Oncorhynchus nerka (landlocked)

How to identify a Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon are found in cold, clear streams and deep lakes; current seams and inlets. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.

Habitat and range

Cold, clear streams and deep lakes; current seams and inlets

Where to catch Kokanee Salmon

• Flaming Gorge (UT/WY) — all species we list for this fishery
• Wallowa (OR)
• Stampede (CA)
• BC interior lakes

Kokanee Salmon by state

State season calendars that list Kokanee Salmon — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:

• California — seasons, best months and licence info
• Oregon — seasons, best months and licence info
• Utah — seasons, best months and licence info
• Wyoming — seasons, best months and licence info

Baits and lures

Small spoons · inline spinners · flies · natural baits where legal

Detailed identification guides

• Salmon vs. Trout

Related species

Often caught in the same waters or confused with Kokanee Salmon:

• Atlantic Salmon — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Huchen (Danube Salmon) — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Chinook Salmon — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Chum Salmon — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Coho Salmon — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• King-of-the-Salmon — identification & profile (Saltwater)