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Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee salmon are landlocked sockeye salmon that complete their entire lifecycle in freshwater without migrating to the ocean.

Idaho Fish and Game stocks millions of kokanee across numerous lakes and reservoirs, with both hatchery-maintained and self-sustaining populations.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus nerka

Physical Characteristics:
  • In Idaho, they're typically smaller than their ocean-going cousins, averaging 9-18 inches and weighing 1-4 pounds, though some waters produce trophy fish exceeding 20 inches.
  • During spawning periods, fish turn brilliant red with green heads as they prepare to reproduce.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit major waters including numerous lakes and reservoirs across Idaho.

Key Locations

  • They inhabit major waters including Lake Pend Oreille, Coeur d'Alene Lake, Payette Lake, Priest Lake, Dworshak Reservoir, Anderson Ranch Reservoir, Arrowrock Reservoir, Lucky Peak Reservoir, Redfish Lake, Stanley Lake, and Deadwood Reservoir.
  • Key locations include Anderson Ranch Reservoir, Lucky Peak and Arrowrock reservoirs, Payette Lake near McCall, Lake Pend Oreille, and Priest Lake.

Specific Spots

  • Typically found suspended in open water at depths of 15-90 feet during summer months.
  • Fish near tributary mouths in fall before spawning runs begin.

Kokanee Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Use dodgers like watermelon, copper, or UV patterns paired with hoochies, wedding ring spinners, small spoons, or Kokanee Killer-style lures in hot pink, orange, chartreuse, and green. Tip all lures with white shoepeg corn, often scented with Pro-Cure products like Kokanee Special or anise-based attractants.

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

Prime kokanee fishing occurs from late spring through early fall, with peak action during summer months. In spring when water temperatures are 50-60°F, fish shallow near the surface. As summer progresses, follow the thermocline deeper, sometimes to 60+ feet.

How do you catch Kokanee Salmon in Idaho?

Trolling is the primary technique, maintaining speeds between 0.8-1.7 mph. Apply the 'Rule of 100' for setbacks - depth plus distance behind boat should equal at least 100 feet. Use electronics to locate schools and mark productive areas with GPS waypoints.

What do Kokanee Salmon eat?

These fish are primarily zooplankton feeders, using specialized gill rakers to filter tiny aquatic organisms like water fleas, copepods, and daphnia from the water column. They'll also consume freshwater shrimp, aquatic insects, and small plants when available.

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