I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’ve have yet to find another TH-camr who is as generous with their knowledge and adept at teaching as you are. I have learned so much since finding your channel a couple years ago. Going to chase some local Kokanee tomorrow. 💪🏻
You made a lot of sense in why some lakes have gone from Trophy Kokanee to smaller size. Here in N California in 2 lakes primarily, Bullards Bar and Stampede where the Kokanee Project put in far too many small fry and the numbers of fish soared but size shrunk. In the 90’s these lakes produced fish 16”-20” regularly and now 11”-16”. Thanks for the videos and info👍
Really interesting! I didn't know they could/would eat small fish! I catch them all the time on my local lake trolling flies for trout. It's super weird but sometimes they don't go for traditional Kokanee gear but will instead go for an earthworm tipped lure. It's especially weird because there are two other kokanee lakes a few miles away and traditional Kokanee gear works fantastic there.
Super refreshing to hear someone talk about aquatic ecology with authority. Many people who feel strongly about fisheries aught to take some basic classes because a lot of the approaches people and institutions impose aren't in line with well established ecological theories. Or perhaps the appropriate ecological approaches are more difficult or inconvenient.
What would you recommend doing for a large lake that naturally generates kokanee. The limit is 25 kokanee a day, but these fish rarely make it over 9 inches. This year is one of the worst for size, coming in around 6 or 7 inches.
Another great vid Tyler, excellent explanation of the biology of a lake fisheries. As I mentioned before I am in calif and fish Tahoe a lot. For the most part daphnia which I feel would of been the main food source for these kokes, are not there. Although I understand they could be found in emerald bay. I believe that the kokes have adapted to eating the lakes mysis shrimp. As have the macs and trout. Your explanation pretty much covers the Koke fishery in Tahoe, large numbers of fish ranging in size 10-16 inches….pretty much explains why they are not getting 16-18in fish…. Thanks again
We have a absolutely Great Kokanee fishing in Okanogan County with a number of lakes that are producing between 16 and 18 inch Kokanee on average the last couple years. Life is good here.
Great video, watching the ice melt off here in Colorado, I catch my limit of kokanee in about 90 minutes regularly on a reservoir at 9,000 ft. elevation, then I go north to one of my favorite reservoirs at 7,400 ft. and will grind it out for hours, to catch 3 - 5 but they are tankers 16" to 19" . Do you think that altitude also plays a role in kokanee size ? 80% of my kokanee success is thanks to the kokanee formula, watched both parts and bought a predator pdl , the 20% I didn't follow was related to electronics and rod holders , thanks a million for all your informative and entertaining videos
My Father was the Sockeye biologist for the US Bureau of Commercial Fisheries (Interior Department). When Nixon jerked the Agency out of Interior, after the Director Hickel,, criticized Nixon's perpetration of the Viet Nam War, the Agency became the National Marine Fisheries Service under Nixon's Campaign Director in Commerce, Maurice Sans. Efforts of the Agency were greatly reduced. Under Kennedy and Johnson, a study of kokanee on Roosevelt found that winter populations of Daphnia were very important to the size of kokanee. The pool right in front of Grand Coulee Dam, (and Sawmill Bay), wintered the most daphnia. Wild trapped and tagged kokanee showed that fish from all over the Upper Columbia, as far as 600 miles (Upper Arrow Lake in BC) would journey to the face of the dam for the winter. If those wintering kokanee outstripped the daphnia supply, the population crashed throughout the region. Egg plants, Lake Whatcom stock, in Vibert boxes and nylon screen bags were tried in many tributaries to Lake Roosevelt and other Lakes like Oosoyos, Palmer and Wenatchee. The study was ended early and the 4 year life cycle of the Oncorhyncus nerka was not complete and no write up occurred. Winter daphnia populations were concluded to be key to productive kokanee (and ocean going O. nerka) years. There is also some genetic variability in the kokanee population and some fish take 5 years to mature, resulting in larger individuals.
Too many dams :) In most cases, changing here in the Okanagan. Okanagan lake is starting to get better but the kokanee are still very small.((special circumstances for kokes in Ok lake)) Woods and Kal lakes are way better in these parts). I guarantee that if you learn from this man you will catch way more kokes! Thanks for your hard work!
Do trout compete with Kokanee for food sources? And or do they feed on Kokanee fry? I’ve often wondered if overstocking of trout had much to do with why so many of the Kokanee lakes are pretty mediocre in my area of western WA.
Yes trout compete for the same resources as Kokanee especially the larger zooplankton and for invertebrates such insect larva and freshwater shrimp. I have no doubt larger Rainbows will eat smaller Kokanee as well. Trout are highly piscivorous.
I hate to have to admit this but so often, it is the Fish and Wildlife departments that we are fighting. It seems like they no longer exist to manage the wildlife, but rather to appease the political special interest groups that exist. If they were just managing the wildlife for future generations, our limits, in general, would be much smaller, with a few exceptions like Kokanee in some lakes. We have a large forum here in Oregon for fishermen. You would think that a real concern of that forum would be curtailing catch limits so fish species can continue to exist. But it isn’t at all that way.
It's a mixed bag with each state and fishery. I see how well Washington manages its Razor Clam fishery and how poorly Oregon does as a great example of this. However, when it comes to trout, salmon, and Kokanee the whole system is broken from the hatcheries to the bios making decisions about how much to plant and what species to put where and what the seasons are.
Yes in fact there are several. However, the smaller Kokanee still depend on zooplankton and invertebrates until they reach a size they become piscivorous. We call this shift in diet across the life an ontogenetic shift.
Another excellent video. Content is always educational and interesting. Remember to get ahold of me when you come up to gorge on your tour. You should still have my email address even though I had to cancel my patreon account.
It’s not possible to stock zooplankton but it is possible to fertilize a lake with nutrients which increases algae growth that subsequently increases zooplankton. They experimentally did this on Kootenay Lake in BC and it really helped the Kokanee population but as soon as they stopped it crashed
I've been watching your videos for months now and finally was able to get out and catch my first kokanee. Actually 2 limits with my buddy. All through your knowledge. One question. In a power boat if I'm fishing in a powerboat 60ft deep do I still need a really long setback? Because I feel the S turns might not be as effective with 100ft back and 60ft deep.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’ve have yet to find another TH-camr who is as generous with their knowledge and adept at teaching as you are. I have learned so much since finding your channel a couple years ago. Going to chase some local Kokanee tomorrow. 💪🏻
Thank you and good luck tomorrow!
Can you say it one more time?
As always. Learned something. Thx sir.
Thank you Tyler another great video
You made a lot of sense in why some lakes have gone from Trophy Kokanee to smaller size. Here in N California in 2 lakes primarily, Bullards Bar and Stampede where the Kokanee Project put in far too many small fry and the numbers of fish soared but size shrunk. In the 90’s these lakes produced fish 16”-20” regularly and now 11”-16”. Thanks for the videos and info👍
It's so cool watching this seeing my favorite cutthroat fishing spot on one side and my work on the other love your videos!
Awesome stuff! 👌
you made me nervous pedaling with that net in your lap! :)
Great video, lots of useful information!
I learned a lot here and explains a lot about my local lakes. Thank u👍😊🐟🎣👌
Really interesting! I didn't know they could/would eat small fish! I catch them all the time on my local lake trolling flies for trout. It's super weird but sometimes they don't go for traditional Kokanee gear but will instead go for an earthworm tipped lure. It's especially weird because there are two other kokanee lakes a few miles away and traditional Kokanee gear works fantastic there.
Super refreshing to hear someone talk about aquatic ecology with authority. Many people who feel strongly about fisheries aught to take some basic classes because a lot of the approaches people and institutions impose aren't in line with well established ecological theories. Or perhaps the appropriate ecological approaches are more difficult or inconvenient.
Aquatic ecology was my favorite course as an undergraduate and one I apply daily in my life.
I'm losing it. Here i am waiving and shouting-YOU HAVE A BIT ON THE OTHER ROD Great job
What would you recommend doing for a large lake that naturally generates kokanee. The limit is 25 kokanee a day, but these fish rarely make it over 9 inches. This year is one of the worst for size, coming in around 6 or 7 inches.
Introduce a predator
Another great vid Tyler, excellent explanation of the biology of a lake fisheries. As I mentioned before I am in calif and fish Tahoe a lot. For the most part daphnia which I feel would of been the main food source for these kokes, are not there. Although I understand they could be found in emerald bay. I believe that the kokes have adapted to eating the lakes mysis shrimp. As have the macs and trout. Your explanation pretty much covers the Koke fishery in Tahoe, large numbers of fish ranging in size 10-16 inches….pretty much explains why they are not getting 16-18in fish…. Thanks again
We have a absolutely Great Kokanee fishing in Okanogan County with a number of lakes that are producing between 16 and 18 inch Kokanee on average the last couple years. Life is good here.
Fewer each year it seems but we still have some good ones.
Great video, watching the ice melt off here in Colorado, I catch my limit of kokanee in about 90 minutes regularly on a reservoir at 9,000 ft. elevation, then I go north to one of my favorite reservoirs at 7,400 ft. and will grind it out for hours, to catch 3 - 5 but they are tankers 16" to 19" . Do you think that altitude also plays a role in kokanee size ?
80% of my kokanee success is thanks to the kokanee formula, watched both parts and bought a predator pdl , the 20% I didn't follow was related to electronics and rod holders , thanks a million for all your informative and entertaining videos
Elevation could play a role in that high elevation lakes will be colder and generally less productive but there are a lot of other factors at play.
They will also eat the heck out of some insects.
Yes this is true. Especially chironomids.
My Father was the Sockeye biologist for the US Bureau of Commercial Fisheries (Interior Department). When Nixon jerked the Agency out of Interior, after the Director Hickel,, criticized Nixon's perpetration of the Viet Nam War, the Agency became the National Marine Fisheries Service under Nixon's Campaign Director in Commerce, Maurice Sans. Efforts of the Agency were greatly reduced. Under Kennedy and Johnson, a study of kokanee on Roosevelt found that winter populations of Daphnia were very important to the size of kokanee. The pool right in front of Grand Coulee Dam, (and Sawmill Bay), wintered the most daphnia. Wild trapped and tagged kokanee showed that fish from all over the Upper Columbia, as far as 600 miles (Upper Arrow Lake in BC) would journey to the face of the dam for the winter. If those wintering kokanee outstripped the daphnia supply, the population crashed throughout the region. Egg plants, Lake Whatcom stock, in Vibert boxes and nylon screen bags were tried in many tributaries to Lake Roosevelt and other Lakes like Oosoyos, Palmer and Wenatchee. The study was ended early and the 4 year life cycle of the Oncorhyncus nerka was not complete and no write up occurred. Winter daphnia populations were concluded to be key to productive kokanee (and ocean going O. nerka) years. There is also some genetic variability in the kokanee population and some fish take 5 years to mature, resulting in larger individuals.
Very cool thanks for sharing.
My favorite is when you hook a fish and begin your topic . Best intro lol. Have you ever Kokanee fished Green Peter lake? Cheers!
I’ve not I always enamored with Detroit
Too many dams :) In most cases, changing here in the Okanagan. Okanagan lake is starting to get better but the kokanee are still very small.((special circumstances for kokes in Ok lake)) Woods and Kal lakes are way better in these parts). I guarantee that if you learn from this man you will catch way more kokes! Thanks for your hard work!
Do trout compete with Kokanee for food sources? And or do they feed on Kokanee fry? I’ve often wondered if overstocking of trout had much to do with why so many of the Kokanee lakes are pretty mediocre in my area of western WA.
Yes trout compete for the same resources as Kokanee especially the larger zooplankton and for invertebrates such insect larva and freshwater shrimp. I have no doubt larger Rainbows will eat smaller Kokanee as well. Trout are highly piscivorous.
Mysis shrimp introduction destroyed the Kokanee fishery in Flathead Lake. Tragic.
Mysis destroyed a lot of Kokanee fisheries unfortunately.
I hate to have to admit this but so often, it is the Fish and Wildlife departments that we are fighting. It seems like they no longer exist to manage the wildlife, but rather to appease the political special interest groups that exist. If they were just managing the wildlife for future generations, our limits, in general, would be much smaller, with a few exceptions like Kokanee in some lakes. We have a large forum here in Oregon for fishermen. You would think that a real concern of that forum would be curtailing catch limits so fish species can continue to exist. But it isn’t at all that way.
It's a mixed bag with each state and fishery. I see how well Washington manages its Razor Clam fishery and how poorly Oregon does as a great example of this. However, when it comes to trout, salmon, and Kokanee the whole system is broken from the hatcheries to the bios making decisions about how much to plant and what species to put where and what the seasons are.
Kokanee are some great eating
Are there kokanee in lakes that have become exclusively piscivorious and reach a "super size"?
Yes in fact there are several. However, the smaller Kokanee still depend on zooplankton and invertebrates until they reach a size they become piscivorous. We call this shift in diet across the life an ontogenetic shift.
Thank you for your solid infos and sharing this video, Tyler. Question, we’re you using 4oz cannon here?
Yes 4 oz
Once again Tyler: this one's a keeper. thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and skill.
Do you know if the lake trout or salmon in Chelan eat kokanee?
They do but primarily they feed on mysis shrimp
What kayak do you use?
I use several in the Old Town Sportmans lineup
You don’t look like you are peddling that fast. What is your speed and don’t your knees hate you at the end of the day
1.2 to 1.5 mph. Almost effortless, little resistance, and happy knees
Another excellent video. Content is always educational and interesting. Remember to get ahold of me when you come up to gorge on your tour. You should still have my email address even though I had to cancel my patreon account.
Is it possible to stock zooplankton? And the algae they eat?
It’s not possible to stock zooplankton but it is possible to fertilize a lake with nutrients which increases algae growth that subsequently increases zooplankton. They experimentally did this on Kootenay Lake in BC and it really helped the Kokanee population but as soon as they stopped it crashed
I've been watching your videos for months now and finally was able to get out and catch my first kokanee. Actually 2 limits with my buddy. All through your knowledge. One question. In a power boat if I'm fishing in a powerboat 60ft deep do I still need a really long setback? Because I feel the S turns might not be as effective with 100ft back and 60ft deep.
When that deep you don't need as long a setback in my experience. Congrats on your limits!