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Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee salmon are landlocked, freshwater sockeye salmon that complete their entire life cycle in Oregon's cold, clear lakes and reservoirs without ever migrating to the ocean.

Oregon hosts both native populations (like those in Suttle Lake and Wallowa Lake) and introduced populations throughout the state.

Physical Characteristics:

These silver-sided fish with bluish-black backs and white bellies typically average 10-15 inches and weigh 1-4 pounds, though Oregon's state record 9 lb 10 oz kokanee was caught in Wallowa Lake in 2010.

Kokanee spawn from August through February (varying by location), turning bright red with green heads during this period.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Oregon's cold, clear lakes and reservoirs

Key Locations

Prime kokanee waters include Detroit Reservoir, Green Peter Reservoir, Odell Lake, Crescent Lake, Wickiup Reservoir, Paulina Lake, East Lake, Lake Billy Chinook, and Wallowa Lake. Key Oregon locations include the dam areas and main lake basins at Detroit, Odell (especially near Shelter Cove), Green Peter, Wickiup's old river channels, and Paulina Lake.

Specific Spots

Dam areas and main lake basins, old river channels

Kokanee Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Popular jigs include Mack's Cripplure, Sonic Baitfish, and Nordic lures. Essential trolling setups include small dodgers (4-inch) paired with kokanee-specific lures like Wedding Ring spinners, Mack's Cha Cha, Pro-Troll Kokanee Killers, Double Whammy spinners, or Kokanee Squid.

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

The prime kokanee fishing season in Oregon runs April through August, with May through July being peak months.

How do you catch Kokanee Salmon in Oregon?

For jigging, locate schools with fish finders and work vertical presentations at the same depth as the fish. Trolling becomes most effective in summer, requiring slow speeds of 0.8-1.6 mph with occasional S-turns to trigger strikes.

What do Kokanee Salmon eat?

They're filter feeders that primarily consume zooplankton using specialized gill rakers, supplemented by small aquatic insects, freshwater shrimp, and chironomids.

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