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Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye Salmon

Snake River Sockeye Salmon are Idaho's most endangered salmon species, listed under the Endangered Species Act since 1991.

These anadromous fish make the most arduous journey of any Pacific salmon, swimming over 900 miles from the Pacific Ocean and climbing more than 6,500 feet in elevation to reach their natal waters in the Sawtooth Valley near Stanley.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus nerka

Also known as redfish, bluebacks

Physical Characteristics:
  • blue-silver in the ocean but turn bright red with green heads when returning to spawn due to their dramatic color transformation.
  • Kokanee typically grow to 23-30 cm (9-12 inches) on average, though in favorable conditions they can reach 51 cm (20 inches) and weigh 1.4-2.3 kg.
  • Adult kokanee have 29-40 gill rakers.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Today, sockeye are found only in a few Sawtooth Valley lakes.
  • Adults enter the Columbia River and arrive in the Sawtooth Valley.

Key Locations

  • Sawtooth Valley lakes including Redfish, Pettit, Alturas, Stanley, and Yellowbelly lakes.
  • Kokanee found in many Idaho lakes and reservoirs.

Specific Spots

  • lakeshore gravels for spawning, open water for feeding.

Sockeye Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Sockeye Salmon in Idaho?

Sockeye Lantern in green (the #1 pattern), Sockeye Killer in red for fast current and pocket water, Montana Brassie in Tutti Fruiti color, Mercer's Sockeye Fly in orange, Copper Swan with bead head and wire body, and Sockeye Lightning in red. These should be sparse, small flies.

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

For kokanee fishing, the best times are May through October when they're actively feeding. Peak fishing occurs when kokanee are actively feeding before their spawning runs.

How do you catch Sockeye Salmon in Idaho?

Fishing for wild sockeye salmon is prohibited in Idaho - they are listed as endangered and it's illegal to fish for or target them. However, kokanee (landlocked sockeye) provide excellent fishing opportunities and can be targeted when they're actively feeding before their spawning runs.

What do Sockeye Salmon eat?

Unlike other Pacific salmon, sockeye feed extensively on zooplankton during both freshwater and saltwater life stages, also consuming small aquatic organisms like shrimp, insects, and occasionally snails as juveniles. Juveniles remain in natal lakes feeding on plankton.

Where do Sockeye Salmon live in Idaho?

Today, sockeye are found only in a few Sawtooth Valley lakes. Adults enter the Columbia River and arrive in the Sawtooth Valley.

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