Kokanee Salmon

About Kokanee

Kokanee are landlocked Sockeye Salmon, and they're one of the more unusual fish you can catch in Utah. Most of the year they're a sleek, silver fish that spend their time feeding on plankton in open water. But as fall approaches, mature Kokanee undergo a remarkable transformation, turning brilliant red as they prepare to spawn. Males develop a hooked jaw, and the fish begin migrating into tributary streams. It's one of the more memorable sights in Utah's outdoors, and the final chapter of their life cycle: like other Pacific salmon, Kokanee die after spawning.

For anglers, Kokanee offer something a little different from chasing trout along the shoreline. They're often suspended over deep water, and catching them consistently means figuring out their depth, finding the right presentation, and learning to fish light tackle. Utah's best-known Kokanee waters include Flaming Gorge, Strawberry, and Porcupine reservoirs, where these salmon have developed a following of their own.

The Utah state record Kokanee weighs 6 pounds. This is respectable for the species, though well under the world record of 9 pounds, 6 ounces caught in Alaska.

History & Introduction in Utah

Kokanee have been in Utah for over a century. The species was first introduced in 1922, when the state received a shipment of 250,000 Kokanee fry from Washington, which was stocked into Bear Lake. That original Bear Lake population didn't last but subsequent stockings in the 60's and 70's in both Porcupine Reservoir and Flaming Gorge created two of the state's premier Kokanee fisheries today.

Kokanee fishing has grown in popularity over the last decade. Utah had just five recognized Kokanee fisheries in 2016, compared to a dozen or more today. At the same time, several of the state's established populations, including Flaming Gorge and Strawberry, have faced real struggles in recent years. This has prompted DWR to look at new egg sources, including Fish Lake, to keep stocking programs supplied.

Where to Find Them

• Flaming Gorge Reservoir
• Strawberry Reservoir
• Causey Reservoir
• Porcupine Reservoir
• Moon Lake
• Electric Lake
• Jordanelle Reservoir
• Fish Lake

Flaming Gorge is still a great place to catch Kokanee and give you plenty of what to try. Strawberry Reservoir would be my next recommendation and there's plenty of information out there specific to the reservoir. Jordanelle is developing more of a reputation as a Kokanee reservoir and Fish Lake is a fantastic place to find Kokanee though a little off the beaten path.

How to Fish

Before you can become a successful Kokanee fisherman you have to understand a few differences between trout and salmon. Kokanee feed on zooplankton and micro shrimp suspended in the water column usually above deep water as opposed to trout that like to stay close to rocky points, bays and feeding flats. Kokanee are aggressive fighters that have very soft mouths that hooks can easily rip through. Kokanee strike lures out of competition for territory and aggression, not out of hunger. Kokanee can suspend fairly deep in the water column depending on the time of year and water temps. I've caught kokanee as deep as 90 feet, but have also caught them right on the surface while setting lines.

Trolling

Trolling is by far the most effective method for catching Kokanee. There are several ways to get your presentation down to the right depth but down riggers are the most effective method. The rig typically includes a dodger or flasher ahead of a small hoochie, Wedding Ring spinner, or similar attractor. The dodger imitates the flash of a baitfish school, and the hoochie provides a target to strike. Chartreuse-colored lures, Needlefish, Kokanee King, and Apex spoons, are classic, proven producers. 

I've had good luck targeting Kokanee at Flaming Gorge with my family over the years. It typically takes a little time on the water to dial in the right color and running depth, but once you find the pattern, it's very possible to fill a limit in just a few hours. Some of our best trips have produced fish in the 4-pound range.

The Spawning Run & Regulations

Late August into September, Kokanee turn red and begin their spawning migration up tributary streams, a striking natural event that draws spectators as much as anglers. Because this run is critical to the future of many of Utah's Kokanee populations, the 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook says anglers may not possess Kokanee salmon at any Utah waterbody from September 10 through November 30.

The fall spawning run is also a good time to watch these fish rather than target them. Avoid disturbing spawning fish or walking through the gravel where they deposit their eggs. Several locations have become popular viewing spots during the run, including Strawberry River near the visitor center, Causey Reservoir's tributaries (reachable by paddle-board, kayak, or canoe), and the East Fork of the Little Bear River in Cache County. DWR and partner organizations also host an annual Kokanee Salmon Viewing Day open to the public.

Planning a Kokanee Trip

Summer is prime time for actively fishing Kokanee, before the fall spawning closure takes effect. Because so many Kokanee waters also hold Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, or Smallmouth Bass, it's easy to build a full day around Kokanee trolling in the morning and switching species later. This is exactly the kind of variety that makes a multi-species water like Flaming Gorge worth the drive.

 

My Experience

Kokanee Salmon are a true test of an angler trolling skills. The first time I was introduce to Kokanee salmon was almost 2 decades ago when we made a family trip to Flaming Gorge Reservoir. I brought a 12 foot aluminum boat, rigged with lead line, pop gear and worm, I headed out. While catching several rainbow we reeled an unusual silver forked tailed fish. I have caught salmon on the ocean before and this looked strangely like those but I really believed that salmon could not exist in a fresh water reservoir. It wasn't until we cooked it up for dinner that my suspicions were confirmed. This was definitely a salmon. After that I was hooked, and I read everything I could on the topic and set out to catch more. 

Although we have caught many Kokanee on lead line and pop gear we definitely lost more than we were able to put in the boat. To counteract the large, stout rod that we had along with our lead line reals we used rubber snubber to help keep the fish from pulling the hook. Now we use light rods and tackle, and run our lines to depth with down riggers, a much more efficient and enjoyable method.