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Kokanee

Kokanee

Kokanee are the non-anadromous form of sockeye salmon that spend their entire lives in freshwater. These landlocked salmon are open water feeders that primarily consume plankton.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus nerka

Physical Characteristics:

In Washington, they average 9-12 inches but can grow up to 20 inches in quality populations, with some Lake Roosevelt specimens reaching 3-5 pounds. They have blue backs, silver sides, and lack the distinct dark spots found on other salmon and trout.

During spawning periods, males develop humped backs and hooked jaws while both sexes turn bright red with green heads.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Native populations exist in Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish in Whatcom County, while most other waters are sustained through hatchery stocking programs. Washington's kokanee populations vary significantly - Lake Whatcom supports the largest hatchery program in the country, while native populations in the Lake Washington Basin have severely declined.

Key Locations

They're found in numerous Washington lakes including Lake Chelan, Lake Roosevelt, Banks Lake, Lake Whatcom, Lake Sammamish, Yale Reservoir, Keechelus Lake, and over 60 other water bodies across the state. Key locations include Lake Roosevelt (13-17 inch fish), Lake Chelan, Yale Reservoir, Keechelus Lake, and Lake Whatcom.

Specific Spots

Fish typically hold 10-25 feet deep in spring, moving to 45-80 feet in summer. Target areas near creek inlets in spring and fall, and the thermocline in summer.

Kokanee FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Kokanee in Washington?

Top lure choices include Dick Nite spoons, Mepps spinners, Wedding Ring spinners (Mack's Lures, Jim Diamond), Kokabow Fishing Spinners, plastic squid/hoochies, crankbaits like Apex Kokanee Killer, and trolling flies such as K-Fly or Smile Blade Fly. Always tip lures with white shoepeg corn (never yellow).

When is the best time to fish for Kokanee in Washington?

Kokanee fishing in Washington is most productive from April through October, with peak action during late spring when plankton blooms make fish more aggressive and closer to the surface. Lake Roosevelt has January-April peak.

How do you catch Kokanee in Washington?

Trolling is the primary technique. Side planer boards can be effective for getting lines away from the boat. Still fishing with small hooks also works. Jigging is productive when schools are located, using 1/4 to 1 oz jigs. Downrigger fishing or leadcore line for deeper water.

What do Kokanee eat?

They primarily consume plankton - initially copepods and daphnia, progressing to zooplankton as they mature.

Where do Kokanee live in Washington?

Native populations exist in Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish in Whatcom County, while most other waters are sustained through hatchery stocking programs.

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