Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Anchor River State Recreation Areaon Anchor River

    The primary public access point, offering extensive bank fishing opportunities, especially near the mouth and lower river pools.
    Anchor River reportDirections59.7750°N, 151.7950°W

    River flow last 30 days

    01,0002,0003,0004,000Sep 16Sep 22Sep 272,897 cfs
    USGS gauge 15258000 · daily averageUpdated Oct 16
    Flow now
    2,130cfs
    Below the typical range (2,910–3,260 cfs)
    Last 7 days
    Steady
    2,847 to 3,465 cfs
    Weather now
    26°F
    Overcast, wind 10 mph N
    Bite report · week of Oct 11

    Anchor River flows are high at 2130 cfs

    1. 01Anchor River flows are high at 2130 cfs.
    2. 02Water temperature is cold at 32°F, with overcast conditions.
    3. 03Primary targets are Steelhead and Dolly Varden.
    4. 04Subsurface fishing with heavy flies is key due to cold and high water.
    5. 05Focus on deep, slow pools and seams for holding fish.

    What to tie on at Anchor River State Recreation Area

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    nymph80%

    Zebra Midge

    #18#20#22#24

    Midges are a consistent food source year-round, and this weighted pupa pattern is crucial for enticing finicky steelhead in cold water.

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    nymph80%

    San Juan Worm

    #10#12#14

    Year-round, especially after rainfall or runoff. With current high flows, aquatic worms are likely dislodged and a key food source.

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    wet fly80%

    Soft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)

    #12#14#16

    Caddis pupae are actively emerging in spring; swinging this wet fly through currents effectively imitates these ascending insects.

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    dry80%

    Mother's Day Caddis

    #14#16#18

    The prolific Mother's Day Caddis hatch is expected in late April through May, making this dry fly a perfect imitation for adult caddis on warmer afternoons.

    nymph80%

    Zebra Midge (Black)

    #20#22#24

    Midges are a primary active insect even in cold water, making this a staple year-round pattern. It's highly effective for enticing finicky Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden.

    dry80%

    Glo Bug (Orange)

    #14#16

    Resident trout and char remain keyed into egg patterns year-round, particularly with the upcoming spring rainbow spawn and lingering salmon eggs. King Salmon are also entering the river.

    streamer80%

    Intruder (Steelhead)

    #1/0#2/0#3/0

    Intruder patterns are designed specifically for Steelhead and are effective year-round. Swinging these through nearshore slots and tailouts can entice aggressive strikes from both Steelhead and early King Salmon in spring.

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    streamer80%

    Black Woolly Bugger

    #4#6#8

    A slow-stripped or dead-drifted black streamer imitates leeches and sculpins which are active even in near-freezing water. It is a high-searching pattern for larger predatory fish in high flows.

    nymph80%

    Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph

    #14#16#18

    An excellent general searching nymph for early spring, mimicking various mayfly nymphs that are active year-round and particularly as BWOs begin to emerge in colder water.

    Alaska season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Mar – MaySpringRead the guideJun – AugSummerRead the guideSep – NovFallRead the guideDec – FebWinterRead the guide