Anderson Ranch Reservoir Tailwater
river in Idaho
This tailwater fishery offers consistent cold water flows and a rich aquatic insect population, supporting a healthy population of large, hard-fighting rainbow trout. It's a popular destination for both wade and float fishing.
Current conditions are clear and cold
- 01Current conditions are clear and cold, with flows likely in the typical fall range (207-235 CFS).
- 02Anticipate consistent Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches, especially on overcast days.
- 03Midges are a year-round, primary food source; focus on larval and pupal stages.
- 04Kokanee spawning in Anderson Ranch Reservoir means egg patterns are highly effective in the tailwater.
- 05Top fly patterns include BWO dries/emergers (sizes 18-22), midge pupa (sizes 20-22), egg patterns (sizes 10-14), and olive leech streamers (sizes 14-16).
Past reports week by week
2 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Consistent fall BWO hatches provide excellent dry fly opportunities for selective trout in tailwater environments.
Buy at AmazonBaetis Nymph
Baetis nymphs are a year-round staple in tailwaters, and highly effective during fall BWO periods for actively feeding trout.
TH Zebra Midge
This weighted midge pattern effectively gets into the strike zone, imitating one of the most consistent food sources for tailwater trout year-round.
Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cold water, enticing strikes from larger, predatory trout and bull trout.
Travis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger
BWO emergers are crucial during fall hatches, targeting trout feeding just below the surface in the Anderson Ranch Tailwater.
Iced Out Midge Pupa
Midges are a primary and consistent food source in cold tailwaters, making this pupa pattern highly effective for trout in the fall.
Buy at AmazonTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
This heavy stonefly nymph is excellent for getting deep in the current, imitating a substantial food source for larger trout and bull trout.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
With Kokanee spawning in Anderson Ranch Reservoir, egg patterns will be a significant food source for trout and other species downstream in the tailwater.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Below the Dam (Lower Sections)
Direct access near the dam for wading and drift boat launches.
Bliss Valley Access
More remote sections, often requiring a float trip for access.
Pine Bridge Access
Further downstream access point offering good wading opportunities.
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Idaho season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
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Quick answers
Common questions about Anderson Ranch Reservoir Tailwater.
What flies work best on Anderson Ranch Reservoir Tailwater?
Our top scored fly patterns for Anderson Ranch Reservoir Tailwater right now are Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun (80% confidence), Baetis Nymph (80% confidence), TH Zebra Midge (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Anderson Ranch Reservoir Tailwater?
Anderson Ranch Reservoir Tailwater holds Kokanee, Perch. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Anderson Ranch Reservoir Tailwater fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Anderson Ranch Reservoir Tailwater each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.