Dam Tailwater Fishing: Why the Water Below the Spillway Holds Monster Fish

The water below a dam is often the best fishing on the entire river system. Cold, oxygenated releases create ideal habitat for trophy fish in places you’d never expect them.

Why Tailwaters Produce Giants

Water released through dams comes from deep in the reservoir—cold and oxygen-rich year-round. This creates trout habitat in southern states where rivers would normally be too warm. The constant flow washes food downstream, so fish grow bigger and faster than anywhere else.

Reading the Water

Generation schedules are everything. Most dams release on predictable patterns:

• Low water: Fish stack in deep pools
• Rising water: Aggressive feeding begins
• High water: Fish move to edges
• Falling water: Prime time as insects wash loose

Tactics That Work

Match the hatch with small flies—midges and sowbugs in sizes 18-22 dominate most tailwaters. Fish the seams where fast meets slow. When flows increase, go deep with weighted nymphs.

Top Destinations

• White River, AR – World-class browns
• San Juan River, NM – Incredible density
• Green River, UT – Technical and scenic
• South Holston, TN – Prolific hatches

Safety note: Water rises fast during generation. Check schedules, know your escape routes, and always wear a wading belt.