Kokanee salmon (Onchorhynchus nerka) is a landlocked sockeye salmon. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Inland Fisheries Foundation, Inc. and Kokanee Power are organizations that plant Kokanee into many of the lakes to provide an excellent fishery.
The fisheries foundation assists the Department of Fish and Wildlife in the egg-taking process for Kokanee salmon each fall and in raising funds. Kokanee Power also assists in this process and provides volunteers during the hatchery process.
Both organizations are a large part of the reason that Kokanee salmon fishing in California is popular and productive.
Stampede Reservoir has long been considered one of the best lakes for larger Kokanee.
“Kokes,” as they are often called, can be caught in the early spring by anglers who fish the top of the water column to 10 feet by trolling flashers and lures or bait. Most anglers use downriggers to fish deeper as the water warms up with a blade-style attracter and lures or hoochies tipped with white corn.
Landlocked Kokanee do not achieve the size of their saltwater version. Most lakes produce Kokanee in the 10- to 13-inch range. A few lakes in California have been known to produce fish into the 20-inch range.
Some of the best lakes to fish for Kokanee include Lake Berryessa, Whiskeytown Lake, New Melones Lake, Don Pedro Reservoir and Bullards Bar Reservoir. Locally, Stampede Reservoir has long been considered one of the best lakes for larger Kokanee. Other local spots are Boca Reservoir, Donner Lake and Lake Tahoe.
Kokanee are a great fish; they provide both excellent sport and terrific table fare. Just as the saltwater version, they are delicious cooked and smoked.
The best time to fish for them is in the spring or fall. Generally, fishing for them is good as soon as the boat ramps open in April and again in the early fall as the salmon begin to ball up in a pre-spawning fashion.
Electronic fish finders are extremely helpful in locating salmon schools in open water. They can be found in water from the surface to 90 feet down during these two seasons.
When toplining or fishing with downriggers, many anglers will use two rods; they purchase the two-rod stamp for their Inland fishing license. This allows the angler two opportunities to find the right lure and depth at which the fish are feeding.
Trolling speed is also important. It seems that trolling slowly is the best way to target this species.
Anglers should also note that Kokanee have soft mouths. As a result, great care should be taken when reeling them in. Many anglers will use a rubber snubber as a shock-absorbing mechanism to keep the fish hooked while not applying too much pressure.
FISHING REPORT
Boca Reservoir | Inflow is at 28 cfs and the outflow is 294 cfs. Powerbait, nightcrawlers and lures are all working. Fly-fishers have been catching some fish near the inlet with nymphs, streamers and dries.
Donner Lake | Fishing has been fair to good. Kokanee fishing has been good. Nightcrawlers and Powerbait seem to be the main bait for trout. Mackinaw fishing has been good. Fly-fishers are catching some fish with streamers.
Lake Tahoe | Fishing has been fair to good for mackinaw. A guide is highly recommended if you are fishing for mackinaw for the first time. Toplining and shore fishing is fair. Most shore anglers use inflated nightcrawlers.
Little Truckee River | The flow is at 28 cfs. I think this is too low for fishing. Try a dry dropper rig if you must fish.
Martis Lake | Zero kill. Catch and release only with barbless artificial lures or flies. Smallmouth bass are part of the fishery here.
Prosser Lake | Fishing has been fair to good. Anglers using bait, lures and flies have all caught fish. Fly-fishers have done well near the inlet areas. Bass fishing has been fair.
Stampede Reservoir | Fishing has been slow. Not too many reports. Nightcrawlers, Powerbait and lures have all produced from shore. Fly-fishers have been doing well near the inlets with nymphs and streamers. The Kokanee fishing has been pretty poor. Smallmouth bass fishing has been fair.
READ MORE: Stampede Reservoir fishing
Truckee River | It is not flowing out of the lake at Tahoe City. The flows through Truckee are at 63 cfs. Carry a thermometer and keep an eye on water temperatures. Consider fishing an alternative water when it gets over 64 degrees. Crayfish, caddis and streamers are working. Hoppers are also beginning to show. This water is special regulation, artificial only with a barbless hook. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged, but an angler may keep two fish with a minimum size of 14 inches.
Davis and Frenchman lakes | Both are slowing down with warmer temperatures. Boat, shore and fly anglers are catching a few fish. Reports from Davis Lake are only fair. Frenchman Lake fishing has slowed, as well. Give these waters a rest until fall brings cooler temperatures.
