Anderson Ranch Reservoir

Anderson Ranch Reservoir is located on the South Fork Boise River approximately 26 miles northwest of Mountain Home, Idaho. The dam is the uppermost of three dams built on the Boise River and was constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation for irrigation, power generation and flood control. It was completed in 1945. When full, it has an area of 4,700 acres, is 14 miles long and a mile wide with a depth of 315 feet. Due to irrigation demands, significant drawdown in late summer may affect ramp access. Curlew ramp on the upper end of the reservoir, and Elk Creek ramps however are nearly always available.

The shoreline is accessible to anglers along the northwest side from the dam to Fall Creek where streams enter the reservoir. Bank anglers also have good access at the upper end of the reservoir from Lime Creek to the Pine boat ramp. Undeveloped camp sites are available along the shoreline near the road and several sites are accessible only by boat. Developed camp sites are available in resort areas of Pine, Deer and Fall creeks.

A variety of game fish can be found in Anderson Ranch, including rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and the most popular kokanee. Bull trout can also be found, but anglers should be aware there is no harvest of bull trout and they must be released immediately.

Kokanee
Fishing for kokanee is best in the summer months and fall throughout the reservoir. Generally, kokanee are 10 to 12 inches long, with the occasional 20 incher in good years. As open-water fish, anglers have best success from a boat, trolling slowly with pop gear, rigged with red or shiny lures. In the spring and late fall, kokanee can be found near the surface. During the warmer summer months, water temperatures force kokanee to drop to deeper depths of 50 feet or more. Fish finders are very helpful in determining how deep to fish. Down-riggers or colored leaded line will help you keep your lures at the proper depths once the fish are found. Kokanee have very tender mouths; the use of the rubber shock absorber in the pop gear will help prevent the hook from tearing lose.

NOTICE TO ANGLERS:
Starting in August, kokanee migrate up the South Fork Boise River and other smaller tributaries to spawn. At this time the South Fork Boise River is closed to fishing between the slack water of the reservoir and the Pine Bridge to protect these spawning fish when they are concentrated. Six kokanee can be harvested above the Pine Bridge from the river using standard fishing methods. Snagging is not allowed.

Trout
Anderson Ranch Reservoir contains both wild and hatchery rainbow trout. Hatchery trout are stocked into the reservoir as both fingerling and catchable size fish, primarily in the spring. Wild rainbow trout move down into the reservoir from the river during early spring and late fall at about 6 to 8 inches long. Growth rates for both wild and hatchery trout in the reservoir are good and fish can grow to 5 pounds or larger.

Trout fishing is best during spring and fall months for shoreline anglers when surface water temperatures are cool. During the summer when surface temperatures warms, trout go deeper in the reservoir and are more difficult to locate. At this time, look for areas around springs and cool water streams are good.

Shore anglers have good success fishing with medium-weight gear (4-6 lb. line, and No. 8-10 hooks baited with nightcrawlers or eggs. Adding a marshmallow will float the bait off the bottom and into the fishes view. A small bobber to hold your bait at the right depth may be useful. Boat anglers troll for trout with rapalas, rooster tails, and mepps spinners. Fly and spin fishing from float tubes in the inlet areas during spring and fall months can also be good. During cold winters, ice fishing can be good near the dam. Access to the rest of the reservoir is generally limited to snowmobiles at this time. Be sure you check the ice carefully and are dressed for the harsh weather before venturing out.

Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass can be found in rocky areas throughout the reservoir, with the best fishing in the area from the Narrows to the dam. Easiest fishing is from boats, casting crank baits, jigs or rubber worms. Allow your lure to settle near the bottom but it is best to keep it moving.

Perch
Although occassionally numerous, yellow perch in Anderson Ranch Reservoir generally do not get very big. However, if you like to fish for perch use a common set-up baited with worms or eggs. Once you find these schooling fish action can be fast. They can provide a good ice fishing opportunity.

Bull Trout
Bull trout, a native char found in Anderson Ranch Reservoir, South Fork Boise River and small tributaries are protected and must be released unharmed. They are normally caught when fishing for rainbow trout in the early spring by bank anglers near the upper end of the reservoir. If you catch one and it has swallowed the hook just cut your line and release the fish. Hooks will digest away within a couple of weeks. Bull trout are protected because their numbers are declining due to loss of habitat.