Spawning kokanee

[MaxxiD]

I was in BC on the weekend and found a creek running red with spawning kokanee. I was so excited a ran back to the campsite to grab my fly rod. I tried for 2 days, but couldn't get a single one interested. I caught rainbows and Whitefish that were hiding in the schools, but the kokanee only had one thing on their mind.

Any advice on how to get them to bite?

[Parker Hale]

They are spawning, leave them alone.

[skain11]

A few years ago I was checking out the Tobacco river south of Eureka Montana for some cuthroats at this time of year and there was a family on a bridge over the river where it was about 20 feet wide and was full of spawning Kokanee. The father was snagging the fish with a treble hook one after the other. I believe that the limit there during that time was 50. I hear they are great for canning.

[fishpro]

When fish are in spawning mode they will not be interested in feeding. You might as well not even try, not to mention it's good to not disturb them and let them focus on spawning.

[SouthWestRanger]

I’d leave the spawning salmon alone, if you are intent on catching Kokanee with a fly, try the early spring slow trolling flies near the surface

[barbless]

I would just ask why? All red and not really good to eat for us. As mentioned try the springtime. Leave em be to do their thing. Enough stress on em already. Bet you wouldn't like being interrupted.

[FlyTheory]

I personally would leave them alone, but you asked a question and it deserves a response.

You can target them with things that will make them aggressive. So if you have a small streamer that swings in front of them, you may annoy one into swiping at the fly. But the more fun activity is targeting the trout feeding on the eggs behind them 😎

[Sundancefisher]

I’m surprised it’s not closed for spawning. Just walking on the gravels will kill thousands of eggs.

Sure are a spectacular sight.

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

I’m surprised it’s not closed for spawning. Just walking on the gravels will kill thousands of eggs.

Sure are a spectacular sight.

Kokanee don’t get near the protection as salmon. Tons of Kokanee spawning creeks in B.C. are open to fishing during the spawn.

As for how to catch them it’s possible but not recommended. They won’t make good table fair and well they are spawning. But yes as a kid in B.C. I did it a few times and you can get them to bite. Single eggs work, small spin N glows, small spinners, and anything that is basically egg related or will anger them. Non egg related options need to be right in their face for the most part and most will refuse. Most that will bite are male as they are more aggressive

Yes it’s possible to get them to bite but best to leave them be and target they other species preying on their eggs. Targeting trout during salmon/Kokanee spawn can be a blast

[walking buffalo]

As a kid in the Okanagan I got excited at seeing the spawning kokanee.
I caught an aggressive male and kept it.
Never again. No way would I eat it.

[Talking moose]

Surprised people aren’t “flossing” them like sockeyes……(basically legally snagging.)

[Marty S]

If you are bent on catching a spawned or two, try what they do with sockeye, a bead and a hook and they catch lots that way, both in the saltwater at River mouths and in lakes that they are spawning in. If they good/bad to eat probably dependant upon how long they been in spawning mode.

[fish99]

We are at lake koocanusa does anyone know where we view the spawn

[britman101]

Once they are bright red and spawning the kokanee only have one thing in mind. After they have spawned within a couple of days they are dead. Would target the trout and whitefish who are targeting loose eggs from the kokanee. As far as table fare, it would not be very good at all.

[Lornce]

Originally Posted by fish99

We are at lake koocanusa does anyone know where we view the spawn

Look for any small streams.

[chucklesthe3rd]

Screw catching some half dead kokanee. Break out the purple and red streamers and rip them around some deep pools big bulls like to munch on these dying kokanee.

Chuck

[Parker Hale]

[IMG][/IMG]

This is a good spot close to Koocanusa. You might even see a grizzly enjoying a kokanee feast.

[fish99]

Originally Posted by Parker Hale

[IMG][/IMG]

This is a good spot close to Koocanusa. You might even see a grizzly enjoying a kokanee feast.

Thanks will check it out