Utah’s Fish Lake Annual Kokanee Salmon Spawning: A Colorful Spectacle

As autumn sweeps across Utah, the state’s landscapes transform into a vibrant palette of colors. While many locals are drawn to the changing leaves, another spectacular sight occurs in Utah’s waters: the annual spawning of kokanee salmon. These fish, typically silver for most of the year, turn a brilliant shade of red as they prepare to spawn, offering a unique and vivid display in rivers and streams across the state.

In southern Utah, one of the best places to witness this natural phenomenon is Fish Lake, located about 40 miles southeast of Richfield. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) plans to host a viewing event at Fish Lake, although the specific date and time are yet to be determined due to the variability in spawning times, which usually occurs from late September to early October.

When the date is announced, we will pass that information along here and on the radio.

Fish Lake is an exceptional spot for viewing kokanee salmon, which have only been present in the lake for a few years but have thrived in its clear waters. The viewing event will take place at the boardwalk near Fish Lake Lodge, offering participants a front-row seat to see the fish swimming up Twin Creeks, a tributary to the lake. This location provides an excellent opportunity for photography and videography, as the crystal-clear water allows for unobstructed views of the vividly colored salmon.

While observing the kokanee salmon is a captivating experience, it's important to follow regulations designed to protect these fish during their spawning season. From September 10 to November 30, it is illegal to keep any kokanee salmon caught in Utah. Additionally, visitors are urged not to disturb the spawning fish by wading into the water, trying to handle them, or allowing pets to chase them, as doing so can result in citations.

Strawberry Reservoir, situated along U.S. Highway 40, will host a DWR viewing event on Saturday, September 21, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This event provides another excellent opportunity to see the kokanee salmon in action.

For those unable to attend the organized viewing events, visiting these locations during the peak spawning period still allows for a chance to observe the kokanee salmon as they make their journey upstream. Whether paddling to remote areas like Causey Reservoir or hiking along the banks of Jordanelle Reservoir, visitors can witness this natural spectacle up close.

Electric Lake in Emery County offers one of the longer viewing windows, with spawning activities continuing through October. High water levels this year may alter the exact locations of the spawning, making it an intriguing destination for those interested in exploring the changes in this dynamic environment.

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In all these locations, the sight of bright red kokanee salmon against the backdrop of Utah’s autumn landscapes is a reminder of the state’s rich natural beauty. Observing this phenomenon at Fish Lake or any of the other designated sites is a must-see experience for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.