Kokanee Questions

[Wetswinger]

Caught a Kokanee today in a lake that has no streams. It was in full spawning color with hump and hook jaw. I think the state stocks them in this lake.. Anyway, my question is, are they able to spawn in a lake or do they need a stream? Will they just die in the lake without spawning?

 

[Mossback]

They can spawn in lakes.

 

[FinLuver]

Paulina is a good example of that scenario.

 

[Smalma]

While kokanee/sockeye can and do spawn in lakes it often requires specific conditions that are not found on many western Washington lakes. They need a gravel bottom with a significant upwelling (spring). Those conditions can be found along a shoreline or in deeper water.

Curt

 

[Bruce Baker]

Yes, if the specific conditions @Smalma mentioned are not found in the lake, then the kokanee will die without spawning. They are on a time clock, so regardless if there are the proper conditions for successful spawning, when they are at the proper age, they will become sexually mature and develop the secondary sexual characteristics (for example, kypes on males).