AM EST | 165 | 2.28 |
| Nov 5, 10:45 AM EST | 167 | 2.29 |
| Nov 5, 9:45 AM EST | 167 | 2.29 |
| Nov 5, 8:45 AM EST | 167 | 2.29 |
| Nov 5, 7:45 AM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 5, 6:45 AM EST | 167 | 2.29 |
| Nov 5, 5:45 AM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 5, 4:45 AM EST | 167 | 2.29 |
| Nov 5, 3:45 AM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 5, 2:45 AM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 5, 1:45 AM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 AM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 4, 11:45 PM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 4, 10:45 PM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 4, 9:45 PM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 4, 6:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 4, 1:45 PM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 4, 12:45 PM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 4, 11:45 AM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 4, 10:45 AM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 4, 9:45 AM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 AM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 AM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 4, 6:45 AM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 AM EST | 170 | 2.3 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 AM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 AM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 AM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 4, 1:45 AM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 4, 12:45 AM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 AM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 AM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 AM EST | 179 | 2.33 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 AM EST | 182 | 2.34 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 AM EST | 182 | 2.34 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 AM EST | 185 | 2.35 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 AM EST | 182 | 2.34 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 AM EST | 179 | 2.33 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 PM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 AM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 AM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 AM EST | 173 | 2.31 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 PM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 AM EST | 176 | 2.32 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 AM EST | 179 | 2.33 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 AM EST | 179 | 2.33 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 AM EST | 179 | 2.33 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 AM EST | 179 | 2.33 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 AM EST | 179 | 2.33 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM EST | 179 | 2.33 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM EDT | 179 | 2.33 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 AM EDT | 179 | 2.33 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 PM EDT | 179 | 2.33 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 PM EDT | 179 | 2.33 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 PM EDT | 179 | 2.33 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 PM EDT | 179 | 2.33 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 PM EDT | 182 | 2.34 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 PM EDT | 182 | 2.34 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 PM EDT | 182 | 2.34 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 PM EDT | 182 | 2.34 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 PM EDT | 182 | 2.34 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 PM EDT | 182 | 2.34 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 PM EDT | 182 | 2.34 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 PM EDT | 182 | 2.34 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 AM EDT | 185 | 2.35 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 AM EDT | 182 | 2.34 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 AM EDT | 182 | 2.34 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 AM EDT | 182 | 2.34 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 AM EDT | 182 | 2.34 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 AM EDT | 182 | 2.34 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 AM EDT | 185 | 2.35 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 AM EDT | 185 | 2.35 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 AM EDT | 185 | 2.35 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 AM EDT | 185 | 2.35 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 AM EDT | 185 | 2.35 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 AM EDT | 185 | 2.35 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 PM EDT | 189 | 2.36 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 PM EDT | 189 | 2.36 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 PM EDT | 189 | 2.36 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 PM EDT | 189 | 2.36 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 PM EDT | 189 | 2.36 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 AM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 AM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 AM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 AM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 AM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 AM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 AM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 AM EDT | 189 | 2.36 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 AM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 AM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 AM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 AM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 29, 11:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 29, 10:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 29, 9:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 29, 8:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 29, 7:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 29, 6:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 29, 5:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 29, 4:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 29, 3:45 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
| Oct 29, 3:30 PM EDT | 192 | 2.37 |
Normal for Nov 5: 374–1,248 ft³/s (middle half of 104 years of record). Now: 165 ft³/s, much below normal.
Much below normal for this date. 165 ft³/s is below the 10th percentile of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 104 years of record: 10th 219, 25th 374, median 651, 75th 1,248, 90th 2,110 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 116 ft³/s, highest 3,850 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Steady over 24 hours (−2.9% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 2.28 ft stage, 165 ft³/s at Nov 5, 12:45 PM EST (NWS gauge CNWN3; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
NWS river forecast forecast issued Nov 5, 10:32 AM EST. Highest point: 2.3 ft, 170 ft³/s on Nov 5, 1:00 PM EST (Below NWS action stage).
| Day | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 5 | 2.3 ft | 170 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 6 | 2.3 ft | 170 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 7 | 2.3 ft | 170 ft³/s |
| Sun, Nov 8 | 2.3 ft | 170 ft³/s |
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
No current water-temperature reading at this gauge, so no temperature guidance is given. Take a stream thermometer. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department publishes no water-temperature line for trout anglers that we found. The lines below are the National Park Service's, federal guidance, not a New Hampshire rule: 68°F.
This gauge is on our page for Saco River, but no agency page we read lists its species.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
Checked Nov 5, 2:23 PM EST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.
Special-regulation trout waterRepresentative photo · not Conway LakeMooselookmeguntic Lake from Oquossoc, Maine. Photo: Doug Kerr, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Conway Lake.
New Hampshire · about 3 mi
Special-regulation trout waterRepresentative photo · not Ossipee LakeRangeley Lake, Maine. Photo: Manuel Velazquez, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Ossipee Lake.
New Hampshire · about 14 mi
Fly-fishing onlyRepresentative photo · not Ellis RiverThe Androscoggin River near Berlin, New Hampshire. Photo: AlexiusHoratius, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Ellis River.
New Hampshire · about 15 mi
Catch and releaseRepresentative photo · not Peabody PondSunset at Lake Moultrie, South Carolina. Photo: Kcstanfield, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Peabody Pond.
Maine · about 20 mi
Wild Trout WaterRepresentative photo · not Ethan PondLake Jocassee from a canoe, South Carolina. Photo: TimothyJ from Atlanta, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Ethan Pond.
New Hampshire · about 21 mi
Fly-fishing onlyRepresentative photo · not Saco LakeSunrise over Lake Marion from Santee State Park, South Carolina. Photo: Andrew Parlette from Elkridge,MD, US, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Saco Lake.
New Hampshire · about 22 mi
