How to Ice Fish for Kokanee

Kokanee are a landlocked freshwater salmon related to the sockeye salmon. The kokanee are smaller than other species, typically ranging from 1 to 3 pounds with the largest being around 6 pounds. Kokanee prefer waters under 50 degrees, keeping the fish in restricted areas during the summer months. During ice fishing season, kokanee are able to access larger areas in the body of water. Depending on the concentration of kokanee in the body of water, locating this species may prove difficult. Once you find a school, the fish will come up quickly if you are using the right gear.

Things You'll Need

  • Small ice fishing jigs
  • Worms
  • Salmon eggs
  • Oats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use the correct bait when fishing for kokanee. The fish feeds on plankton and not other species of fish. However, kokanee will bite worms and salmon eggs when presented.

    • 2

      Use ice fishing jigs with bright colors to present the bait. Each lake will have particular colors that work best. Experiment with different colors or ask local anglers what colors they use to catch kokanee.

    • 3

      Start fishing one foot below the ice and work the lure lower until the fish begin biting. Kokanee are typically located between 4 and 15 feet of depth during the winter.

    • 4

      Chum the water with oats and salmon eggs once a school of fish has been located. This will keep the fish around the hole making it easier to pull in more fish.