Trout & Salmon
Kokanee Salmon
Oncorhynchus nerka
FreshwaterSalmonidaeGenerally stable, but populations can be affected by habitat loss, water quality degradation, and overfishing in certain areas.
About
Kokanee salmon are a landlocked form of sockeye salmon that spend their entire lives in freshwater. They are known for their bright red bodies during spawning season and their tendency to school in large numbers.
- Average size
- 9-20 inches, 0.5-5 lbs
- Colors
- Silver body with a dark blue back, turning bright red during spawning. Males develop a humped back and hooked jaw during spawning.
- Diet
- Zooplankton, phytoplankton, and small insects
- Region
- Western United States and Canada, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, California, and British Columbia.