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Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee salmon in Montana are landlocked sockeye salmon that live their entire lives in freshwater rather than migrating to the ocean.

They are non-native to Montana, having been introduced to numerous lakes and reservoirs where they now support popular fisheries.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus nerka

Also known as landlocked sockeye salmon

Physical Characteristics:

Montana's kokanee typically range from 9-15 inches, averaging around 12 inches, though some waters produce fish up to 20 inches.

They have blue backs and silver sides without distinct dark spots, turning bright red with green heads during spawning season in late summer and fall.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Found in lakes and reservoirs. Kokanee school heavily and are often found suspended at mid-depths, following their zooplankton food source and preferred temperature zones.

Key Locations

Holter Lake, Hauser Reservoir, Georgetown Lake, Willow Creek Reservoir, and Flathead Lake (historically - the population collapsed in 1989 due to introduced Mysis shrimp). In Montana waters like Holter Lake and Georgetown Lake, focus on main lake areas and near inlet streams.

Specific Spots

Target depths of 20-60 feet where they typically suspend. Focus on main lake areas and near inlet streams.

Kokanee Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Mack's Cha Cha, Kokanee Killer spoons, Wedding Ring spinners, Smile Blade hoochies, and small spoons tipped with white shoepeg corn, pink maggots, or dyed shrimp. Pro-Cure scents like Kokanee Special, Bloody Tuna, or Shrimp/Krill Super Gel on all lures.

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

Montana's kokanee fishing is best from late spring through early fall, with prime times being May through June and again in September through October. During ice fishing season available.

How do you catch Kokanee Salmon in Montana?

Slow trolling at 0.8-1.8 mph using small dodgers paired with kokanee-specific lures. Run lures 18-30 inches behind dodgers depending on lure action - shorter leaders (2.5x dodger length) for no-action lures like hoochies, longer leaders (4x dodger length) for active lures like spoons.

What do Kokanee Salmon eat?

Kokanee are primarily planktivores, feeding almost exclusively on zooplankton which they filter through fine gill rakers. They also consume small aquatic insects, freshwater shrimp, and occasionally small fish.

Where do Kokanee Salmon live in Montana?

Found in lakes and reservoirs. Kokanee school heavily and are often found suspended at mid-depths, following their zooplankton food source and preferred temperature zones.

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