Magalloway River
The Magalloway River below Aziscohos Dam is one of western Maine's finest cold-water fisheries, producing rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and landlocked Atlantic salmon in a remote stretch of river along the Maine-New Hampshire border. Cold tailwater releases create ideal habitat for multiple salmonid species, and the river's accessibility from Route 16 makes it a popular destination for anglers exploring the Rangeley region.
Overview
The Magalloway River begins at Aziscohos Lake and flows west through the village of Wilson's Mills before turning south along the Maine-New Hampshire border to its confluence with the Androscoggin River system. The premier fly fishing section runs approximately 8 miles from the Aziscohos Dam downstream through Wilson's Mills, where cold bottom-release water from the dam creates exceptional trout habitat.
What distinguishes the Magalloway from other Maine rivers is its diversity of salmonid species. Rainbow trout, brown trout, native brook trout, and landlocked Atlantic salmon all inhabit these waters, giving anglers the chance to encounter multiple species in a single outing. The cold tailwater maintains water temperatures in the 50 to 60 degree F range even during summer, supporting prolific insect hatches and consistent fish growth.
The river below the dam is a powerful, boulder-strewn piece of water that descends 250 feet in 2 miles before reaching Wilson's Mills. This upper section holds some of the largest fish, including brown trout exceeding 20 inches and rainbow trout in the 14 to 18-inch range. Below Wilson's Mills, the river takes on a more moderate character with classic riffle-run-pool sequences that are accessible to anglers of varying skill levels.
The Magalloway's location near the intersection of Routes 16 and the road to Errol, New Hampshire, makes it convenient for anglers traveling between the Rangeley Lakes region and the Connecticut Lakes area of New Hampshire. Several access points along Route 16 provide roadside parking and short walks to productive water. The surrounding landscape of northern hardwood and spruce-fir forest, with views of the distant mountains, provides a scenic backdrop for fishing.
Water Characteristics
The Magalloway below Aziscohos Dam is a tailwater fishery with cold, clear water released from the depths of the lake. Water temperatures remain in the 50 to 60 degree F range throughout summer, creating ideal conditions for all four salmonid species present in the river.
The upper river substrate consists of large boulders and bedrock, creating deep pools, powerful runs, and complex pocket water. Below Wilson's Mills, the river transitions to a cobble and gravel bottom with classic riffle-run-pool sequences. This diversity of habitat supports different species in different sections: brown trout favor the deeper pools and undercut banks, rainbow trout prefer the faster runs and riffles, brook trout inhabit the cooler tributary mouths and shaded pools, and landlocked salmon hold in the faster water below the dam.
The insect community is diverse, with Blue-Winged Olives, Hendricksons, caddisflies, stoneflies, and midges all hatching in good numbers throughout the season.
Wading & Float Guide
The Magalloway offers varied wading conditions along its course. The upper section directly below Aziscohos Dam is fast and powerful, with a substrate of large boulders and bedrock that creates challenging wading. The river drops steeply through this section, and the current can be strong even during lower flows. Experienced waders with proper equipment (felt-soled or studded boots and a wading staff) will find productive water here.
Below Wilson's Mills, the river broadens and the gradient eases, creating more accessible wading water. The substrate transitions to cobble and gravel with scattered boulders, and the river averages 40 to 70 feet wide through this section. Riffles and runs can be comfortably waded during normal summer flows, though deeper pools require careful approach.
The border section where the river forms the Maine-New Hampshire line offers easy to moderate wading, with gravel bars and shallow riffles that are accessible to anglers of all skill levels.
Wilson's Mills downstream
Below Wilson's Mills, the Magalloway is suitable for canoe and kayak floating. The river flows at a moderate pace with some riffles and easy rapids. Float fishing by canoe is a productive way to cover water and access sections that receive less wading pressure. The upper section above Wilson's Mills is too steep and rocky for safe floating.
Rod & Tackle Guide
Magalloway River (all sections)
- Rod
- 9' 5-weight
- Line
- Weight-forward floating; sink-tip for streamer work
- Leader & Tippet
- 9' tapered to 4X or 5X for general fishing; 3X for streamers
A standard 5-weight handles most situations on the Magalloway. The river is not so large as to require heavier tackle, but the potential for 20-inch brown trout means you should not go lighter than 5-weight. Bring a selection of dries, nymphs, and streamers to cover the diverse fishing opportunities.
Seasonal Fishing Guide
Spring
Spring fishing on the Magalloway begins after ice-out in late April or early May. Blue-Winged Olive hatches appear on overcast afternoons and provide early dry fly opportunities. Nymphing with stonefly patterns and Pheasant Tails is productive through the faster runs and pools. Rainbow trout, which spawn in spring, can be found on gravel bars in the shallower sections. Hendrickson hatches arrive in mid-to-late May. Streamer fishing is effective for brown trout and salmon, particularly during higher spring flows.
Summer
Summer is prime time on the Magalloway, with the cold tailwater maintaining perfect trout temperatures. Caddis hatches are prolific from June through July, with excellent evening emergences. Stonefly activity peaks in June. The cold water keeps all four salmonid species active and feeding even during the warmest weather. Terrestrial patterns become effective from mid-June through August. Fish the deeper pools and runs during midday, switching to riffles and pocket water for evening dry fly fishing.
Fall
Fall fishing on the Magalloway is excellent as brown trout become aggressive in pre-spawn mode and landlocked salmon begin their migration. Streamer fishing is highly productive through September and October, with Woolly Buggers and sculpin patterns swung through deep runs producing some of the season's largest fish. Blue-Winged Olive hatches return in September. The fall foliage along the river is spectacular, making this a beautiful time to fish.
Fishing Pressure & Local Tips
The Magalloway receives moderate fishing pressure, concentrated in the most accessible sections along Route 16. The dam pool and the water immediately below it see the heaviest pressure, particularly on summer weekends. Below Wilson's Mills, pressure decreases as anglers spread out along the river.
The river's location between Rangeley and Errol means it sees some drive-by traffic from anglers heading to other destinations, but the Magalloway's consistent fishing quality deserves more than a casual stop. Weekday fishing offers excellent solitude, and walking downstream from access points quickly leads to less-pressured water.
Local Knowledge
The Magalloway's diversity of species means you should be prepared for different fishing situations. A versatile rig with the ability to switch between dry flies, nymphs, and streamers will serve you well. Start with a nymph rig in the morning, switch to dry flies if you see rising fish during hatches, and tie on a streamer in the evening for a shot at a trophy brown trout.
The dam pool directly below Aziscohos Dam concentrates fish and can be very productive, but it is also the most heavily fished water. Walking downstream from the dam for 15 to 20 minutes leads to less-pressured water with equally good fishing. The area around Wilson's Mills offers easy road access and productive water.
For rainbow trout, focus on the faster runs and riffles where they prefer to feed. Brown trout hold in deeper, slower water, particularly near undercut banks and large boulders. Brook trout often concentrate near tributary mouths where cold water enters the main river.
Species Present
Brook Trout
The brook trout is widely considered the most beautiful freshwater fish in North America, and catching one in a pristine Montana mountain stream is an experience that captures the essence of backcountry fly fishing. Despite their common name, brook trout are not true trout at all; they are a species of char (genus Salvelinus), more closely related to lake trout and Arctic char than to rainbows or browns. Native to eastern North America from Georgia to Hudson Bay, brook trout were among the first salmonids introduced to Montana's waters in the late 1800s and have since established self-sustaining populations in cold, high-elevation streams and lakes throughout the state. In Montana, brook trout thrive best in small, cold headwater streams and high mountain lakes where competition from larger trout species is minimal. In these environments, they are often the dominant, or only, salmonid present. The trade-off is size: Montana stream-dwelling brook trout typically range from 6 to 10 inches, with fish over 12 inches considered noteworthy in most waters. What they lack in size, however, they more than make up for in beauty and willingness to eat a fly. Brookies are aggressive feeders that will strike attractor dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers with enthusiasm, making them an ideal species for beginning fly anglers and a delightful quarry for anyone who appreciates small-stream fishing. Brook trout do present a conservation paradox in Montana. While they are a beloved and beautiful gamefish, they are non-native and can negatively impact native species, particularly Yellowstone and westslope cutthroat trout. In headwater streams, brook trout often outcompete cutthroats for food and spawning habitat due to their higher reproductive rate and earlier maturation. As a result, Montana FWP has implemented brook trout removal projects on some streams to restore native cutthroat populations. In many waters, liberal harvest limits for brook trout are encouraged to reduce their numbers and benefit native fish. Anglers can enjoy excellent brook trout fishing while actively helping conservation by keeping a few for the pan.
Landlocked Atlantic Salmon
The landlocked Atlantic salmon is one of New England's most prized gamefish, a freshwater-resident form of the Atlantic salmon that spends its entire life in lakes and rivers rather than migrating to the ocean. Found primarily in the lakes and rivers of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, landlocked salmon are genetically identical to their sea-run counterparts but have adapted to a completely freshwater life cycle, using large, cold lakes as their ocean substitute and tributary rivers as spawning habitat. Landlocked salmon are the signature gamefish of Maine's sporting camp tradition, where generations of anglers have gathered at remote wilderness lodges to fish for salmon in the Rangeley Lakes, Moosehead Lake, Sebago Lake, and the rivers that connect them. The fish combine the acrobatic fighting ability of their anadromous relatives with the accessibility of a freshwater species, leaping repeatedly when hooked and running with the kind of power and endurance that makes them one of the most exciting fish available on a fly rod in the northeastern United States. In rivers, landlocked salmon behave much like large resident trout, holding in classic lies and feeding on aquatic insects during hatches. They are particularly responsive to caddis and mayfly emergers, and the sight of a 3-pound landlocked salmon rising to a dry fly in a New England river is one of the defining experiences of northeastern fly fishing. In lakes, salmon are targeted with streamers that imitate smelt, their primary forage fish, trolled or cast from boats during the spring and fall when salmon cruise near the surface in cold-water conditions.
Brown Trout
The brown trout is the most cunning and elusive trout species swimming in Montana's rivers, and it rewards patient, skilled anglers with some of the state's most memorable catches. Originally native to Europe and western Asia, brown trout were first introduced to North American waters in 1883 and arrived in Montana shortly thereafter. They have since established robust, self-sustaining populations in virtually every major trout stream in the state, from the legendary spring creeks of the Paradise Valley to the sweeping runs of the lower Madison and the deep pools of the Bighorn. Brown trout grow larger than any other trout species in Montana, and fish exceeding 24 inches are caught with regularity on premium waters. The lower Madison River, the Missouri River below Holter Dam, and the Bighorn River are particularly renowned for producing trophy-class browns. Unlike rainbows, brown trout spawn in the fall (October through November), and their aggressive pre-spawn behavior creates an exciting window for streamer fishing as large males become territorial and attack anything that enters their domain. Browns are notably more nocturnal than other trout species, and many of the biggest fish are caught during low-light conditions. What sets brown trout apart from other species is their wariness and selectivity. Large browns are notoriously difficult to fool, often refusing flies that are even slightly off in size, color, or presentation. They tend to establish and defend prime feeding lies (undercut banks, logjams, deep pools, and boulder gardens), and an angler who learns to read water and identify these holding spots will consistently catch more and larger fish. This combination of difficulty, size potential, and intelligence makes the brown trout the most prized quarry for many serious Montana fly fishers.
Rainbow Trout
The rainbow trout is Montana's most widespread and popular gamefish, celebrated for its explosive surface strikes, aerial acrobatics, and willingness to take a well-presented dry fly. Native to Pacific Coast drainages from Alaska to Mexico, rainbows were first introduced to Montana's waters in the late 1800s and have since established thriving populations in nearly every major river system in the state. On legendary waters like the Madison, Missouri, and Bighorn, wild rainbow trout grow fat on prolific insect hatches and provide some of the finest dry-fly fishing in North America. Rainbow trout in Montana display remarkable variation depending on their home water. Fish in nutrient-rich tailwaters like the Missouri River below Holter Dam can exceed 20 inches with regularity, their deep bodies and broad tails reflecting the abundant food supply. Freestone river rainbows, such as those in the upper Madison and Gallatin, tend to be leaner and more athletic, shaped by faster currents and colder water temperatures. In many Montana rivers, rainbows spawn in the spring from March through June, and anglers should be mindful of spawning redds during this period to protect future generations of fish. Rainbows are arguably the most versatile trout species for fly anglers. They respond well to dry flies during hatches, aggressively chase streamers, and feed heavily on nymphs subsurface throughout the year. Their fighting ability is legendary: a hooked rainbow will often launch itself completely out of the water multiple times during a battle. Montana's catch-and-release regulations on many blue-ribbon streams have produced exceptional rainbow trout fisheries with high densities of large, healthy fish that continue to draw anglers from around the world.
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Suggested Fly | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) Afternoon | BWO Emerger | ||||||||||||
Hendrickson (Ephemerella subvaria) Afternoon | Sparkle Dun | ||||||||||||
Caddisfly (multiple species) Evening | CDC Caddis Emerger | ||||||||||||
Stonefly (multiple species) All day (nymphs) | Pat's Rubber Legs | ||||||||||||
Terrestrials (ants, beetles) Afternoon | Parachute Adams | ||||||||||||
Trico (Tricorythodes) Morning | Trico Spinner | ||||||||||||
Blue-Winged Olive (fall) Afternoon | BWO Emerger |
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis): Early season BWO hatches on overcast days. Size 18-20 BWO Emergers in the tailwater.
Hendrickson (Ephemerella subvaria): Mid-May Hendrickson hatches. Sparkle Dun in size 12-14.
Caddisfly (multiple species): Strong caddis hatches below the dam. CDC Caddis Emerger in sizes 14-16 during evening emergences.
Stonefly (multiple species): Stonefly nymphs active in the fast water below Aziscohos Dam. Pat's Rubber Legs size 8-10.
Terrestrials (ants, beetles): Terrestrial patterns along forested banks. Parachute Adams sizes 14-16 as a general pattern.
Trico (Tricorythodes): Trico spinner falls on calm summer mornings. Size 20-22 Trico Spinners on slower pools.
Blue-Winged Olive (fall): Fall BWO hatches. Excellent dry fly fishing for brown trout and salmon.
Recommended Flies
CDC Caddis Emerger
Top PickCDC Caddis Emerger in sizes 14-16 during evening caddis emergences below the dam.
Best in summer
BWO Emerger
Top PickBWO Emerger in sizes 18-20 for early season and fall Blue-Winged Olive hatches.
Best in spring
Woolly Bugger
Top PickWoolly Bugger in sizes 4-8 for brown trout and salmon in the deeper pools.
Best in fall
Pat's Rubber Legs
Top PickPat's Rubber Legs in sizes 8-10 for stonefly nymphs in the fast tailwater section.
Best in summer
Sparkle Dun
Top PickSparkle Dun in sizes 12-14 during Hendrickson hatches in May.
Best in spring
Access Points & Boat Launches
Aziscohos Dam Pool
Wade AccessEasyAccess directly below Aziscohos Dam, the most productive and popular fishing spot on the Magalloway. Deep pools and fast runs hold rainbow trout, brown trout, and landlocked salmon. Short walk from parking to the dam pool.
Bennett Road / Wilson's Mills Access
Wade AccessEasyTurn left on Bennett Road just past the bridge in Wilson's Mills. Parking available on the left side with easy walk-in access to productive water in the village section of the Magalloway.
Regulations
Regulations
General law trout fishing with some special regulation sections below Aziscohos Dam. Check Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for current rules, bag limits, and season dates. Maine fishing license required for fishing on the Maine side; New Hampshire license may be required for some border sections.
Always verify current regulations with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before fishing.
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Quick Facts
- Region
- Western Maine / Oxford County
- Water Type
- Tailwater
- River Length
- 8 miles of prime fly fishing from Aziscohos Dam to Wilson's Mills and downstream
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Best Seasons
- spring, summer, fall
- Trout Per Mile
- 300-500 combined species in the tailwater section; strong populations of rainbow, brown, and brook trout
- Record Trout
- Brown trout exceeding 20 inches documented; rainbow trout over 18 inches; brook trout to 16 inches
- Species
- Brook Trout, Landlocked Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Nearby Rivers
Upper Kennebec River
Western Maine / Somerset County
West Branch Penobscot River
North-Central Maine / Piscataquis County
Rapid River
Western Maine / Oxford County
Kennebago River
Western Maine / Franklin County
Roach River
North-Central Maine / Piscataquis County
Grand Lake Stream
Downeast Maine / Washington County
Crooked River
Southern Maine / Cumberland and Oxford Counties
Moose River (Jackman)
Northwestern Maine / Somerset County
East Outlet of the Kennebec River
North-Central Maine / Piscataquis County