Also known as: Landlocked Sockeye Salmon
Description: Kokanee salmon are typically silver but turn bright red during spawning season. After spawning, they migrate upstream to reproduce before dying and providing nourishment for their young and other wildlife. They are the non-anadromous (landlocked) version of sockeye salmon.
Diet: Insects, freshwater shrimp, and zooplankton.
Habitat: Kokanee are found in freshwater lakes, rivers, streams, and reservoirs in the western United States and Canada. They spend their entire life cycle in freshwater environments. They thrive in Wyoming's lakes and spawn in cool, clean rivers.
Size: 12 to 20 inches and 1 to 3 pounds on average.
Lifespan: 2 to 5 years on average, or until they reach sexual maturity and die after spawning.
Habitat & Range
Kokanee are found in freshwater lakes, rivers, streams, and reservoirs in the western United States and Canada. They spend their entire life cycle in freshwater environments and thrive in Wyoming's lakes, spawning in cool, clean rivers.
Life History
Kokanee spawn in late fall, reaching sexual maturity at 2–5 years old. Females construct redds (nests) where they deposit unfertilized eggs, and males swim over to externally fertilize the eggs. As fall spawners, they journey upstream to reproduce, completing their life cycle with a singular focus on spawning. Fry live in the gravel for almost one month before moving to open water to form schools.
License & Regulations
A valid Wyoming fishing license is required for anglers age 14 and older. Licenses are available for residents, non-residents, and short-term durations (1-day and annual). Purchase online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or at authorized license retailers throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Description
Kokanee salmon are typically silver but turn bright red during spawning season. They are the non-anadromous (landlocked) version of sockeye salmon.
What is another name for Kokanee Salmon?
Kokanee Salmon is also known as Landlocked Sockeye Salmon.
Habitat
Kokanee are found in freshwater lakes, rivers, streams, and reservoirs. They spend their entire life cycle in freshwater environments and thrive in Wyoming's lakes.
Diet
Insects, freshwater shrimp, and zooplankton.
Size
12 to 20 inches, 1 to 3 pounds on average.
Life Cycle
Kokanee spawn in late fall at 2–5 years old. After spawning, they die. Fry live in gravel for about one month before moving to open water. Lifespan: 2 to 5 years.
Predators
The main predator of kokanee salmon is the lake trout.
Regulations
Kokanee Salmon is classified as a game fish in Wyoming. A valid Wyoming fishing license is required. Check Wyoming Game and Fish Department regulations for current rules.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | Fishing | License | License & Fees | A valid Wyoming fishing license is required for anglers age 14 and older. Licenses are available for residents, non-resi | Link |
