Some fish are targeted because they are great fighters, some because they are big, but the Kokanee Salmon are targeted for their taste. The local Kokanee are some of the finest eating fish in the area. It is a consumptive fishery that also serves as a food base for Chinook salmon, Bass, Northern Pike, and all species of trout. These aggressive little fish have been a staple of North Idaho fishing for a long time, and are the foundational food source of all of the game fish in the area.
Kokanee fishing is great fun for the family as it is almost assured that everyone can catch a couple of fish; it also provides a great opportunity to introduce kids to fishing. During spring and summer Kokanee are bright silver with blue, green, or black backs. In the fall the mature Kokanee start their spawning cycle and turn bright red with green heads. They either migrate into the rivers and streams, or build nests along a lake’s shoreline.
Kokanee are land-locked sockeye salmon and are found in many lakes and reservoirs across the Pacific Northwest. They prefer cold clear lakes with temperatures from 50 to 60 degrees. The best catch rates occur in late summer when they are in deeper water around 40 to 60 feet. Kokanee feed mainly on zooplankton, and follow them deeper as the surface water warms.
Kokanee size is highly dependent upon how many of them are in the lake, these numbers fluctuate from year to year, and lake to lake. This is attributed to the amount of zooplankton in the lake, and the number and size of predator fish. High numbers of kokanee can negatively impact the food supply resulting in smaller sized Kokanee, and potentially higher catch rates. If there are a smaller numbers of Kokanee they can be larger in size, but with will result in lower catch rates. Depending on the conditions Kokanee can range in size from 8 – 18 inches.
Finding and catching Kokanee normally requires trolling with a fish finder and downriggers, or lead core line; to find the schools and get your tackle to their depth. Trolling is normally done with a small flasher or dodger and a Hoochie in red, pink, or florescent orange. You can enhance your catch rate with the use of scent or corn on your lure. The best tolling speeds are around 1.2 mph; experiment to see what works best on that day.
Lake Coeur d'Alene Pricing
- Half Day Trip (4 hours) 1-4 People $595
- Full Day Trip (8 hours) 1-4 People $895
- $80 extra per person after 4 people (max 6 guests per boat)
- Kids under 14 Fish Free With Adult!
Lake Pend Orielle Pricing
- Half Day Trip (4 hours) 1-4 People $595
- Full Day Trip (8 hours) 1-4 People $895
- $80 extra per person after 4 people (max 6 guests per boat)
- Kids under 14 Fish Free With Adult!
A 50% deposit is required upon reservation. 7 day advance cancellation notice for deposit Refund. If a client cancels within 48 hours of a Charter or no shows, the full amount of the trip will be charged. Our cancellation policy applies to all situations; we are sorry we cannot afford to make exceptions for personal emergencies. Our trips run rain or shine so dress for the weather; cancellation due to rough water or weather are at Guide’s discretion. If a charter is canceled due to conditions and cannot be rescheduled a full refund will be issued.
An Idaho fishing license can be purchased prior to the trip at the Fins & Feathers Tackle Shop retail store. Unless otherwise arranged, all trips meet at the retail store.
When are the Kokanee Biting?
Learn more about these two amazing Pike fishing destinations: Lake Coeur d'Alene and Lake Pend Orielle.
