UTERKokanee salmon fishing in Oregon freshwater
In Oregon freshwater, kokanee salmon peak May–October and are around year-round, spawning in September–October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Wallowa Lake and Odell — trophy kokanee.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Kokanee salmon in Oregon freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilArriving
- MayPeak
- JunePeakWallowa Lake and Odell — trophy kokanee.
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberSpawning
- OctoberSpawning
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish kokanee salmon near Deschutes River, Willamette River, John Day River
Steelhead and salmon rivers, the Deschutes' redsides, the John Day's smallmouth, Columbia walleye and shad, and Cascade lakes.
What to use for kokanee salmon
- Wax wormsOne or two on a tiny ice jig or a #10 hook for bluegill, perch and crappie, under the ice or a float.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 40–62°F water, best at 48–56°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch kokanee salmon in Oregon freshwater?
Peak season is May–October, with fish spawning in September–October (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Kokanee salmon are here year-round. June: Wallowa Lake and Odell — trophy kokanee.
Where do kokanee salmon hold in Oregon freshwater?
Look on reservoir, lake — around Deschutes River, Willamette River, John Day River, Rogue River, Crane Prairie, Columbia River.
What is the best bait for kokanee salmon in Oregon freshwater?
Live bait: wax worms. Wax worms: One or two on a tiny ice jig or a #10 hook for bluegill, perch and crappie, under the ice or a float. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for kokanee salmon in Oregon freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and change — read the current rule at https://myodfw.com/articles/oregon-fishing-hunting-regulations-and-updates before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://myodfw.com/fishing/licensing-info.
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All about kokanee salmon · Oregon fresh water, the whole year