I don’t do a ton of kokanee fishing, more of a species to target between the recognized seasons of the fish I usually chase. That being said, I do enjoy kokanee fishing, it’s generally steady action and a great way to get kids on a bunch of fish when you have them on the boat. They’re also great table fare and awesome smoked.
I typically try and get out for kokanee a few times a year, around May or June, when the temperature’s still cool and most of the fish are found in the 35′-55′ range.
This year I made it out three times to Lake Pardee for kokanee, once solo, once with my daughter Chloe, and once with my good friend Dave. The first two trips in late May limits were had within a couple hours, the last trip in early June we got about 14 between the two of us in a few hours of fishing.
Most of the time I keep it simple, using a sling-blade style dodger with a hoochie (Paulina Peak Tackle Micro Hoochies being my favorite).
Next year I’m hoping to have an equally good kokanee season.
I was able to capture two of the trips this year on video.
