| Some fish are targeted because they
are great fighters, some because they are big, but the Kokanee Salmon are targeted for a
different reason: Taste. These are some of the finest eating fish in the area. It is a
consumptive fishery that also serves as a food base for the Chinook Salmon. These
aggressive little fish have been a staple of North Idaho Fishing for a long time. A
Kokanee is a land locked Sockeye salmon. They have a 4 year life cycle and are self
sustaining in Coeur d'Alene Lake. Current sizes are from 9 to 12 inches with fish in the
14 inch range expected by fall.
An attractor such as a Jack Lloyd or a Hildebrandt is the first step in catching
blueback. A spinner such as Captain Bob's or a Wedding Ring baited with either white corn
or maggotts is the best way to finish off the trolling setup. Depth is probably the
biggest variable in catching these fish. Leaded line or keel weights are two popular ways
to get to the required depth. The spring will find the fish near the surface and as the
summer moves along they tend to drop. By Fall we are usually fishing 25 to 35 feet deep.
These are the general patterns that the fish follow, but they often surprise us. If you
would like some up to the minute fishing information, check out the Fins
Fishing Report.
|
(Picture of a Batch of Kokanee) |
Quick facts on Kokanee Salmon
Average Size = 9 to 14 inches
Lake Limit = 6 Total, combined Kokanee and Chinook
Common Lures = Jack-Lloyd and Wedding Ring, Needlefish, Captain Bob's
Kokanee Spinner
|