A Guide to Kokanee Fishing
The shimmering, turquoise waters of the Shuswap Lake system are not only a playground for boaters and a haven for vacationers but also a premier destination for anglers seeking the thrill of the chase. Among the most prized catches in this vast and beautiful watershed is the Kokanee salmon, the landlocked cousin of the Sockeye. Known for their spirited fight, vibrant spawning colours, and delectable flavour, Kokanee, often called “silver bullets,” offer a unique and rewarding fishing experience. This guide will delve into the art and science of angling for these magnificent fish in the storied waters of the Shuswap.
The Allure of the Kokanee
Kokanee are a keystone species in the Shuswap ecosystem, providing a vital food source for larger predators like Bull Trout and Rainbow Trout. For anglers, they represent a fun and accessible fishery. Averaging 10 to 15 inches, with larger specimens not uncommon, these fish are known for their schooling behavior, which can lead to fast and furious action once a school is located. Their flesh, a rich red-orange, is highly sought after for its delicate flavour, making for a delicious shore lunch or a prized fillet for the dinner table.
Understanding the Kokanee’s World: A Seasonal Guide
Success in Kokanee fishing is intrinsically linked to understanding their seasonal movements and feeding habits. As the water temperatures change throughout the year, so too will the location and behavior of these fish.
Spring (April – June): As the ice recedes and the water begins to warm, Kokanee will be found in the shallower sections of the lake, often in the top 20 feet of the water column. They are actively feeding on zooplankton and insect larvae. This is an excellent time to fish near the mouths of tributary rivers and streams as the influx of nutrients attracts baitfish and, in turn, the Kokanee. Look for them in areas like the Salmon Arm of the lake, near Canoe or Sicamous, and in Blind Bay.
Summer (July – August): With the summer sun warming the surface waters, Kokanee will retreat to the cooler, deeper parts of the lake. They will typically hold in the thermocline, a layer of water where the temperature changes rapidly. A good quality fish finder is an indispensable tool during this season to locate these schools, which can be anywhere from 30 to 100 feet down. The main basin of Shuswap Lake, including areas around Magna Bay and St. Ives, can be productive. Trolling deep is the name of the game in the summer.
Fall (September – October): As the days shorten and the water begins to cool, mature Kokanee will begin their remarkable transformation, turning a brilliant crimson and developing the characteristic hooked jaw, or “kype,” in males. They will stage near the mouths of their natal rivers and streams, such as the Adams and Little Rivers, before their final spawning run. While fishing for spawning Kokanee in the rivers is generally prohibited, targeting the still-silver, pre-spawn fish in the lake near these river mouths can be very productive.
Winter (November – March): While less common, ice fishing for Kokanee can be a unique and rewarding experience on Shuswap Lake, when conditions permit. Look for them in deeper water, often suspended off the bottom. Small jigs and baits are the preferred method for enticing a bite through the ice.
Gearing Up for Success: Rods, Reels, and Terminal Tackle
Having the right gear is crucial for consistently catching Kokanee. Their soft mouths require a delicate touch, and their preference for specific presentations means attention to detail is key.
Rods and Reels: A light to medium-light action trolling rod, typically 7 to 8.5 feet in length, is ideal. The soft tip helps to absorb the initial strike and prevents the hooks from tearing out of the fish’s delicate mouth. A longer rod also helps to spread out your lines when trolling. Pair this with a level-wind or line-counter reel. A line-counter is particularly valuable for being able to consistently place your lure back in the strike zone once you’ve found the right depth.
Main Line and Leaders: A mainline of 10-15 pound test monofilament or braided line is sufficient. A fluorocarbon leader of 8-10 pound test is highly recommended as it is virtually invisible underwater and has good abrasion resistance.
Downriggers and Flashers: A downrigger is arguably the most important piece of equipment for summer Kokanee fishing. It allows you to present your small, light lures at precise depths. Attached to the downrigger cable is a release clip, which your fishing line is clipped into. When a fish strikes, the line pops out of the clip, and you can fight the fish unencumbered by heavy weights.
Flashers and dodgers are essential attractors. These metallic or brightly colored plates spin or wobble through the water, creating flash and vibration that draws Kokanee in from a distance. Popular choices include the Gibbs-Delta Highliner and the Mack’s Lure Sling Blade. The rule of thumb for leader length behind a dodger is 1.5 to 3 times the length of the dodger itself.
Proven Techniques for Shuswap Kokanee
Trolling: This is the most common and effective method for catching Kokanee in the Shuswap. The key is to troll at the right speed, typically between 1.0 and 1.8 miles per hour. This slow speed allows the dodger or flasher to work its magic without spinning out.
- Lures: A wide variety of small lures are effective for Kokanee. Bright colors like pink, orange, chartreuse, and red are consistent producers. Popular choices include:
- Hoochies: These small, squid-like lures are a Kokanee staple. Pink and UV-enhanced hoochies are particularly deadly.
- Wedding Rings: A classic Kokanee lure featuring a small spinner blade and a baited hook.
- Spoons: Small, slender spoons that flutter at slow speeds can be very effective.
- Apex Lures: These small, banana-shaped plugs have an erratic action that can trigger aggressive strikes.
- Bait: Tipping your lure with bait is almost always a good idea. The most popular choices are:
- White Shoepeg Corn: This is the go-to bait for many seasoned Kokanee anglers. It can be used plain or cured in various scents and colors.
- Maggots (Spikes): Another excellent choice, especially when jigging.
- Scent: Adding scent to your lure or bait can significantly increase your catch rate. Krill, shrimp, and anise are all popular choices.
Jigging: When you find a large school of Kokanee on your fish finder, stopping and jigging for them can be a very effective and exciting technique.
- Lures: Small, brightly colored jigs are the ticket. Buzz Bomb and Zinger-style jigs in pink, orange, or chartreuse are excellent choices.
- Technique: Drop your jig down to the depth of the fish and impart a sharp, upward jigging motion, followed by a controlled fall. Most strikes will occur as the lure is falling.
Hotspots on the Shuswap: Where to Wet a Line
While Kokanee can be found throughout the vastness of Shuswap Lake, certain areas consistently produce good catches.
- The Salmon Arm: The entire arm of the lake, from Sicamous to the town of Salmon Arm, is a Kokanee haven, especially in the spring and fall. Bastion Bay and Annis Bay are well-known hotspots.
- The Main Arm: The large, central basin of the lake holds vast schools of Kokanee during the summer months. Look for drop-offs and underwater structure.
- Blind Bay and Tappen Bay: These bays on the southern shore of the main arm offer good fishing, particularly in the spring.
- Seymour and Anstey Arms: These more remote arms of the lake can offer fantastic fishing and a true wilderness experience.
Regulations and Responsible Angling: Protecting the Fishery for the Future
Before heading out, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the current British Columbia freshwater fishing regulations. These regulations are in place to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the Kokanee population.
- Licensing: All anglers 16 years of age and older must have a valid B.C. freshwater fishing license.
- Quotas: The daily quota for Kokanee on Shuswap Lake is typically five fish. The possession limit is two times the daily quota.
- Closures: Be aware of any seasonal or area closures, particularly around spawning streams in the fall. The regulations synopsis will have the most up-to-date information.
Being a good steward of the resource is the responsibility of every angler. Here are a few things you can do to help conserve the Shuswap’s Kokanee fishery:
- Practice Catch and Release: While keeping a few fish for the table is part of the experience, consider releasing the larger, spawning-sized fish to ensure future generations of Kokanee.
- Handle Fish with Care: If you are releasing a fish, handle it as little as possible and with wet hands. Revive the fish by holding it upright in the water until it swims away on its own.
- Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species: Always clean, drain, and dry your boat and fishing gear before moving to a new body of water.
- Report Violators: If you witness any illegal fishing activity, report it to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline.
The Shuswap Awaits
The thrill of a feisty Kokanee on the line, the stunning scenery of the Shuswap, and the promise of a delicious meal make for an unforgettable angling adventure. By understanding the habits of these silver bullets, gearing up appropriately, and practicing responsible angling, you can create lasting memories on one of British Columbia’s most iconic lakes. So, grab your gear, head to the Shuswap, and get ready to experience some of the best Kokanee fishing the province has to offer.