Kokanee salmon, often referred to as "landlocked sockeye," offer a unique and rewarding fishing experience. While the sport may seem complex with its specialized equipment and techniques, the core principles are relatively straightforward.
The Basics of Kokanee Fishing
The primary method for catching Kokanee is trolling. This involves slowly moving your boat while dragging a lure behind it. The typical setup includes a flasher, followed by a hoochie-style lure tipped with corn. These lures are typically trolled at depths between 40 and 90 feet, at speeds ranging from 0.6 to 2.0 miles per hour.
Essential Equipment
To be successful at Kokanee fishing, you'll need a few essential pieces of equipment:
Downriggers:Â These devices are used to get your lures down to the desired depth.
Fish Finder:Â A good fish finder is crucial for locating schools of Kokanee.
Rod and Reel:Â Light or ultra-light rods with 6-10 pound test mono line are ideal for Kokanee fishing.
The Rewards of Kokanee Fishing
While the initial investment in equipment and learning curve may seem daunting, the rewards of Kokanee fishing are well worth it. The thrill of landing a Kokanee is unparalleled, and the taste of fresh-caught Kokanee is simply divine. This unique delicacy is often unavailable in stores, making it a prized catch for many anglers.
Tips for Beginners
Start Slow:Â Begin by trolling at a slower speed and gradually increase it until you find what works best.
Experiment with Depth:Â Use your fish finder to locate schools of Kokanee and adjust your downriggers accordingly.
Practice Makes Perfect:Â The more you fish for Kokanee, the better you'll become at understanding their behavior and finding the right techniques.
Kokanee fishing offers a rewarding and enjoyable experience for anglers of all levels. By understanding the basics, investing in the necessary equipment, and practicing your skills, you can soon be landing these delicious fish and creating lasting memories on the water.
A few seasons ago we recorded a Kokanee fishing training video. It's as relevant today as it was last season. Check it out.
The best way to learn how to fish for Kokanee is to take a guided trip on Lake Berryessa, Bullards Bar, or Lake New Melonis - All great Kokanee fisheries.
Kokanee Fishing Advice from J&J Tackle Company
By Jessica Powell, J&J Tackle Company
Let’s discuss Kokanee fishing during the Fall and Winter at Bullard’s Bar! In recent years, some anglers have dubbed the Kokanee here as "Bullard’s Bardinkies" due to their smaller size. However, this season, catches have ranged from 9 to 14 inches. The fish appear to be starting their spawning process early, showing signs of turning red and developing hooked jaws. Fishing at Bullard’s Bar will be ongoing throughout the Fall and Winter, although many anglers will pause their fishing efforts for about six weeks to allow the fish to spawn before resuming Winter Kokanee fishing.
When we locate the fish at Bullard’s, we typically troll slowly at about 0.8 to 1.5 mph, occasionally increasing to 1.6 mph for a few seconds before slowing down again to grab their attention. If you spot fish on the sonar, try making a turn or zigzagging a bit to attract them. We've discovered that disengaging the downrigger and allowing the line to "flutter up" can often lead to a catch, and sometimes even result in a double! The choice of lure colors is variable, as it tends to change daily. Currently, the fish are quite deep, swimming below 100 feet. The abundance of fish here is impressive, and with a limit of 10, you’re likely to return with a full catch!
Pro Tip
Our J&J Turbojets, Hammered Jets, and Honeycomb Jets have proven to be very effective at Bullard’s Bar Reservoir and other Northern California lakes.
If you are in the Napa area, stop by our shop, Sweeney's Sports, for a wide selection of Kokanee fishing gear.
Striper Fishing Workshop Details
On September 20th we're hosting our 2nd Striper Fishing Workshop.
If you own a boat or are interested in learning effective boat trolling techniques consider signing up for our Napa River Striper Fishing Workshop. Learn with and fish alongside the experts to conquer the waters with fellow enthusiasts. Expand your network and build relationships with your future fishing partners.
Agenda:
Captains and Deckhands Strategy Breakfast at Club Sweeney's 8am-10am
Meet at the Boat Ramp - 10:30amÂ
Napa River Team Fishing Session - 10:30am-3pm (Outgoing tide)
We are looking for up to 5 captains to be matched with 5 deckhands.
Our workshop is ideal for both seasoned captains seeking to hone their expertise and aspiring deckhands eager to learn.
If you are interested in joining me for our next Napa River Striper Fishing Workshop, please fill out this form and let us know if you are applying as a Captain or a Deckhand.
Catch Happy!
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