The annual Kokanee salmon run at Taylor Creek in South Lake Tahoe is truly a sight to behold. Every fall, thousands of bright red Kokanee salmon make the journey from Lake Tahoe up Taylor Creek to spawn. It’s one of nature’s most amazing spectacles, attracting visitors from far and wide. But when exactly does this incredible migration occur? Let’s take a closer look at the timing of the Kokanee salmon run and the best ways to experience it.
A Brief History of Kokanee in Lake Tahoe
While Kokanee salmon may seem like a natural part of the Lake Tahoe ecosystem, they were actually introduced less than a century ago. In 1944, the California Department of Fish and Game planted Kokanee fingerlings from Stampede Reservoir into Lake Tahoe. The fish thrived in the deep, cold waters of the lake.
By 1946, the Kokanee had made their way into Taylor Creek. Scientists believe they were attracted to the creek’s familiar scent, similar to their natal waters And so began the annual autumn spawning run that continues to this day
When Does the Kokanee Salmon Run Take Place?
The Kokanee salmon run at Taylor Creek occurs every year in early October The exact timing varies slightly based on water temperature and rainfall. But the key factor is when the creek level rises high enough for the fish to swim upstream.
The run typically begins in late September or early October when the first fall storms arrive. These rains raise the water level in Taylor Creek, allowing the salmon to access the upstream spawning grounds.
The peak of the run is usually the first week of October. This is when you’ll see the most salmon crowded into the creek, displaying their brilliant red spawning colors. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center even hosts an annual Salmon Festival on the first weekend of October to celebrate the migration.
The run starts to taper off by mid-October. A few late stragglers may continue to arrive into early November, but most salmon have finished spawning by then. The salmon run lasts just a few short weeks in the early fall, making it a special seasonal event to witness.
The Kokanee Life Cycle that Drives the Run
To understand the timing of the salmon run, it helps to know a bit about the Kokanee life cycle that drives their migration.
Kokanee are a landlocked form of sockeye salmon. They hatch in freshwater streams like Taylor Creek and then grow up in Lake Tahoe for two to four years.
When they reach spawning age, they undergo an incredible transformation. Their bodies turn a vivid red and green color. The males develop prominent teeth and a humped back. Then the urge to return home and spawn sets in.
Using their acute sense of smell, the salmon swim up Taylor Creek to locate the exact spot they hatched. The females lay their eggs in nests dug into the gravel stream bed. The males fertilize the eggs, then guard the nests while the females die soon after spawning.
The eggs hatch the following spring into juvenile salmon, called fry. They spend a few months feeding and growing in Taylor Creek. By early summer, they migrate downstream to Lake Tahoe as fingerlings to start the cycle again.
Where to Watch the Kokanee Run
Taylor Creek offers several excellent public viewing areas to observe the salmon run. The best spot is the Rainbow Trail bridge that crosses the creek near the Visitor Center.
From this bridge, you can look directly down on the salmon clustered in the shallow pool below. It’s amazing to see these normally open-water fish jammed cheek to jowl in the small stream.
The Visitor Center also has an underwater viewing window allowing you to watch salmon swimming upstream beneath the creek’s surface. Be sure to take the nature trail behind the center down to the historic Stream Profile Chamber structure. Peer through the glass panels at salmon navigating the rocky channel.
For a more natural experience, follow the Taylor Creek Trail upstream from the Rainbow Trail. Find a comfortable riverside boulder to quietly watch salmon mating and nest-building up close. Just be respectful by keeping your distance from these spawning fish.
Tips for Visiting the Salmon Run
Here are some tips for making the most of your visit to the Taylor Creek Kokanee run:
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Aim for mid-morning. The salmon are most active from late morning through afternoon. Early morning and evenings are less busy.
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Check the creek level. Call the Visitor Center at 530-543-2674 for current conditions. Higher flows bring in more fish.
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Be prepared to walk. The parking lot fills up, so expect to walk up to a mile from overflow lots.
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Bring your camera. This is a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity! A zoom lens helps get shots of leaping and spawning fish.
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Keep your distance. Give spawning salmon at least 10 feet of space. Never touch or disturb them.
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Keep dogs away. Dogs are not allowed near the creek during the run, as they stress the fish.
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Watch for bears! Black bears are attracted to the salmon. Give any bears a wide berth and notify staff.
Celebrate at the Fall Fish Festival
For a family-friendly introduction to the salmon run, visit the Taylor Creek Visitor Center on the first weekend of October for the annual Fall Fish Festival. This free event celebrating the Kokanee migration includes fun activities like:
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Educational exhibits on the Kokanee life cycle
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Arts and crafts activities like fish printing and button making
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Demonstrations on fly fishing and filleting fish
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Guided walks to see the spawning salmon
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A catch and release fishing pond for kids
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Food, souvenirs, and more!
The festival is the perfect way to get kids engaged with nature and learn about these amazing fish. Take home some great memories along with a deeper appreciation of the Kokanee’s arduous journey.
An Incredible Natural Phenomenon
If you plan to be in the Lake Tahoe area in early October, make sure to add witnessing the Kokanee salmon run at Taylor Creek to your itinerary. There are few wildlife spectacles more memorable than the sight of thousands of brilliant crimson salmon crowding a small stream to continue their life cycle. It’s a unique natural phenomenon you’ll never forget.
So as fall approaches, keep an eye on the weather forecasts and creek levels at Taylor Creek. Once the salmon start their run, grab your camera and head to the creek. You’ll be awed by the tenacity of these fish and the stunning autumn colors marking the end of their life’s journey.
Celebrate the fall migration of the Kokanee salmon during the annual Fall Fish Fest at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center.
Annually on the first weekend in October each year. The weekend events feature children’s activities and educational and streamside programs. Not to be missed is the return of the U. S. The Fish and Wildlife Service has a big inflatable fish. The fish’s tail opens up to fun activity stations for kids.
Children and their parents are encouraged to take part in a wide range of fun and educational activities at the festival. These have, over the years, included
- Treasure Hunt
- Fish Painting
- As mascots, they have Lulu the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout and Sandy and Rocky the Salmon.
- A visit from Smokey Bear!
- Giant inflatable Lahontan Cutthroat Trout – sponsored by U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Bumble Bee Ice Cream Truck
The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is located three miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. Join the fun and take part in this free family event, which has grown into one of the most interesting and educational opportunities to see wildlife in Northern California.
The parking lot at the Visitor Center fills up quickly during the Fall Fish Festival because so many people want to go. People who want to visit can either ride their bikes along the bike path that runs between Camp Richardson and the Visitor Center or take the bus from South Lake Tahoe.
Bears at Taylor Creek Visitor Center
Black Bears visit Taylor Creek on a regular basis during the annual spawning run of the Kokanee Salmon. The U. S. Along the creek, the Forest Service has put up “Be Bear Aware” signs to teach people how to stay safe around bears.
Safety tips include:
- Do not approach bears.
- Keep a safe distance from bears.
- Do not feed bears.
- Secure food and garbage.
- Finally, we ask that everyone staying on the trail not run away from bears if they see one.
- The “Be Bear Aware” signs are available for download.
- This fall, stay safe, be smart, and enjoy all the wildlife at Taylor Creek.
Contact InformationTaylor Creek Visitor Center(530) 543-2674 Hwy 89 past Camp Richardson South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
TAHOE’s Kokanee Salmon Run at Taylor Creek. A showcase of the circle of LIFE.
FAQ
What months do salmon run?
When can you see the salmon run?
Where to see salmon run in South Lake Tahoe?
Can you fish Taylor Creek Tahoe?
Will kokanee salmon spawn up Taylor Creek in 2022?
The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is scheduled to close for the season on October 24 and the parking lot will close on November 15. SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Among one of the rites of Fall is the Kokanee salmon’s annual spawning trip up Taylor Creek at Lake Tahoe. This may not be the case in 2022 due to impacts of the current drought.
When do kokanee salmon run in Lake Tahoe?
During the fall at Lake Tahoe, the kokanee salmon start their annual salmon run, and the Fish and Wildlife host their annual kokanee salmon festival. The Kokanee Salmon Festival takes place on the first weekend in October. This generally aligns with the spawning of the kokanee salmon, and the start of their annual salmon run.
Do fall spawning salmon live in Lake Tahoe?
Fall-spawning salmon adapted to life in a world where autumn streams still ran strong with ample water. Only an anomaly of dam-controlled water flowing from Fallen Leaf Lake to Lake Tahoe in the fall makes Taylor Creek a prime spawning stream. Otherwise, fall stream flows in Tahoe are incredibly fickle. One year they may be parched by drought.
What time do kokanee salmon turn red?
The kokanee salmon turn bright red in preparation for swimming upstream to spawn. The Fall Fish Festival will take place at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 – 8, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is located on California Route Highway 89, 3 miles north of South Lake Tahoe.