IDFG: Anglers can expect 'productive' kokanee season

Reservoir's kokanee season With winter coming to a close, many anglers are preparing for the start of spring fishing, Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials said in a press release. In the Magic Valley Region, April and May traditionally mark the beginning of kokanee season, and anglers will once again turn their attention to Anderson Ranch Reservoir.

The 2026 kokanee fishery at Anderson Ranch Reservoir is expected to be very similar to what anglers experienced in 2025. Biologists anticipate higher than average catch rates of medium-sized kokanee throughout the season, providing consistent opportunities for anglers.

In recent years, kokanee abundance in Anderson Ranch Reservoir has increased, resulting in improved fishing success, IDFG officials said. 

"Catch rates have rebounded compared to the 2020–2022 period, when kokanee numbers were low and anglers reported slow catch rates of larger fish," officials said in a press release. "Strong year-classes in 2023, 2024, and 2025 have contributed to higher kokanee abundance, supporting the higher catch rates of 10-13” kokanee anglers have been seeing while on the water."

The kokanee fishery at Anderson Ranch Reservoir is managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game with specific performance objectives. Management targets include an average angler catch rate of 0.5 fish per hour of fishing effort and harvested kokanee averaging more than 12 inches in length. Since 2024, both these objectives have been successfully met.

To evaluate whether these objectives are being met, Idaho Fish and Game biologists conduct creel surveys each summer during the peak of kokanee season. These surveys collect data on angler catch rates, harvested fish sizes, and overall angler satisfaction.

In addition, biologists conduct netting surveys each fall after mature kokanee leave the reservoir to spawn, IDFG officials said. These surveys provide information on the relative abundance of kokanee and help forecast the strength of future fishing seasons.

Based on recent survey data and population monitoring efforts, anglers can look forward to another productive kokanee season at Anderson Ranch Reservoir in 2026.

For more information about fishing opportunities in the Magic Valley Region, visit the Idaho Fish and Game website or contact the Magic Valley Regional Office at 208-324-4359.