Kokanee Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

Body Type & Identification: The landlocked form of Sockeye Salmon — identical in genetics but permanently adapted to freshwater. Silver-blue coloring in the lake; males turn brilliant red with a green head during the fall spawning run. A small, schooling salmon averaging 10–16 inches in most lakes. A spectacular fall sight when they turn red in spawning streams.

Preferred Water Temperature: 50°F–60°F. A cold-water species that follows temperature-stratified lakes — found at the thermocline depth in summer, which varies by lake. Follow the thermocline up and down seasonally. Exceptional in cold, clear mountain reservoirs and lakes.

Habitat: Cold, clear mountain lakes and reservoirs throughout the western US and Canada. Found in Lake Chelan WA, Lake Tahoe CA/NV, Flaming Gorge UT/WY, Dillon Reservoir CO, and many other western mountain lakes. Also stocked in some Great Lakes tributaries. School in open water following zooplankton and small baitfish.

Best Lures: Small Needlefish trolling lures in pink, red, and chartreuse with a Wedding Ring spinner are the most effective Kokanee trolling setup. Small Dick Nite spoons produce excellent results. Flasher-and-fly setups trolled behind a downrigger at thermocline depth are very productive. Small pink squids trolled at 1–2 mph behind a dodger.

Best Baits: Shoepeg corn on a hook behind a Wedding Ring spinner is a classic Kokanee bait — the scent and color trigger strikes. Maggots are outstanding. Small white or pink marshmallows tipped on a hook produce results. Whole kernel corn works well. Scent attractants (anise, garlic) enhance any bait.

Top 5 Destinations: Lake Chelan WA, Flaming Gorge UT/WY, Lake Granby CO, Odell Lake OR, Lake Tahoe CA/NV.