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Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) are the non-anadromous (landlocked) form of sockeye salmon that spend their entire lives in freshwater.

Washington's kokanee fishery is supported by extensive hatchery programs, particularly the nearly 100-year-old Lake Whatcom program that has produced over 1. 4 billion eggs and supports kokanee fisheries throughout the state.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus nerka

Physical Characteristics:
  • In Washington, kokanee average 9-12 inches but can reach 20 inches in quality populations, with some lakes producing trophy fish - Lake Roosevelt holds the state record at 10.63 pounds.
  • They have blue backs and silver sides with finer scales, larger eyes, and deeply forked tails compared to other trout, lacking the distinct dark spots found on most salmon and trout species.
  • During spawning season (late October through early November), kokanee turn bright red with green heads, and males develop hooked jaws and humped backs before dying after spawning.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Washington, they're distributed across numerous lakes in both western and eastern regions, with notable populations in lakes from the Cascades to the Columbia River system.
  • The species thrives in cold, clear lakes and reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Lake Roosevelt, Lake Chelan, Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, Banks Lake, Palmer Lake, Bonaparte Lake, and Conconully Reservoir.
  • Top Washington kokanee waters include Lake Roosevelt for trophy fish, Lake Chelan for consistent action, Lake Washington for larger fish.

Specific Spots

  • Kokanee are typically suspended in open water rather than near structure.
  • Focus on areas near thermoclines.

Kokanee Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Strings of trolling blades or small dodgers ahead of brightly colored spoons, spinners, or hoochies with silver, red, or orange finishes.

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

The kokanee fishing season typically runs from April through October, with peak action occurring during late spring. Winter kokanee fishing is possible on select lakes like Roosevelt, Chelan, Sammamish, and Cavanaugh.

How do you catch Kokanee Salmon in Washington?

Trolling at 1-1.4 mph using downriggers to reach fish at 25-130 feet deep depending on season and thermal conditions. Still fishing with hooks tipped with maggots, corn, or small worm pieces works well. Jigging with 1/4 to 1-ounce jigs is effective when schools are located on fish finders.

What do Kokanee Salmon eat?

Kokanee are primarily planktivorous, feeding almost exclusively on zooplankton including copepods, daphnia, and other tiny aquatic organisms. They're specialized filter feeders with elongated gill rakers that strain plankton from the water.

Where do Kokanee Salmon live in Washington?

In Washington, they're distributed across numerous lakes in both western and eastern regions, with notable populations in lakes from the Cascades to the Columbia River system. The species thrives in cold, clear lakes and reservoirs.

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