UTERKokanee salmon fishing in Colorado freshwater
In Colorado 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: Blue Mesa kokanee — trolling dodgers and corn.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Kokanee salmon in Colorado freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilArriving
- MayPeak
- JunePeakBlue Mesa kokanee — trolling dodgers and corn.
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberSpawningSpawning kokanee turn red and run the tributaries.
- OctoberSpawning
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish kokanee salmon near South Platte River, Arkansas River, Blue Mesa Reservoir
Gold-medal trout rivers — the South Platte, the Arkansas, the Gunnison, the Frying Pan — high mountain lakes, big reservoirs for lake trout and kokanee, and Front Range plains reservoirs for walleye and wipers.
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 Colorado 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: Blue Mesa kokanee — trolling dodgers and corn.
Where do kokanee salmon hold in Colorado freshwater?
Look on reservoir, lake — around South Platte River, Arkansas River, Blue Mesa Reservoir, Gunnison River, Lake Granby, Pueblo Reservoir.
What is the best bait for kokanee salmon in Colorado 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 Colorado freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and change — read the current rule at https://cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-licenses-and-dates.
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All about kokanee salmon · Colorado fresh water, the whole year