So, imagine this: me, sitting in my rickety old boat (worth maybe $200 on a good day), trying to catch kokanee like a pro. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t. I kept fishing at the wrong depth—20 feet? Nope, too shallow! Speed? I was either a snail or a race car. And color? I thought neon pink was the universal fish magnet. Turns out, it’s not! The struggle is real, folks. What’s the secret sauce? Keep hanging on!
Find the Zone
Finding the right zone for kokanee is like trying to locate that one sock you lost in the abyss of your laundry!
You see, these fish have their own temperature bands and love to hang out near the thermocline, which is basically their version of a VIP lounge (and trust me, I’ve crashed that party more times than I care to admit).
Using a fish finder is a game changer—unless you’re like me, who once spent an entire afternoon staring at a blank screen, convinced it was just a modern art masterpiece!
Temperature bands and thermocline
When it comes to fishing for kokanee, knowing where to find them is like trying to locate your keys when you’re already late for work—frustrating and often futile!
The magic lies in temperature bands, especially the elusive thermocline kokanee! These slippery fish love chilling between 20 to 60 feet deep, just below that icy layer that makes them feel like royalty.
I’ve lost count of how many times I fished above it, thinking I was being clever (spoiler: I wasn’t). Adjust your leader length kokanee to match the depths, and you might just snag a few!
Fish finder basics
A fish finder can feel like the golden ticket, but using it is a bit like trying to read the instructions for assembling IKEA furniture—confusing and often leading to more frustration than success!
First off, kokanee are depth-sensitive (20 to 60 feet, folks!). So, when staring at that screen, look for those fish arches—it’s like spotting unicorns!
Adjust your depth every 15 minutes (that’s like the time it takes me to decide on a pizza topping). And don’t forget to check water temperature—cooler waters mean kokanee are just chillin’ near the surface!
You might even have to tweak your kokanee dodger setup or lure colours if they’re not biting (which has happened to me… a lot).
Happy hunting!
Build the Spread
So, here’s the thing—dodgers and small spinners, those little guys, they can make or break your kokanee game!
Picture me, standing there like a total rookie, fumbling with leader lengths that are either too short or too long, and thinking, “Why can’t I just get this right?”
It’s like trying to bake a soufflé while juggling flaming torches—super fun in theory, but in reality, just a messy disaster that ends in tears and a soggy kitchen!
Dodgers and small spinners
Every angler’s had that one trip—maybe it was last August at 7:45 AM, when the sun was already blazing, and the only thing biting was the embarrassment of realizing you forgot to bring your lucky dodgers. Ugh! Talk about a rookie mistake!
But here’s the deal—dodgers and small spinners can be game-changers!
- Use dodgers like the Ford Fender or Gibbs Willow Leaf, positioned 30 inches ahead of your lure for that irresistible flash!
- Pair them with small spinners, like Chromes or Spin N Glows, for maximum visibility—think disco ball in a dark room!
- Experiment with different colors on both sides of the boat—because, let’s face it, fishing is all about trial and error (mostly error).
Leader lengths that work
When it comes to catching kokanee, leader lengths can feel like the secret sauce—except, of course, when you accidentally spill the whole bottle on your fishing gear (hey, that was a $12.99 mistake!).
A short leader—6 to 8 inches—perfectly enhances lure movement, like a well-choreographed dance!
In clear water, though, longer leaders (12 to 14 inches) can be the dazzling lights that draw them in. It’s all about letting that lure swim freely, influenced by the dodger’s action, just like a toddler tasting ice cream for the first time—pure joy!
Seriously, though, experiment with lengths! Your catch rate could skyrocket, or you might end up like me, tangled and cursing at the universe.
Just don’t forget—kokanee are picky!
Speed & Colour
When it comes to the perfect speed and color for kokanee fishing, it’s like trying to hit a moving target while blindfolded—no small feat!
Trolling at that sweet spot of 1.3 mph feels like an art form, while contrasting colors can make you feel like Picasso if you get it right (or a toddler with finger paints if you don’t).
Seriously, I once spent an entire afternoon convinced that neon pink was the magic color, only to realize I’d been fishing with a rusty can of tuna for bait—so much for my “expertise”!
GPS speeds and S-turns
Ah, the joy of trolling for kokanee—where every turn feels like a dance with disaster!
Imagine this: I once thought I could outsmart a fish, but all I did was confuse myself! Trust me, GPS speeds matter—1.3 MPH is like the sweet spot, but let’s not get cocky!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Maintain a speed between 1.2 to 2.2 MPH—like a caffeinated tortoise.
- Incorporate S-turns to keep kokanee guessing—think of it as Tinder for fish!
- Adjust speed based on their behavior—like trying to impress a date who just isn’t that into you!
Contrast vs. natural hues
Choosing the right color for kokanee fishing is almost like trying to pick the perfect outfit for a first date—too bright, and you look like a clown, too dull, and you’re invisible!
Seriously, those neon pinks and oranges? They’re like the loud friend who insists on ordering the weirdest thing on the menu. In clear water, they’re gold, but in murky stuff? Forget it! It’s like trying to read a book in a blackout.
Early mornings and midday? Go green or chartreuse! Why? I have no idea—probably because fish have their own fashion sense!
And if they’re not biting, just swap those colors like you’re changing your socks! (Because trust me, I’ve been there!)
Troubleshooting
So, you’ve got short strikes that feel like a bad date gone wrong, right?
Maybe the downrigger clip set-up is tighter than your budget after a weekend bender at the bait shop (don’t ask how much I spent on those lures!).
Adjusting those clips and tuning your lure can make all the difference—like a mediocre cup of coffee suddenly becoming the best sip of your life—so don’t let a couple of missed bites ruin your day!
Short strikes and lure tune
Envision this: it’s 6 AM, the sun is just starting to peek over the horizon, and here I am, fumbling with my lure like a toddler trying to tie their shoelaces for the first time.
Short strikes? Oh boy, they’re the bane of my existence!
Here’s the deal:
- Troll at the Right Speed: Keep it between 1.3 to 2.0 MPH—too fast, and your lure looks like it’s auditioning for a circus act!
- Leader Length Matters: Use a 6 to 8-inch leader to mimic prey; anything longer just screams “dinner plate—don’t eat me!”
- Dodger Check: If it spins like a disco ball, slow down, or the kokanee will ghost you faster than my last date!
Ugh, fishing is hard!
Downrigger clip settings
Adjusting the downrigger clip can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded—confusing, frustrating, and usually resulting in a colorful mess!
Seriously, folks, make sure that clip is set to release when a fish strikes! Test the tension first—pull on that line like you’re auditioning for a role in a fishing drama (let’s say, 2 minutes, 30 seconds into the film). If it’s not releasing, adjust that spring or slap on a heavier weight!
And oh, if it won’t release AT ALL, check for debris—yep, that’s right, just like the junk drawer at home!
Inspect your line for frays, or you might as well invite the fish to dinner—because they’ll be gone!