Nashua River
river in Massachusetts
Once heavily polluted, the Nashua River has undergone significant restoration. It now supports smallmouth bass, northern pike, and carp in its wider sections, and trout in its cooler, upper reaches and tributaries, making it a diverse fly fishing destination.
River flow last 30 days
Current flow is 90
- 01Current flow is 90.1 cfs, within expected seasonal ranges for the Nashua River.
- 02Fall is a prime time for Carp and Pickerel to feed on abundant forage.
- 03Focus on slower, murky sections and shallow flats for Carp.
- 04Pickerel will be holding tight to structure like weed edges and submerged logs.
- 05Slower retrieves with nymphs and streamers are more effective in cooling water.
Past reports week by week
6 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Hellgrammite Fly
Hellgrammites are a consistent food source in rocky river environments, appealing to bottom feeders and opportunistic predators.
Clouser Minnow (Chartreuse/White)
Effectively imitates baitfish, which remain a primary food source for predatory fish like pickerel in the fall.
Carp Fly (Backstabber)
Carp are still actively feeding on the bottom in fall, and crayfish are a key food source.
Buy at The Fly ShopOlive Woolly Bugger
A versatile, year-round staple, effective for predatory species in fall, imitating baitfish or leeches.
Hot Pink Bunny Leech
Pickerel are aggressive and often strike bright, flashy patterns, especially in cooler, darker water.
Perch Pattern
Perch are a common prey item in the Nashua, and this pattern mimics them effectively for predatory fish.
Crayfish (Fly) (Olive/Rust)
Crayfish are a primary food source for many warmwater species and are active on the river bottom in fall.
Black Woolly Bugger
Provides a strong silhouette in the Nashua's typically murky water, a classic for fall predatory fish.
Damsel Nymph (Olive)
While activity slows, some nymphs may still be present in slower, weedy sections, offering an opportunistic meal.
Where to fish and who to ask
Ayer Access Points
Various town access points provide good wade or small boat opportunities.
Lancaster/Stillwater River Confluence
Productive area where the Stillwater joins the Nashua, good for various species.
Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge
Offers great access for warmwater species like bass and pike, and some trout in cooler sections.
Fly shops within 40 miles
New Hampshire Rivers Guide Service
Concord Outfitters
Stone River Outfitters
Mountain High Fly
Get Nashua River reports by email
Every Thursday: conditions, hatches and what's working across Massachusetts, with Nashua River at the top.
Massachusetts season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Quick answers
Common questions about Nashua River.
What flies work best on Nashua River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Nashua River right now are Hellgrammite Fly (80% confidence), Pike Bunny (80% confidence), Gurgler (Bass) (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Nashua River?
Nashua River holds Carp, Pickerel. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Nashua River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Nashua River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Nashua River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Nashua River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.