How To Catch Kokanee

Facts about catching kokanee 

Here are some basic facts about Kokes. 
For some, this list will be a refresher. Others may have an "A-HA" moment. Others may shout B.S.
Either way, we hope that you will post a response to a fact on the list. 
The post link is at the bottom of the list.
  • Kokanee eat mostly Zooplankton - which is light sensitive, as the sun goes higher they go deeper and the Kokanee follow along.

  • Kokanee’s biology works best between 50F-54F - finding the right water temp within the water column will help you locate more fish. Check out our thermometer downrigger weight.

  • Where the colder deeper lake water meets the warmer from the surface is the Thermocline - in summer Kokes hang in the Thermocline, fishing just above this area will present your lure to more fish

  • Trolling - generally, slower is better with a little under 1 MPH to a little over 1.4 MPH usually the most effective - try not to stay steady but vary your speed

  • Trolling - steer in a lazy S pattern - arrows should be straight, not trolling patterns

  • Attraction - use the color and flash of dodgers to draw attention to your bait

  • Strike - use the action and vibration of the lure to trigger the strike

  • Use Dodgers (which wobble), not Flashers (which rotate) - the more intense vibration and flash of a Flasher remind Kokes of predators - you want to bring 'em in, not scare 'em off

  • Change the action of a dodger by holding the ends and give 'em a slow, easy bend

  • Kokes are a salmonoid which use the sense of smell - rub anise oil on your hands before baiting up

  • Corn: Point the smaller open end to where you came from, so the scent trail will lead to where you are 

  • Leaders - generally keep 'em shorter in the summer which gives a quicker back and forth action

  • Depth - the deeper, the less light - so reds and pinks up high, purples and blues down low 

  • UV and GLO - UV light is the last to fade out at low depth - GLO requires time in the sun or a LED flashlight to charge and show the GLO

  • Rods - light action with a flexible tip for that nice horseshoe bend while trolling, quick snappy hook setting and give when bringing the fish in

  • Reels - casting style, not spinning - well maintained with smooth drags - back off the drags at end of the day

  • In the summer and late spring, start out with a leader that is 2 to 2.5 times the length of the dodger.

  • In the early spring start out with a leader that is 2.5 to 3 times the length of the dodger.