Skip to main content

Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee salmon in Colorado are landlocked sockeye salmon perfectly suited to the state's large, fluctuating mountain reservoirs.

They're not native to Colorado - first introduced to Blue Mesa Reservoir in the 1960s - but have become a cornerstone species now stocked in 26 different lakes and reservoirs across the state.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus nerka

Physical Characteristics:
  • These silver fish with black spots on the upper half of their bodies typically measure 9-12 inches, though some Colorado waters produce larger specimens.
  • During spawning season (September through November), they undergo dramatic physical changes - turning bright red with males developing prominent hooked jaws called kypes.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Stocked in 26 different lakes and reservoirs across the state.

Key Locations

  • Key Colorado waters include Blue Mesa Reservoir, Taylor Reservoir, Eleven Mile Reservoir, Granby Reservoir, and the Gunnison River system.
  • Colorado's premier kokanee waters include Blue Mesa Reservoir, the Gunnison and East Rivers, Taylor Reservoir, Eleven Mile Reservoir, and Granby Reservoir.

Specific Spots

  • Target fish at 25-60 feet depth.
  • For fly fishing target deep pools where salmon rest during their upstream migration.

Kokanee Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Kokanee Salmon in Colorado?

Top lures include Mack's Cha Cha, Pro-Troll Kokanee Killer, Radical Glow Tubes, Rocky Mountain Tackle Kokanee Squids, and small spoons like Dick Nite or Needlefish. A surprisingly effective setup is a bare size 2 Gamakatsu octopus hook in red, hot pink, or glow finish trolled behind a dodger.

What flies work for Kokanee Salmon in Colorado?

Effective patterns include San Juan Worms, Globugs, red Copper Johns, and small trailing nymphs.

When is the best time to fish for Kokanee Salmon in Colorado?

The peak kokanee fishing in Colorado runs from May through July for hot trolling action, with August through mid-September offering excellent trophy jigging opportunities. Winter ice fishing from January through March can also be productive.

How do you catch Kokanee Salmon in Colorado?

Trolling on reservoirs, trophy jigging in late summer targets pre-spawn fish gathered in massive schools. For fly fishing use indicator rigs, targeting deep pools where salmon rest during their upstream migration. Maintain trolling speeds of 0.5-1.5 mph.

What do Kokanee Salmon eat?

Kokanee are primarily zooplankton feeders. Their diet consists almost exclusively of zooplankton, though they'll also consume tiny plants, insects, and freshwater shrimp when available.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Kokanee Salmon.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Kokanee Salmon water

    Pick Kokanee Salmon and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Kokanee Salmon

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Kokanee Salmon are.

Open the map, filter by Kokanee Salmon, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Colorado licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.