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Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye Salmon in Wyoming exist exclusively as Kokanee - the landlocked variety of Oncorhynchus nerka that never migrate to the ocean. These fish are distinguished from anadromous sockeye by their smaller size.

Kokanee have been successfully introduced to Wyoming waters.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus nerka

Also known as Kokanee

Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically averaging 12-18 inches compared to their ocean-going cousins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Deep, cool water bodies, deep mountain reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Alcova Reservoir, Fremont Lake, New Fork Lake, and several other deep, cool water bodies.
  • In Wyoming's prime waters like Flaming Gorge, Alcova, and Fremont Lake.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on deep basins and thermal breaks, the 50-100 foot depths where Kokanee typically suspend in the thermocline.

Sockeye Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Sockeye Salmon in Wyoming?

Brightly colored spoons and spinners that mimic their zooplankton prey - particularly effective are red, pink, orange, and chartreuse colors.

What flies work for Sockeye Salmon in Wyoming?

Sockeye Lantern in green (with Krystal Flash and slight glow), Sockeye Killer in red for fast current, Montana Brassie in Tutti Fruiti, Mercer's Sockeye Fly in orange, Copper Swan, and Sockeye Lightning in red.

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

Target during their intense pre-spawn feeding period from late summer through early fall, avoiding the actual spawning runs.

How do you catch Sockeye Salmon in Wyoming?

Trolling is the most effective technique, using downriggers to reach the 50-100 foot depths where Kokanee typically suspend in the thermocline. For fly fishing, small, sparse flies work best when dead-drifted at the fish's eye level.

What do Sockeye Salmon eat?

Unlike other Pacific salmon species that feed extensively on small fish, Kokanee are specialized planktivores with 30-40 fine gill rakers that allow them to efficiently strain zooplankton, krill, and small crustaceans from the water column.

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