Utah’s Kokanee Salmon Turn Brilliant Red As Spawning Season Arrives This Fall
As the leaves begin changing across Utah, another sign of autumn will soon be appearing in some of the state’s lakes and streams — bright red kokanee salmon.
For most of the year, kokanee are a silvery fish. But in September and early October, they undergo a dramatic transformation as they prepare to spawn. Their bodies turn brilliant red, while males develop humped backs, hooked jaws and elongated teeth. The fish can migrate as much as 20 miles during their annual spawning journey.
Fish Lake Viewing Event Held Sept. 26th
For Southern Utah residents, one of the best opportunities to see the spectacle is relatively close to home at Fish Lake. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will hold a free kokanee viewing event Saturday, Sept. 26, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the newly renovated boardwalk near Fish Lake Lodge.
Visitors will be able to watch the salmon swimming up Twin Creeks, a tributary of Fish Lake. Parking is available at the Twin Creeks picnic area northeast of the lodge along State Route 25.
“Kokanee have now been in Fish Lake for about 10 years and have done well,” Southern Region Outreach Manager Adam Kavalunas said in a press release. “The boardwalk provides a great view of the spawning fish. This can be a great location to take pictures or video of kokanee because the water is crystal clear in this area.”
The fish can also be viewed at Fish Lake throughout October, even if visitors cannot attend the September event. Registration is requested for the viewing event.
The DWR is also hosting a kokanee viewing event at Strawberry Reservoir on Sept. 19, where visitors can see large numbers of spawning salmon near the fish trap and egg-taking facility. Other viewing locations around the state include Jordanelle Reservoir, Causey Reservoir, Smith and Morehouse Reservoir, Stateline Reservoir, Electric Lake and Sheep Creek near Flaming Gorge.
Read More: DWR Reminds To Not Put Fish Into Waterways
While the colorful fish may be tempting to anglers and photographers, visitors are reminded that kokanee salmon may not be kept anywhere in Utah from Sept. 10 through Nov. 30 during the spawning season. Some tributaries have additional closures.
The DWR also asks visitors not to wade into spawning areas, handle the fish or allow dogs to chase them. Kokanee often rely on natural spawning, and stepping on spawning gravel can destroy eggs already deposited in the stream.
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