Reddit reviews Saco River Map and Guide: AMC River Map

Went for the first time last Aug 2017 and had a blast. The weather was rain/cloudy though so my experience may be unique in that it wasn't too crowded (forecasts of thunder for the weekend). The difference being that I understand it can be a madhouse in the summer months with good forecasts. I also had all the equipment and truck for transport. No rentals or help from local stores.

http://www.sacobound.com/images/maps/SacoMap.pdf (I refer to #s on this map).

We put in at Saco Bound 2nd site (saco bound landing) cause I couldn't find a free site to park up river. The Saco bound landing parking was like $20 for the weekend. You buy it at their main building. We got off at the Hiram spot (bottom right of the map) which is free parking. This route allows you maximum time on the river while not encountering any portages if your glamping like I do and don't want to carry a ton past the swan falls dam.

The Sand Bar stories are true with a ton of them along the Saco banks - moreso in drier weather. Our wet weather reduced a few. If its super wet out with a lot of preceding rain I would check with the local rental places. It could surge enough to cover all the bars. In the beginning and end there are plenty of sand bars. Near 15 on the map they start disappearing and only appearing again towards the end when it starts getting curvy again. I would camp before 15 your first night - probably a little before. Don't want near 15 to be your last resort just in case its full. Again our weekend had bad weather so there were plenty to go around. If you go on a beautiful weekend i would get an EARLY start to claim a plot before others fill in. Can't guarantee you will get a bar to yourself, but people are generally friendly if not a tad roudy. Aim for a small bar if you want isolation.

Putting in where I did and getting out at Hiram was a solid 3 day trip, starting a late morning Friday and finishing up Sunday afternoon.

If you camp near one of the connecting lake/ponds/swamps MOSQUITOES are everywhere. ENEMY NUMBER ONE. Eaten alive our first night when parked near 15 on the map. Next time I am glamping with a mosquito gazebo so we can get some peace. Second night down the river was much more sane. I also recommend one of these for #2 trips in the woods for mosquito defense:
https://www.amazon.com/WolfWise-Portable-Changing-Dressing-Backpack/dp/B071RHQP6V/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1520992497&sr=8-7&keywords=pop+up+changing+tent

Bring a lot of firewood - has to be Maine sourced. I would see if you can buy some a little further away from the Saco to reduce tourist traps $$$. We were lucky due to the weather that we were able to find some driftwood to add to ours. However, if its a row of popular weekends I expect the river will be picked bone-dry for driftwood and you can't cut fresh wood.

I didn't fish, so can't really help you there. I didn't see too many fish in the water while travelling through, but I don't know if that is an accurate measurement.

Also, I got this after the fact but know it will be useful next time:
https://www.amazon.com/Saco-River-Map-Guide-Amc/dp/1929173199

Let me know if you have any other questions - I found information so sparse when researching it myself that its a joy to be able to share.