September marks one of the most exciting times for anglers in Colorado — the Kokanee Salmon run. Also, now is the time to go fly fishing for these big, tough, delicious fish if you’ve never done it before. But where can you catch Kokanee Salmon in Colorado?.
The kokanee salmon in Colorado give anglers a taste of the salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest without having to leave the Rocky Mountains. Kokanee salmon, which are landlocked versions of sockeye salmon, were brought to Colorado in the 1940s and have since done very well in lakes and rivers all over the state.
During their fall spawning runs, these famously hard-fighting fish make for an extremely exciting catch. Read on for the prime locations to hook into these iconic salmonids when they make their annual migrations each autumn.
Gunnison River
The kokanee run on the Gunnison River is regarded as the premier salmon fishing location in Colorado. The fish begin their journey from Blue Mesa Reservoir in late August, peaking in September and October as they swim upstream to spawn. With over 20,000 salmon migrating annually, this is the largest kokanee run in the state. Focus on deep pools near Gunnison and Almont for pods of salmon resting on their strenuous journey.
Lake Dillon
Flowing into Dillon Reservoir near Frisco, Tenmile Creek sees an impressive kokanee run starting in late September. Try casting just below the dam or near the creek inlets. Snagging is prohibited, so use weighted egg patterns, San Juan worms, or streamers stripped quickly to entice aggressive strikes
North Delaney Buttes Lake
This Jackson County gem has great kokanee fishing from the shore or a small boat from late September to October. If you want to catch salmon between 12 and 14 inches, drift egg patterns and nymphs near streams that come in.
Willow Creek Reservoir
Located southwest of Greeley, Willow Creek’s kokanee provide a salmon fishing opportunity conveniently close to the Front Range Focus on the inlet where the fish stage before moving upstream Snagging is allowed here from October 1 – December 31.
Lake Granby
From mid-September through October, kokanee leave Lake Granby traveling up the Colorado River above Shadow Mountain Dam. Their spawning destination is the fish hatchery near the dam. Drift egg imitations in deeper pools for the best action.
Barkley Reservoir
This small Boulder County impoundment sees a modest kokanee run starting in early October. Try casting small spinners, spoons, and flies near the inlet area Snagging is permitted from October 1 – December 31.
Upper Williams Fork Reservoir
Parshall in Grand County offers shore-based salmon fishing on the upper end of the reservoir in late September and October. Float egg patterns off the bottom near bubbles rising from spawning fish.
Ridgway Reservoir
Dallas Creek flowing into Ridgway near Ouray sees a kokanee run that typically peaks in late September. Focus on the area below the reservoir dam casting egg flies, nymphs, and streamers.
Eleven Mile Reservoir
This South Platte River reservoir produces a modest kokanee run in October. Try casting small spoons, spinners, and flies near the inlet area. Snagging is permitted from October 1 – December 31.
Crystal Reservoir
A solid kokanee fishery exists at this reservoir near Marble. The salmon run peaks in mid-October. Drift flies and lures near the confluence of Coal Creek.
For salmon fishing away from home, Colorado’s kokanee provide a rewarding challenge. With so many locations to choose from across the state, you’re sure to find a promising spot to catch these battling fish during the fall runs!
What’s your favorite place to fish for kokanee salmon in Colorado? Let us know in the comments!
The Gunnison River
If you want to catch Kokanee Salmon, you need not look any further than the Gunnison. Seriously, every year, this beautiful river experiences one of the best Salmon runs in the whole state.
Typically, in late August and early September thousands upon thousands of Kokanee travel upstream to spawn. And as they do so, you will find yourself in fly fishing heaven. I’m talking cast after cast of 15-25 inch, hard-fighting fish.
And while fly fishermen usually encourage people to catch fish and release them, with salmon, you should keep them. (This is true for most Colorado rivers, but before you keep any fish, check the rules in your area.) ) You see, after Kokanee Salmon finish spawning, they die. There’s no reason not to bring them home and smoke or grill some fresh salmon.
You should release a Kokanee if you see that its eyes are cloudy, its colors are fading, or it has grayish spots on its skin. Those are signs that the fish has already started to decay, and you don’t want to eat that.
The Taylor River
The Taylor River is a tailwater that flows from Taylor Reservoir down Taylor Canyon and into the Gunnison. It has 11 miles of public access. It is a beautiful stretch of water, full of big trout and plentiful Kokanee.
I’ve caught more Kokanee in the Taylor River than in any of the other rivers in this article put together. Now, I’m not going to argue with that. It could be because my dad and I take a trip to the Taylor every year during the salmon run, or it could be because there are more Kokanee.
If you want to catch Kokanee, you need to fish the Taylor in early Fall. But if you don’t find a nice group of salmon spawning, you’ll almost certainly catch a huge rainbow. So, really, you win either way.
I think you should stay at the Three Rivers Resort. If you want to really push yourself, you should fish the Taylor at night. I could tell you stories about how many fish I caught fly fishing at night on the Taylor with only my headlamp to light my way, but the numbers are so huge that you probably wouldn’t believe me. You’re better off just trying it for yourself.
Salmon Fishing in Colorado(Kokanee Salmon)
FAQ
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