Kokanee Fishery

How to Catch Kokanee

GEAR: When gearing up for kokanee fishing, just about any light-action rod will do the job. Line weights of 4 to 6-pound test are a good choice. Lures are generally small spoons or beaded wedding ring style spinners tied 18 inches to 36 inches below a swivel. Swivels are a must, as the action on these types of lures will twist your line. Removable split shot are useful when trying to locate fish because you can add or subtract weight without re-tying your line. Some anglers, however, go straight to a 1-once banana style sinker when they know the fish are deep.

TROLLING: Early in the season (May to June), kokanee can be found relatively close to the surface throughout most of the day. A flat-lining technique can be very productive during this period and quite fun because very little weight, if any, is required. For best results, tip your beaded spinner or small spoon with some type of bait – earthworms or maggots are proven choices. You can put more fish in the boat by using larger (size 4) hooks. Kokanee have soft mouths and smaller hooks tend to tear out.

As the season progresses and the water warms, kokanee tend to hold deeper. Early mornings and evenings in July and August still produce well on the surface, but mid-day fishing is best with some weight. Most successful kokanee fishermen will experiment with weights and depths to find fish. Fish finders and depth sounders can be quite useful in locating the depth where fish are holding.
 

Check out the Kokanee Hot Spots Map!

Fishing Supplies

You can buy bait, tackle and other fishing supplies at these local stores:

• Alder Park Store, 50110 Mt. Hwy. E., Near the Alder Park Boat Launch
• Elbe Mall, 54011 Mt. Hwy., Elbe
• Elbe Grocery, 54209 Mt. Hwy., Elbe

Learn more about kokanee fishing in our kokanee brochure. For great fishing products, visit Mack’s Lure of Leavenworth, Washington.

Largemouth bass, along with rainbow and cutthroat trout can be caught at the lake's west end using various gear. In spring months, rainbow trout have been caught from shore between Elbe and Rocky Point. Or, you can launch your boat on the lake and fish to your heart's content.

Kokanee Hot Spots