Kokanee Salmon
Oncorhynchus nerka
The landlocked form of sockeye salmon, kokanee are a beloved cold-water game fish stocked in deep mountain reservoirs and lakes across the Western United States. From Idaho's Lake Pend Oreille to Colorado's Blue Mesa Reservoir, kokanee provide reliable action for trolling anglers and are prized for their firm, orange-red flesh. Their fall spawning runs, when they turn brilliant crimson, are a spectacular sight.
Seasonal Activity
Best Techniques
- trolling with downriggers
- trolling with dodgers and flies
- jigging small spoons
- shore fishing during spawn
Top Baits
- wedding ring spinners
- small trolling flies
- hoochies
- maggots
- small spoons tipped with corn
Fishing Regulations
Season dates and limits for Kokanee Salmon, by state. This list may not cover every state yet — always confirm current rules with your state's wildlife agency before you fish.
California 1 zone
Landlocked sockeye salmon found in reservoirs and lakes. Included in the trout daily bag limit on most waters.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlife.ca.gov
Colorado 1 zone
Counted separately from trout. Popular at Blue Mesa, Dillon, and Green Mountain reservoirs.
Effective 2025 · Source: cpw.state.co.us
Idaho 1 zone
Liberal limits. Very popular at Lake Pend Oreille, Anderson Ranch, and Lucky Peak reservoirs.
Effective 2025 · Source: idfg.idaho.gov
Montana 1 zone
Very liberal limits. Popular at Flathead Lake, Whitefish Lake, and other western Montana lakes.
Effective 2025 · Source: fwp.mt.gov
New Mexico 1 zone
12 per day. Found in select northern New Mexico lakes.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlife.state.nm.us
Oregon 1 zone
Liberal limit on most lakes. Very popular at Wallowa Lake, Odell Lake, and other reservoirs.
Effective 2025 · Source: myodfw.com
Utah 1 zone
Popular at Flaming Gorge and Strawberry reservoirs. Part of combined trout and salmon limit.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlife.utah.gov
Washington 1 zone
Counted separately from trout on some waters. Popular at Lake Chelan and Banks Lake.
Effective 2025 · Source: wdfw.wa.gov
Wyoming 1 zone
Found in Flaming Gorge Reservoir and select mountain lakes.
Effective 2025 · Source: wgfd.wyo.gov
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