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Time to go Kokanee Fishing!
by Lance Merz, February 27, 2016
It’s that time of the year again. Most of us are salivating at the ability to catch an abundance of fish; and some already have. Kokanee fishing has become increasingly popular over the past several years. Once you get a chance to taste these delectable morsels, you’ll know what the craze is all about. Not only are they a great tasting fish, they are also very fun to catch!
Kokanee, (also called “Silvers) is a land-locked Sockeye salmon and on average, are between nine to twelve inches. They swim in schools and usually feed on plankton in open waters of lakes in temperatures of around 50 degrees. This time of the year (January) is still a bit early because the fish have a long way to go to school up, but they can still be found. Just like all fish during the winter months, these fish have to eat too!
It may take more time to find them, but knowing the water of which you’re fishing is extremely important. Preparation, like all types of fishing, is essential. The night before you go fishing, take some time to rig up your rods with what you think will work. Depending on the number of rods you are using, try using different colors of lures. When the fish start biting on a particular color or set up, change all your rods to what has been catching fish. During this time of the year however, you may have to change out different colors with a variance of leader lengths (and bait) to get a strike.
Picking the right rod will help you land more fish in the boat. A light action rod will allow you to not only see the bite when it happens, but you’ll be able to feel the fish much better as well. There will be times where you’ll have to go deep to catch Kokanee. This time last year, I was catching kokanee at depths between 150-200ft on Lake Chelan, located in Central Washington. Using a reel that has the capability of holding a lot of braided line will further enhance your success. Typically, I will attach 25ft of mono to my braid, which eliminates the need of pulling line to ensure I’m 25ft behind the boat. Additionally, using the mono gives stretch in the line that will give way when the kokanee are flailing about.
Rigging is easy, although there are numerous combinations you can use. A very easy rig that consistently catches Kokanee is using the Mack’s Lure Double D Dodger® and a hot pink glow Cha Cha Kokanee Squidder Rig®. A diagram on the back of the dodger shows five different attachment points, which allow you to spread your lines and out of the boat path, like a side planer. It also delivers a stop and go action to your lure, which reduces the need of making a turn to catch fish. The Cha Cha Kokanee Squidder® has a two hook, no-gap set up, which is perfect for the soft mouths of the Kokanee. These fish seem to like white shoepeg corn. Place two pieces of corn on each hook and tip the squidder with your favorite scent.
Fishing with electronics is one of the best purchases to make if you want to consistently catch more fish. There’s no sense fishing blind, so trust your fish finder. Fishing with electronics is one of the best purchases to make if you want to consistently catch more fish. There’s no sense fishing blind, so trust your fish finder. Start your day fishing shallow water (20-30ft). Throughout the day however, try fishing at deeper depths (usually 10ft per hour). Once you find the fish, drop your down rigger down to the depth of which you see on your screen. If possible, ensure that your trolling speed is less than 1/4mph (I like to start out at 1.2). This allows you to stay in the strike zone longer, which increases your chances of catching more fish. If you don’t have a down rigger, “flat lining” also works. Flat lining means that you are fishing out of the back of your boat with no weight except for your line (if fishing with lead core). Utilizing the same rig, allow your lure out of the boat approximately 100 feet out. The action of the Double D Dodger® will allow the lure to troll in shallow depths. If you want to go deeper, try a 2 or 3oz weight approximately 15-20 inches above the Dodger.
As said before, Kokanee have very soft mouths. There is no need to yank the rod forcefully when you see or feel that bite. A soft, yet firm hook set is all you need. Once hooked; reel in the fish in a slow and consistent manner. Kokanee fishing is fun for all and provides a great meal for everyone.
