Freshwater · Spring and summer; ice-off through August
Kokanee
Oncorhynchus nerka (landlocked sockeye)
Landlocked sockeye that school in open water and bite tiny, bright offerings trolled at the exact depth of the school.
Where they live
In this guide: Fraser Valley, BC · Okanagan, BC.
How to catch them
Trolling dodger and micro hoochie
Rig: 4-6" dodger, 8-12" leader to a micro hoochie, corn on the hook where legal
Bait/lure: Pink and orange micro hoochies
Key tip: Speed 1.2-1.5 mph. Find the depth on the sounder and stay on it.
Baseline setup
- Rod: 7-8' ultralight trolling rod
- Line: 8-10 lb mono
- Terminal: Dodgers, micro hoochies, downrigger or lead-core
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
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