Androscoggin River (Upper)
river in Maine
The headwaters of the Androscoggin River in Maine, especially the stretch below Aziscohos Dam, provide a diverse and productive coldwater fishery. This section is characterized by a mix of riffles, runs, and pools, supporting a healthy population of wild brook trout, along with stocked rainbow trout and landlocked salmon that migrate from the larger impoundments. It offers scenic fly fishing amidst the western Maine mountains.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Streamer fishing remains the most effective tactic
- 01Streamer fishing remains the most effective tactic, targeting aggressive prespawn Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Landlocked Salmon.
- 02Egg patterns are crucial this time of year, especially in areas below potential spawning grounds.
- 03Versatile nymphs such as Hare's Ear and Zebra Midges will entice subsurface feeders in colder currents.
- 04On overcast afternoons, keep an eye out for potential Blue-Winged Olive hatches for opportunistic dry fly action.
- 05Focus efforts by wading into the river and casting streamers along river edges and through the hypnotizing eddies and fast riffles, particularly below dams for consistent action.
Past reports week by week
12 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Black Ghost Streamer
A historically effective and locally recommended streamer pattern for migrating Landlocked Salmon, especially relevant in fall for active fish.
Blood Dot Egg
This is prime fall egg season for trout and salmon, making this pattern highly effective below potential spawning areas.
Buy at AmazonEgg Sucking Leech
An excellent year-round pattern, particularly effective in fall for aggressive prespawn trout and salmon keying on larger food sources.
Buy at AmazonOlive Woolly Bugger
A highly versatile streamer, imitating leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources in the cooling fall waters of the Androscoggin River.
Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph
An excellent general searching nymph, mimicking various aquatic insects that remain active subsurface year-round, especially in fall.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a consistent and primary food source in colder water year-round, making this a staple pattern for subsurface feeding trout and salmon.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Fall BWO hatches are possible, especially on overcast days like today, offering opportunistic dry fly fishing for selective trout and salmon.
October Caddis (Dry)
While no specific hatch data is available, October Caddis are a significant fall hatch, and fish may be looking for these larger adults.
Buy at AmazonComet
Effective fall and winter streamer for salmon and steelhead, mimicking general baitfish and attracting aggressive strikes.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Below Aziscohos Dam
The primary access and fishing area at the dam's outflow, known for cold, oxygenated water holding trout and salmon.
Lincoln Plantation Access
Various public access points along Route 16 in Lincoln Plantation, offering diverse water types for wading and drift fishing.
Wilson's Mills Section
A productive stretch around Wilson's Mills with good public access, featuring a mix of runs and pools.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Rangeley Region Sports Shop
Points North Outfitters
North Country Fly Shop
Lopstick Outfitters
Get Androscoggin River (Upper) reports by email
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Maine season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Quick answers
Common questions about Androscoggin River (Upper).
What flies work best on Androscoggin River (Upper)?
Our top scored fly patterns for Androscoggin River (Upper) right now are Gray Ghost (80% confidence), Mother's Day Caddis (80% confidence), Hendrickson (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Androscoggin River (Upper)?
Androscoggin River (Upper) holds Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Landlocked Salmon. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Androscoggin River (Upper)?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Androscoggin River (Upper) are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Androscoggin River (Upper) fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Androscoggin River (Upper) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.