Kokanee Kokanee salmon are fast becoming a favorite fish of anglers as well as the Colorado DOW because of their ability to survive despite fluctuating water levels. Kokanee feed primarily on zooplankton and...
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Kokanee salmon are fast becoming a favorite fish of anglers as well as the Colorado DOW because of their ability to survive despite fluctuating water levels. Kokanee feed primarily on zooplankton and can be found in low-light conditions cruising the surface of lakes. Trolling is effective as the day wears on and summer boat traffic sends them deeper.
Qualifying length for a Colorado Master Angler Award for Kokanee is 20 inches.
Colorado Released Fish Record for Kokanee is 28"
From the Colorado DOW: Kokanee (land-locked Pacific sockeye salmon) are suited to the large, fluctuating mountain reservoirs of Colorado. These silver fish with black spots on the upper half of their bodies can be found swimming in compact schools feeding on zooplankton, a food source unaffected by the drawing down of reservoirs. They turn reddish in color and males develop a “hook jaw” during the fall spawning season. Trolling with cowbells at medium depths provides angling success. Special snagging seasons are offered on some areas during spawning runs, and provide much of the catch for these delicious salmon. Kokanee die after spawning.
