Spring has sprung, and kokanee fishing is in full swing here in the Pacific Northwest! These landlocked salmon are absolutely delicious on the smoker or grill. These silver bullets put up a good fight, too! Some lakes have naturally reproducing populations in adjoining creeks or rivers, and others have wild populations that are supplemented by state game department stocking.
Kokanee are typically caught by trolling or jigging from a boat. Whichever method you choose, you'll need a good fish finder to locate the schools. Jig fishermen will anchor on top of schools and vertically jig lures tipped with corn. If fish are scattered, trolling can bring you more success. Toss out a small dodger and a lure tipped with corn or maggots, and troll between .9 and 1.3 mph. Kokanee like a slow troll!
Wherever you live, chances are there's a kokanee lake near you. Whether you like jigging or trolling, get out there and give it a shot! Limits vary greatly by location, so make sure to check before going out. Let's go over the top ten kokanee lakes in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana!
American Lake
Public access abounds at this south Puget Sound lake! It receives ample plants of kokanee every spring. They grow to a healthy size, around 14-15 inches. You can't beat the accessibility and wealth of knowledge on how to target them in this lake. This is a hugely popular fishery and is great for beginner kokanee fishermen. April through September are the prime months to target kokanee here. It also receives a healthy rainbow trout planting, so you might need to weed through them to get to the kokanee. This lake is on the shallow side, so you can count on the fish hanging out near the thermocline most days.
Lake Chelan
While you're trolling for kokanee here, you might just end up with a chinook salmon on the end of your line! This is the largest natural lake in Washington, over 50 miles long. The sheer size and depth of this lake can certainly be intimidating, but there are several reputable guides who fish these waters. They can help you figure out the best locations and tackle to use. The fish can be finicky here. Your best bet will be to troll the top 20 feet of water in the morning, then go deeper in the afternoon. Most people troll for kokanee in the lower basin of the lake. Target points and coves until you find willing biters!
Loon Lake
Over on the eastern side of Washington, this lake boasts large kokanee and mackinaw as well. You can troll for them, but many anglers jig for kokanee at nighttime here. Use glow hooks, corn, and plenty of scent. The fish are usually near the bottom during the night, but keep a close eye on your sonar. The bite is very light, so you'll need to pay close attention to your rod. Mack's Wedding Rings work great if you're trolling. Try tipping them with a piece of worm or a Gulp maggot. There is only 1 boat ramp at this lake, so plan on getting there early to beat the lines, especially during the summer.
Spirit Lake
Just across the Washington/Idaho state border, this picturesque lake is a known kokanee producer. In fact, there are a few boat ramps and resorts with boat rentals along this smaller lake. This is a great lake to hit if you're worried about the afternoon winds at nearby Lake Pend Oreille. These fish are on the smaller side, but they're numerous and tend to be very snappy. Fish early in the mornings; this lake is very popular with power boaters. As a bonus, this lake was stocked with chinook salmon in 2016!
Lake Pend Oreille
Another Idaho lake, this one is significantly larger than neighboring Spirit Lake. Mackinaw, walleye, and Kamloops rainbow trout also reside in this 134-square-mile lake. Just like Lake Chelan, there are a few guides that you can hire to help get a feel for the lake. Idaho Fish and Game supplements the wild population with yearly releases of millions of kokanee fry. There was a kokanee population crash in the 80's and 90's. Idaho Fish and Game found that kokanee populations were crashing due to increased lake trout predation. They netted 177k lake trout and put a bounty out for the fish to encourage anglers to remove them. Now, thanks to their combined efforts, there is a thriving kokanee fishery at this lake.
Odell Lake
There is a very popular kokanee jigging fishery at this Oregon lake. Motor around slowly until you find a school and then drop your jigs! Don't forget to tip them with corn. Most tackle manufacturers make kokanee jigs. They're about 3/8 to 1 oz in weight, and typically pink or orange. Try jigging slowly at first, then switch up your speed until you find what works. It's important not to allow slack in your line because you'll miss bites. If you catch a fish, remember what depth it was at. Jigging for kokanee can help keep the day interesting.
Detroit Lake
Another Oregon lake, this is a popular, tried-and-true fishery for both kokanee and rainbows. Interestingly, you don't need a boat to catch them here. Many anglers report success from the dock and shore. Try fishing near creek mouths! If you're trolling, use the usual kokanee gear. The later in the season, the deeper you'll need to fish. Troll slowly, about 1mph, and don't forget the corn! Many anglers report success jigging for the fish in the early season. Detroit Lake has been stocked with kokanee since the 1950's as a response to declining sea-run salmon populations and has thrived ever since. Give it a shot!
Holter Lake
This is your destination if you want a shot at 5-pound kokanee. Populations are rebounding, which is great news for anglers near this Montana lake. Old Goat lures are proven fish catchers here. This is a large, deep reservoir where downriggers truly shine. You might need to put in some work to find the fish, but the payoff could be a trophy kokanee! Check out Northwest Fishing's episode of Holter Lake for an in-depth tutorial on this fishery- Mike Carey had a great day filling his boat with 5-pound kokanee!
Pishkun Reservoir
Located near Glacier National Park in Montana, this lake is worth the drive for the views alone. The kokanee can be few and far between, but they are big! You'll likely have the lake to yourself, and you'll have a shot at big rainbow trout and pike as well. For the best chance of getting a big kokanee, try to put as many lines in the water as you can. Use planer boards and stack your downriggers. Watch your fish finder carefully. This lake is sixty feet deep, and the kokanee will likely be near the thermocline. Oh, and bring bug spray!
