Kokane

[iliketofish]

I was just wondering if anybody has seen any Kokane running up the creeks to spawn out of either Palies (whats left of it []) or out of Ririe? Maybee in big elk creek or bear creek, or willow creek on Ririe?

Thanks
[signature]

[BrianID]

I have not recently taken a close look at any of the creeks you mentioned. Unless the kokanee moved up Big Elk Creek before the reservoir was dropped I think they would have a very difficult time get into the creek. The attached pictures show Big Elk Creek where it enters the reservoir on the 14th of September.
I wouldn't be surprised if you could find some kokanee in Bear Creek but from what I underestand the run is normally much better at Big elk.
I think Willow Creek would be your best bet. I've never seen them really thick in Willow Creek but there have been some stronger than average year classes of kokanee in Ririe.
Good luck.
[signature]

[flyguy66]

iliketofish,

I stopped by Big Elk creek over Labor Day weekend and there were quite a few kokes just upstream from the campground. With the low water I'm sure the numbers aren't as high as they can be, but I did see a decent amount of fish in several different sections. I only had a short while to hang out so I didn't do much fishing. There were several groups fishing downstream close the the inlet of Palies, but I'm not sure how the fishing was. This was three weeks ago, so I'm not sure what it's like now. Hope this helps.
[signature]

[Biglew]

They were in there a month ago when I was at the Big Elk trailhead.
[signature]