Savage River Angler

The guide service describes the Maryland portion of the Youghiogheny as a river with many different faces. It begins in low-gradient farmland, gathers water and turns into a steep class 3 to 5 whitewater river at Swallow Falls State Park, then becomes much mellower between Hoyes Run Road and the Sang Run Road bridge. That middle reach is cooled by a cold water discharge out of Deep Creek Lake and supports large trout and great hatches, which is what makes it the fishable water here. Below Sang Run the river turns into a whitewater beast that belongs to kayakers and rafters before it runs through Friendsville, where a good delayed harvest section carries on downstream to the mouth of Youghiogheny Lake. Days are sold as floats and as walk-and-wade trips, with a half day float or wade priced at $400 for one or two anglers. Flies are included on every trip, lunch comes with full days, equipment can usually be arranged at no charge, and a Maryland licence and trout stamp are the angler’s own.