Kokanee turn bright red and green when spawning and make for stunning pictures.

Species: Kokanee Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
Location: Odell Lake, OR
Date: August 6, 2005

As a kid, I think I fished from a boat maybe half a dozen times. For that reason, I remember every time I had this opportunity afforded only to the wealthy very clearly.

***

When the family headed to Odell Lake for the first time, I worked my early teenage charms on my parents to convince them to rent a boat.

“The limit is 25 Kokanee,” I argued.

“The boat will pay for itself.”

After spending nearly $100 on jigs, spoons, spinners, and flashers, another $50 for the boat rental was gravy.

As we loaded our trout poles — complete with undersized reels spooled with six-pound mono — onto the boat, we spotted several anglers cleaning stringer after stringer of chrome-bright Kokanee, and we were very optimistic.

***

Many of my fishing stories from this stage in my life begin with naivete and end with disappointment.

This is one such story.

Despite trolling all over the bloody lake, somehow snagging half of the gear in water more than 100 feet deep, and losing two very nice fish (likely either big Browns, Bulls, or Lakers) on our way to matching sunburns, we’d picked up just a handful of fish.

The day was redeemed when we picked up a few fish jigging Gibbs and Nordic Kokanee Jigs, though that was just my family. I still only had one fish.

I was quite proud to have landed the largest fish, a 14-inch buck, which is really quite sad if you think about it.

The handful of fish we boated came home with us, as most fish we caught in my youth did. They tasted delicious, but it was a small consolation for an otherwise disappointing trip.

***

It would be more than a decade before I landed Kokanee again, but the two fish pictured in this post did come on back-to-back casts in the fall of 2014. These ones were much larger, but I misidentified them as pre-spawn rainbows and released them.

Kokanee are some of the most beautiful fish I’ve ever captured. The variability of the species is part of its appeal.

I’ve since caught a lot more Kokanee, but I haven’t kept another. This I regret and plan to change. Hopefully very soon.

#SpeciesQuest // #CaughtOvgard

Read the next entry in #SpeciesQuest here: Species #16 — White Crappie.

185 Replies

  1. It’s perfect time to make a few plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I have learn this post and if I may just I desire to suggest you some attention-grabbing things or tips. Perhaps you could write subsequent articles relating to this article. I wish to read even more things about it!

  2. Excellent items from you, man. I have bear in mind your stuff prior to and you’re simply too great. I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the best way during which you are saying it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to stay it wise. I can not wait to learn much more from you. This is really a great site.

  3. This web site can be a walk-by for all of the data you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and also you’ll definitely uncover it.

  4. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and everything. However think about if you added some great pictures or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this blog could definitely be one of the most beneficial in its niche. Great blog!

  5. Great work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the internet. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my web site . Thanks =)

  6. This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!

  7. You really make it seem so easy along with your presentation but I to find this topic to be actually one thing that I feel I would by no means understand. It kind of feels too complex and very large for me. I am looking ahead for your next submit, I will attempt to get the hang of it!

  8. I’ve read a few good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much effort you set to create this sort of magnificent informative web site.

  9. Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people think about worries that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

  10. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

  11. An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  12. I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!

  13. hello!,I really like your writing so a lot! proportion we keep in touch extra about your post on AOL? I need an expert on this house to unravel my problem. May be that is you! Having a look ahead to peer you.

  14. What Is ZenCortex? ZenCortex is a natural supplement that promotes healthy hearing and mental tranquility. It’s crafted from premium-quality natural ingredients, each selected for its ability to combat oxidative stress and enhance the function of your auditory system and overall well-being.

  15. Once I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get four emails with the identical comment. Is there any approach you may remove me from that service? Thanks!

  16. I will right away seize your rss as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly permit me recognise so that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  17. Hey, you used to write wonderful, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!

  18. In the awesome scheme of things you’ll receive an A with regard to effort. Where exactly you actually lost everybody was on all the facts. As as the maxim goes, the devil is in the details… And that could not be more correct at this point. Having said that, let me inform you precisely what did give good results. The text is certainly really persuasive and this is probably why I am making the effort to opine. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. Next, while I can easily see a leaps in logic you make, I am definitely not sure of exactly how you seem to connect your ideas which help to make the conclusion. For right now I shall yield to your point however hope in the future you connect the facts better.

  19. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  20. I’ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work. “It is a great thing to know our vices.” by Cicero.

  21. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  22. I have learn some excellent stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much attempt you place to make the sort of fantastic informative web site.

  23. This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!

  24. I’m extremely inspired along with your writing talents as well as with the format to your blog. Is this a paid subject or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s uncommon to peer a nice blog like this one nowadays..

  25. I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks , I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?

  26. Thanks for another magnificent post. Where else could anyone get that kind of info in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.

  27. Those are yours alright! . We at least need to get these people stealing images to start blogging! They probably just did a image search and grabbed them. They look good though!

  28. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My website is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would genuinely benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Thank you!

  29. I’ve recently started a site, the information you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work. “So full of artless jealousy is guilt, It spills itself in fearing to be spilt.” by William Shakespeare.

  30. Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a tough time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  31. What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & aid other users like its aided me. Great job.

  32. I like this web site very much, Its a really nice situation to read and get information. “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” by John Andrew Holmes.

  33. There are definitely numerous particulars like that to take into consideration. That could be a great point to carry up. I supply the thoughts above as basic inspiration but clearly there are questions just like the one you deliver up where the most important factor might be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around issues like that, but I’m positive that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Each boys and girls feel the impact of only a second’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.

  34. excellent post, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector don’t realize this. You should proceed your writing. I am confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!

  35. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and everything. Nevertheless think about if you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this website could certainly be one of the best in its niche. Terrific blog!

  36. I have been surfing online more than three hours as of late, yet I by no means discovered any interesting article like yours. It’s beautiful value enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made just right content material as you probably did, the net might be a lot more useful than ever before. “Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical.” by Lawrence Peter Berra.

  37. I cling on to listening to the news update lecture about receiving free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the most excellent site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i find some?

  38. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. thank you

  39. I’ll immediately snatch your rss as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me recognise in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  40. I just could not depart your web site prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often to check up on new posts

  41. I am really impressed along with your writing talents and also with the layout in your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you modify it your self? Anyway stay up the nice quality writing, it’s uncommon to peer a nice weblog like this one today..

  42. Hi , I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbled upon it on Yahoo , i will come back once again. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and help other people.

  43. Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea

  44. The core of your writing whilst sounding agreeable initially, did not really work well with me after some time. Someplace within the paragraphs you managed to make me a believer unfortunately just for a while. I nevertheless have a problem with your jumps in logic and you would do well to help fill in those breaks. In the event you can accomplish that, I will definitely end up being amazed.

  45. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Exceptional work!

  46. Good day! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  47. Hey there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  48. It?¦s actually a great and helpful piece of information. I?¦m happy that you shared this useful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  49. I found your blog site on google and test a couple of of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the superb operate. I simply extra up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking for ahead to reading more from you later on!…

  50. Hello! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog. Is it hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? With thanks

  51. I’m curious to find out what blog platform you are using? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest blog and I would like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any recommendations?

  52. The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.

  53. A person essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish extraordinary. Great job!

  54. Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

  55. This is very attention-grabbing, You’re an overly skilled blogger.

    I have joined your rss feed and look forward
    to in the hunt for extra of your fantastic post.

    Additionally, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks

  56. Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do some research on this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I am very glad to see such fantastic information being shared freely out there.

  57. Howdy would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working with?

    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot
    quicker then most. Can you recommend a good internet
    hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thank you, I appreciate it!

  58. Having read this I thought it was rather informative. I appreciate you spending some time
    and energy to put this content together. I once again find myself spending
    a significant amount of time both reading and posting comments.
    But so what, it was still worthwhile!

  59. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  60. This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!

  61. My husband and i got now glad John could carry out his survey with the precious recommendations he made from your blog. It is now and again perplexing to just be handing out information and facts which usually some others may have been trying to sell. And now we figure out we now have you to thank for that. The most important explanations you’ve made, the simple blog menu, the relationships you will give support to engender – it’s got all awesome, and it’s leading our son and our family imagine that this theme is excellent, which is certainly truly serious. Many thanks for all the pieces!

  62. I do enjoy the manner in which you have presented this challenge and it really does offer us a lot of fodder for thought. Nonetheless, coming from just what I have witnessed, I just wish when the comments stack on that people today keep on issue and don’t start upon a soap box involving the news du jour. All the same, thank you for this fantastic point and while I can not go along with it in totality, I regard your standpoint.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *