Kokanee Salmon

The landlocked form of sockeye salmon. Kokanee are silver for most of their lives, turning deep red before spawning. They are prized for their flavor.

Habitat

Deep, cold reservoirs. They suspend in open water, following schools of zooplankton.

Feeding & Timing

Zooplankton feeders. They school in massive numbers and follow temperature gradients in deep water.

Best windows: Mid-morning (9am to 11am) and Late Evening.

Season Overview

Spring (May-June) near surface; Summer (July-August) deep with downriggers.

Tactics That Work

• Slow-speed trolling (1.0-1.4 mph) with dodgers
• Using scented corn on every lure

Productive baits and patterns: Shoepeg Corn (Pink/Orange), Wedding Ring spinners, Dodgers & Squids, Small Spoons.

Regulations

• Liberal limits—often 15 to 25 fish
• No size limits on most waters

Always confirm with the current IDFG rule book before heading out — limits and seasons change by water.

Idaho state record: 6 lbs, 9.28 oz (Lake Pend Oreille, 1975).