The Androscoggin River originates at Lake Umbagog in Errol, New Hampshire and flows through New Hampshire and Maine. It flows 178 miles joining the Kennebec River at Merrymeeting Bay before emptying into the Gulf of Maine.
The uppermost sections of the river in Maine & New Hampshire (the “Upper Andro”) hold populations of wild trout and receive regular stockings in the spring and fall. All modes of fly fishing (dry fly, nymph, streamer fishing) for trout on these stretches of the river are productive when water temperatures and flows are right. During spring and fall, this section of the river holds rainbow, brown and brook trout in good numbers.
As the temperatures rise during the summer, the trout seek refuge from the warm water and become less active. These warm summer months are when the smallmouth fishing comes alive. Smallmouth bass are extremely aggressive and commonly feed on the surface of the water making them a perfect fish to chase with a fly rod. A day of fly fishing for smallmouth bass can be one of the most exciting and productive days on the river. During these months we drift the lower sections of the river below Rumford Falls in Maine to chase the river’s wild “bronze-backs” and provide the trout the respite they need to survive the warmer water temperatures during the dog days of summer.
River Stewardship
The Androscoggin River Watershed Council (ARWC) is a non-profit organization encouraging collaboration among industry, conservation groups, landowners, and other interests to ensure that the Androscoggin River continues to be a healthy asset to the communities on its banks and the wildlife it supports. Much of the ARWC’s work has a direct positive impact on the habitat of the Androscoggin River and fishery. Five percent (5%) of trip proceeds are donated to ARWC to support their work.
