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Rivers & Streams

Swift River Fishing Guide

Massachusetts

A small, cold tailwater below Quabbin Reservoir with selective trout and year-round fishing.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Swift River for rainbow trout and brook trout. The best months overall are Mar to Nov. In October, rainbow trout and brook trout are in season, and Parachute Adams, Blue-Winged Olive and Pheasant Tail Nymph are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles (1 fly, 11 bait and tackle); the closest is Red Bridge Bait & Tackle in Ludlow, 8 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Quabbin Reservoir is 7 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Mar to Nov

In October

Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout

Methods

Fly fishing

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

Swift River Species

Rainbow Trout

Prime Now
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Best: Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov

Brook Trout

Prime Now
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Best: May to Oct

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

8 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Rainbow Trout

Fly 9 ft 5 wt rod, weight-forward floating line, 9 ft 4X to 5X leader. Add a sink-tip and 3X for streamers.

Spin / Cast 6 to 7 ft ultralight or light spinning rod, 1000 to 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb mono or fluorocarbon.

Brook Trout

Fly 7 to 8 ft 3 or 4 wt rod, floating line, 7.5 ft 5X leader.

Spin / Cast 5 to 6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 1000 reel, 2 to 4 lb line.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Swift River

Fly Rods

Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod

A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.

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Fly Rods

Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit

A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.

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Fly Reels

Redington Behemoth Fly Reel

A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.

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Fly Lines

RIO Gold Fly Line

A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.

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Fly Lines

Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line

A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet

Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Tapered Trout Leaders

Nine foot tapered leaders in 3X to 6X for dries and nymphs.

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Waders & Boots

Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders

Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.

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Within 60 Miles

Shops Near Swift River

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Lakes & Reservoirs · Massachusetts · 7 mi

Quabbin Reservoir

A huge water supply reservoir with lake trout and smallmouth bass.

Lake Trout · Smallmouth Bass

Rivers & Streams · Massachusetts · 37 mi

Deerfield River

A Berkshire tailwater with catch-and-release trout water and wild browns.

Rainbow Trout · Brown Trout

Rivers & Streams · Connecticut · 40 mi

Farmington River

A cold tailwater with a catch-and-release trout management area and wild brown trout.

Brown Trout · Rainbow Trout

Rivers & Streams · Connecticut · 61 mi

Housatonic River

A big Litchfield Hills river with trout in the cold reaches and smallmouth bass in summer.

Brown Trout · Smallmouth Bass

Rivers & Streams · Rhode Island · 62 mi

Wood River

One of Rhode Island's top trout streams, with wild brookies and stocked trout.

Brook Trout · Brown Trout · Rainbow Trout

Saltwater & Coast · Connecticut · 67 mi

Long Island Sound

Reefs and river mouths that hold stripers and bluefish all season and fall albies.

Striped Bass · Bluefish · False Albacore