Does anyone know of places not too far from the east side of the state that kokenee run in the streams? Looking to take some young watchers not to fish them.
Any moving upstream yet? Anywhere?
Thanks!!!
[signature]
big lost above the res
[signature]
Sheep Creek flowing into the gorge. Its got 'em now! Not sure how long it will last, but DWR has some kind of "event" for watching, and I think its this weekend. PM Ryno.
[signature]
In years past I have watched a bunch run up big elk creek on pali
es. I am not sure with the low water how good the run will be this year. Good luck!
[signature]
Willow creek above Ririe Reservoir. They are already bright orange in the creek. Last year I waded the creek and had them bumping into my knees, they were totally focused on the task at hand and not so much on me. My friend and I came upon this spot where there was just a tiny trickle of water entering the creek and there were a dozen bright orange koks with their noses pointed into the shore. He came up right behind them and caught one by hand, a huge male with hooked jaw and barbs sticking out of lip. We put him back in the same spot and he never moved from it. Pretty cool. Based on the spent ones swimming around in the lake and the dead ones floating, I think they are well into their spawn.
[signature]
Cool! Thanks all of you for your replies. I had forgotten about Big Elk, and didn't know that any ran up Big Lost or Willow. Sheep Cr would be great as I know that FG has such big koks, but Willow is certainly closer. But with the recent thunderstorms it might not be running as clear as Big Lost and Big Elk.
Thanks again!!!
[signature]
Big Elk will have some in the 5 lb range. Pretty impressive!
[signature]
Don's right. We have caught koks in the 21-22 inch range in Pali
es, I have no doubt that there are ones in the five lb. range. Would love to catch one.
[signature]
At the risk of sounding like the tree hugger crashing your thread, I'd just remind everyone to PLEASE keep it to WATCHING the spawning Koke's, tread lightly, and let them do their business.
I'm in Alpine and have watched the Big Elk Creek koke run seriously decline over the years. 10 years ago, even though it was illegal, there was a constant group of shameless snaggers hiding in the trees. Even though some signs have been put up around the parking area, I still see snaggers every year. Pali
es is now at
5% capacity and dropping (which is the biggest joke of all, we sportsmen should demand a higher minimum) so I agree, the spawn will be extra light this year with many fish getting stuck in the main lake and being unable to spawn at all. They are already getting nailed by the birds and other creatures, and they're not even good eating while in spawning mode.
They can even be caught by hand but probably not without stepping on the redd the fish is there guarding and destroying many of those eggs chance at hatching.
I love to catch and eat Koke's when they're silver and healthy, but remember that when they're pink and in the river, that they're using their last gasps of life to give us the next crop.
PLEASE just give them a break and don't catch, touch, chase, or otherwise molest them in any way.
Just stay back a ways and enjoy the spectacle nature is putting on for us..
(yeah, sorry, that DOES sound pretty tree huggy!!! I feel like I'd better go sight in my deer rifle before dreadlocks start shooting out of my skull!!!)
[signature]
The reminder is okay and timely. I've hugged a few trees myself at times. Mostly it was just before we cut them down though.....
Harvest is okay too, but there is a time for that, and during the spawn isn't that time. I can't believe there are snaggers up there. That really makes me mad. What a waste. They aren't good to eat, so why?
We live in a very blessed state, with a wide variety of fish that spawn at several different times of the year. Only recently have the seasons been extended for us to fish during those spawning times.
It is our responsibility to recognize redds and stay out of them even after the spawners are gone.
Hmmm.... maybe I better go sight my rifle in too.
[signature]
For those of you sneaking up and catching kokanee with your bare hands don't be surprised when your friendly fish and game officer writes you up a ticket for fish harassment..........
[signature]
And your telling me you have never landed a spring steelhead and when your trying to take the hook out of its mouth had it spew it's eggs all over everything? Or how about just not fishing when the cuts are spawning at henry's or any trout that's spawning for that matter. Something seems to be spawning everyday, are we just supposed to stop fishing to let that happen. Go spank somebody else pal your argument is weak!
[signature]
Redfish are either their or not. Land locked. Wonder how they got there.
Just saying.
Idaho
[signature]
I can honestly say that dudes that fish for steelhead at the time of year when they spew eggs all over when you take the hook out are crackers.. or pull them off redds.. In my view targeting spawning fish is a hillbilly thing.
[signature]
Steelhead either run up river or down. B_Run where are you catching them? After they spawn? Keep it to your self. It's a secret..
Idaho
[signature]
Last I saw a week or so ago it appeared the lake is a couple feet below the culvert at Big Elk. I would have thought that would have left less water on the Big Elk side so maybe there is another one lower still submerged?
[signature]
The meat board lives on!
[signature]
There are no Kokes moving up the Henry's fork out of Island Park Res. I checked the river in 3 different places .
[signature]
[quote Idaho]Steelhead either run up river or down. B_Run where are you catching them? After they spawn? Keep it to your self. It's a secret..
Idaho[/quote]
I typically target steelhead in the fall, when they are still shiny, firm, and tasty, and 3-5 months away from spawning and a hundred miles or so from their redds... just sayin'
[signature]
The kokes out of IP are spawning in the Henrys Lake Outlet, Downstream of the north big springs loop road. Th grizzlies also know they are there. saw them there yesterday the kokes that is.
[signature]