kokanee

Fishing for Kokanee Salmon in the Willamette Valley of Oregon

Introduction

Kokanee salmon are a landlocked variety of sockeye salmon that are found in many lakes and reservoirs throughout Oregon. The Willamette Valley is home to several excellent kokanee fisheries, including Green Peter Reservoir, Foster Reservoir, and Detroit Lake.

Kokanee are a popular target for anglers because they are relatively easy to catch and they have a delicious flavor. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients.

When to Fish

The best time to fish for kokanee in the Willamette Valley is during the fall and winter months. This is when the fish are spawning and are most concentrated in the shallows. However, kokanee can be caught year-round, especially in deeper water.

Where to Fish

The following are some of the best places to fish for kokanee in the Willamette Valley:

• Green Peter Reservoir: Green Peter is one of the most popular kokanee fisheries in Oregon. The fish are typically found in the upper third of the reservoir, near the dam.
• Foster Reservoir: Foster is another excellent kokanee fishery. The fish are typically found in the middle and lower sections of the reservoir.
• Detroit Lake: Detroit Lake is a large lake that offers a variety of fishing opportunities. Kokanee can be found throughout the lake, but they are most concentrated in the deeper water near the dam.
• Other lakes and reservoirs: There are several other lakes and reservoirs in the Willamette Valley that offer good kokanee fishing. These include Blue River Reservoir, Dorena Lake, and Fern Ridge Reservoir.

Gear and Methods

Kokanee can be caught on a variety of gear, but the most popular methods are trolling and jigging.

Trolling

To troll for kokanee, you will need a boat, a downrigger, and a variety of lures. The most popular lures for kokanee trolling include hoochies, spinners, and spoons.

To troll for kokanee, start by setting your downrigger to the depth where the fish are located. Then, attach your lure to the downrigger cable and troll at a speed of 1.5 to 2.5 miles per hour.

Jigging

To jig for kokanee, you will need a fishing rod and reel, a jig head, and a soft plastic trailer. The most popular jig heads for kokanee jigging are weighted jig heads with a hook size of #6 or #8. The most popular soft plastic trailers for kokanee jigging are small swimbaits and grubs.

To jig for kokanee, start by locating a school of fish. Once you have found a school of fish, cast your jig out and let it sink to the bottom. Then, raise the jig up a few inches and give it a sharp twitch. Repeat this process until you get a bite.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips for success when fishing for kokanee in the Willamette Valley:

• Find the fish. Kokanee are schooling fish, so it is important to find a school of fish before you start fishing. You can use a fish finder to locate schools of kokanee.
• Use the right gear. The best gear for fishing for kokanee is trolling gear or jigging gear.
• Fish the right depth. Kokanee are typically found in the water column. Use a fish finder to locate the fish and then fish at that depth.
• Be patient. Kokaneew can be finicky feeders. It may take some time to find the right lure and the right presentation.

Conclusion

Fishing for kokanee salmon in the Willamette Valley of Oregon can be a lot of fun and a great way to catch some delicious fish. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of success and have a memorable fishing experience.