Kokanee Salmon
The kokanee salmon, or Oncorhynchus nerka, is a species of Pacific salmon known for its bright red spawning coloration. It is native to the North Pacific and is highly valued in commercial and recreational fisheries. This species migrates from freshwater rivers to the ocean and back, with adults returning to their natal streams to spawn and die.
Length~30 (max 84)
Weight~2 (max 7)
WaterSalt, brackish, fresh
Water Temp8-12° F
Depth40-60 ft
- Other namesRed salmon, Blueback salmon, Sockeye salmon
- Length~30 (max 84)
- Weight~2 (max 7)
- WaterSalt, brackish, fresh
- Water Temp8-12° F
- Depth40-60 ft
Popular lures for Kokanee Salmon
Regulation for Kokanee Salmon
- Season-
- Bag limit-
- Vessel limit-
- Trophy limits-
- Max size-
- Min size-
- Measurement-
- Prohibited methods-
Living Conditions
🐟 Habitat preferences
- Inhabits both freshwater and marine environments
- Juveniles grow in lakes, while adults migrate to the open ocean
- Feeds on plankton, crustaceans, and small fish
- During spawning, returns to freshwater streams, preferring gravel beds for nesting
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- Spawning occurs in freshwater rivers and lakes, typically in late summer
- Females create redds (nests) in gravel beds to lay eggs
- Eggs hatch into alevins, which develop into fry and migrate to lakes
- After spending time in lakes, juveniles migrate to the ocean, returning to freshwater as mature adults to complete their life cycle