2020 Anderson Ranch Reservoir Kokanee Report

[sawtooth]

May this years fishing reports be as promising as last year. Good Luck to all at "The Ranch".

[joshjohnson12389]

wanting to make the drive up there to try for some early season kokes, has anyone been by the boat ramps? is there any way a person can get out there? thanks in advance!

[Lunddude]

Don't think so still a little early yet

[mrichard]

The ramp at the dam is open but the ramp at Curlew is still snowed in. The lake is Frozen from Lime Creek North.

[Lunddude]

The ramp at the dam is open but the ramp at Curlew is still snowed in. The lake is Frozen from Lime Creek North.

How's the road down to the dam and the boat ramp?

[mrichard]

Fine hardly any snow at all. There is some snow on the side of the ramp but it's not a problem

[mowrus]

Fine hardly any snow at all. There is some snow on the side of the ramp but it's not a problem
Launched there Thursday no problems. Not much parking in the lot with snowbanks.

[Oldfishnfart]

Fishin report??

[mowrus]

Fishin report??
Looks like some big fish this year. Still slow.

[ThunderJetJunkie]

Went up yesterday just to scratch the itch and get out. Put in at the dam. Caught some trout but no kokes. Talked to some other guys and they also said it was slow. Drove up to the narrows and didnt see any ice except for around powerline. Didnt go through the narrows..

[joshjohnson12389]

Caught a few kokes yesterday. Searched hard and got on a good school. 16-18”. Had 4 doubles and three triples. Location is key.

[rhood]

If you don’t mind me asking what depth were you getting into the kokes ?

[joshjohnson12389]

20-70 ft. They kept moving around. Just search until you see them on the graph. Set downrigger 20 ft above them and running 50 ft behind. Seemed to do the trick. Felt good to get out and smack a bunch.
Just gotta watch out for people. Even a couple boats on top of a group of fish will scatter them real quick or so it seems, yesterday was my first day out on Anderson with my own boat doing my thing rather then just tagging along.

[rhood]

I’m getting the itch, thanks for the reply and information 👍

[BIGLES]

Maybe i wont need to have you "just tag along anymore" haha

[ThunderJetJunkie]

Got out there today and picked up a couple kokes and a trout. The ice is still a couple hundred yards dam side of curlew.

[MackayGuy]

Got out there today and picked up a couple kokes and a trout. The ice is still a couple hundred yards dam side of curlew.

The real question is how was the parking at Elk Cr ramp? Is it still a mud fest?

[joshjohnson12389]

Muddy and rough... cannot wait for curlew to open up. Won’t be long.

[MackayGuy]

Muddy and rough... cannot wait for curlew to open up. Won’t be long.

Thanks.....as I suspected. Haven’t been there since mid February. Not sure I’m excited about jamming my truck and trailer in amongst all the other folks....I’ve seen how some of those folks can barely back their boat down the ramp let alone park their rig in a crowded mess. 🥴

[UncleLucas]

It looks like the ramp at curlew is open enough for a 4wd. There is some ice at the upper end but it seems like there are some places you could push through it. I'm gonna give it a go tomorrow.

[MackayGuy]

It looks like the ramp at curlew is open enough for a 4wd. There is some ice at the upper end but it seems like there are some places you could push through it. I'm gonna give it a go tomorrow.

Looks like the ice on the reservoir is above the ramp towards Pine, yeah?

[UncleLucas]

There is some below also but it look thin and there are narrow spots where I'm sure you could push through.

[Fuzzy]

Be careful pushing through, I tried it from the Lime creek side last week and some of that ice was over 3 inches still. Sure has changed a lot since then !!

[Pauli]

It looks like the ramp at curlew is open enough for a 4wd. There is some ice at the upper end but it seems like there are some places you could push through it. I'm gonna give it a go tomorrow.

Thanks for the update and Pics UncleLucas.

Pauli

[UncleLucas]

Thanks for the update and Pics UncleLucas.

Pauli

You bet. I'm headed down in the am for two days. I will give a better report when I get home. I've seen pics of 21+ inch fish already. Should be another epic year!

[Lunddude]

By the looks of that truck sitting there with a empty boat trailer someone launched their boat

[UncleLucas]

Fished Friday from 1030-6. Caught 4, lost one and had three takedowns that didn't stick. Fished Saturday from 8-330. Only caught two kokes and one 16" chinook. Smallest koke was 17"and largest 18.5" and fat!! Fish were extremely hard to find. However the ones I did mark seemed willing to play. I'm pleased to report the upper end is completely ice free now.

[Pauli]

Fished Friday from 1030-6. Caught 4, lost one and had three takedowns that didn't stick. Fished Saturday from 8-330. Only caught two kokes and one 16" chinook. Smallest koke was 17"and largest 18.5" and fat!! Fish were extremely hard to find. However the ones I did mark seemed willing to play. I'm pleased to report the upper end is completely ice free now.

Thanks for the report UncleLucas. The wife and I will head over Monday. Looks like a fairly decent day to fish for you.

Pauli

[dustyjohns]

Finally got the new to me boat out today. Spent way too long in spots I thought would have fish. Then we found them. Brought home 3 nice size Kokanee and 2 decent black mouths. I’m loving the Terrova linked to my Helix. Makes fishing a lot more enjoyable than fighting to keep the kicker straight. We were running 30 and 40’ down on the balls. Green and white seemed to be the most productive with pink getting a little action.

[ThunderJetJunkie]

Does anyone know if the idaho lockdown means no fishing on the reservoirs? I know idaho power closed off there parks and Washington closed fishing..

[Pauli]

I call ISP about that. They told me that if a patrol officer catches you on the highway pulling a boat expect to get pulled over and "splain your emergency to them" Breaking the the Ada county (Boise) curfew is a whole other matter altogether. Pack a lunch.....you may need it.


Pauli

[ThunderJetJunkie]

Well that sucks,,, I called Elmore county fish and game and they said all fishing is open but boat launches owned by idaho power will be closed. From what I can find so far, all of anderson is forest service but if we cant get there then all that's for nothing... It is an emergency... THERES KOKES TO CATCH DAMMIT.. thanks for looking into that..

[BridgerHardgrove]

Are we still able to go fishing? We are able to go for walks or bike rides and fishing would be the same as doing both of those, mabey even safer.

[dustyjohns]

There was a boat pulling out when we got to the ramp yesterday. He said an Elmore County deputy had stopped by when they were launching. Told them he could write them tickets for being out.

I have my own thoughts and opinions. But this is a “family friendly” forum. Just passing on what I heard.

[dustyjohns]

Are we still able to go fishing? We are able to go for walks or bike rides and fishing would be the same as doing both of those, mabey even safer.

It’s not the same because we have to travel from home. Is how it was explained to me.

[ThunderJetJunkie]

Well since this is uncharted waters for all of us, I guess there just trying to keep us safe the only way they know how. It is what it is I guess... see ya all on the waters whenever this lifts...

[pollackoke]

https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/127/2020/03/statewide-stay-home-order_032520.pdf

Thus, activities are restricted (i.e. nothing that is not explained as essential by the order). And travel is restricted. You might be able to get away with fishing close home; but you can't travel to do your fishing. So for now, the guys in Pine may be able to go after those Kokes, but the rest of us can seek psychological counseling I guess.

[Fuzzy]

I was driving from SE Idaho back to Boise yesterday so I took a detour by Anderson. 8 boats on the water and it looked like most of them launched out of Curlew. Ramp wasn't blocked and no signs were posted that I could see. Few camps set-up on the shore north of Curlew, but overall looked like most people are staying home for now. I'm going to wait this crap out and hit it hard when and if this passes. Everyone take care.

[BridgerHardgrove]

https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/127/2020/03/statewide-stay-home-order_032520.pdf

Thus, activities are restricted (i.e. nothing that is not explained as essential by the order). And travel is restricted. You might be able to get away with fishing close home; but you can't travel to do your fishing. So for now, the guys in Pine may be able to go after those Kokes, but the rest of us can seek psychological counseling I guess.

Do you think we could get away with saying that fishing is essential to feed are family’s?

[G3 longliner]

Do you think we could get away with saying that fishing is essential to feed are family’s?

if ya get stopped tell them its a emergency If ya dont get out of the house there will be domestic violence

[pluscount]

I printed the following snippets to keep with me when I go to my lake, 10 miles away. If I get stopped, it may help at the point of contact but will surely help in court:

March 25, 2020
From Dave Jeppsen, Director, Idaho Department of Health & Welfare
RE: Order to self-isolate

Section 7…Travel prohibited except for performing essential activities

Section 8, exemptions, paragraph A…individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following “Essential Activities” …

Section 8, exemptions, paragraph iii… To engage in outdoor activity…by way of example and "without limitation", walking, hiking, bicycling, or running.

[rem40xb1]

Just for every ones information
I noticed the gulf coarse in mtn home isn't closed and the club house is open--people in golf carts 2 ft apart--
several cars from other areas other than mtn home

Well I plan to take my boat fishing as long as the golf coarse is open

[dustyjohns]

We got a late start and don’t hit the water till 5 this evening. Still managed to pick up a ginormous Squaw, a rainbow, a Kokanee, and 2 black mouths. Was running pretty shallow (14-19’) and fast (1.6-1.9). I was marking tons of fish at 60-80’. Ran a ball down deep and nothing would hit it. It is possible they weren’t really fish. I’m still learning and adjusting my new sonar.

[crappieslayer]

Which ramps are available for boat launch at Anderson right now.

[dustyjohns]

Which ramps are available for boat launch at Anderson right now.

https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/ramps/anderson/anderson.html

[crappieslayer]

Guess I want clear earlier. I had heard that some of the ramps were closed. Is that not the case. Can I launch at curlew or is it closed. That is the ramp info I need.

[dustyjohns]

As of Saturday night we were able to launch and recover from Curlew. I probably won’t get back up till tomorrow or Friday and can let you know if it’s still open. From what I’ve read on here and heard, Idaho Power and Army Corps of Engineers have closed their ramps. Curlew is a USFS maintained ramp as far as I know.

[dustyjohns]

Caught 3 and a Chinook today. Lots more boats on the water than there has been. All 4 were caught on the ball at 21’ with a green and white Mag dodger pulling a Green Rocky Mtn hoochie. Was super slow but still a great day on the water.

[salmonster]

If you read something on this forum that doesn't sound right, please check on it yourself. Based on what I read here last week I called the state police and the Boise National Forest and learned that what I read here was silly nonsense.

[dustyjohns]

Care to elaborate on what the “silly nonsense” was?

[whatnext]

If you read something on this forum that doesn't sound right, please check on it yourself. Based on what I read here last week I called the state police and the Boise National Forest and learned that what I read here was silly nonsense.

Meaning what?

[BridgerHardgrove]

If you read something on this forum that doesn't sound right, please check on it yourself. Based on what I read here last week I called the state police and the Boise National Forest and learned that what I read here was silly nonsense.
What do you mean?

[ElJay]

Here is a link to IDFG's common sense position on fishing under COVID-19.
https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/hunting-and-fishing-seasons-continue-social-distancing-and-travel-guidelines

[Hunting183]

I have never been to Anderson before, usually Kokanee fish at lucky peak. Can anyone help me with directions on where to launch the boat at and a portion of the lake that is decent to fish? I have heard stories of people getting into some shallow spots so making sure I avoid them. Any help would be great.

[dustyjohns]

Hunting183-

Last summer I launched at the dam and Fall Creek. The dam ramp gets very busy and parking is a joke. My bow roller was stolen off the trailer while parked at Fall Creek. This spring I’ve been launching at Curlew. Out in front of Curlew is not very deep. But it can be fished. I head southwestish from Curlew. Have caught fish from Curlew to Fall Creek so far this year. Green or chartreuse seems to be working best for us. Running longline around 15’ and balls between 20’ and 30’. Look for all the other boats. It sucks but that’s typically where the fish are.

[BridgerHardgrove]

I have never been to Anderson before, usually Kokanee fish at lucky peak. Can anyone help me with directions on where to launch the boat at and a portion of the lake that is decent to fish? I have heard stories of people getting into some shallow spots so making sure I avoid them. Any help would be great.
If you launch from curlew fish south from there and then there will be some narrows to the west. Next to the points and bank can get shallow. Fish more towards the middle your first time and look at your fish finder to see the depth. Keep fishing west to the power lines and fall creek. If you keep fishing west then you will get to the dam. It is a very long dad trolling from the dam to curlew. We usually launch from the dam. Hope this helps.

[dustyjohns]

Next to the points and bank can get shallow. Fish more towards the middle your first time and look at your fish finder to see the depth.

Great suggestion! I finally have a sonar with contour depths on the chart. It’s helped tremendously.

[G3 longliner]

Great suggestion! I finally have a sonar with contour depths on the chart. It’s helped tremendously.



went yesterday - caught a couple - bite was over by 11am - over 50 boats on water ( social distancing)

[UncleLucas]

Fished a few hours Thursday evening and caught one koke. Fished all day Friday and landed 8 kokes, 1 trout, and 1 bull trout. All fish were caught in the top 20 ft of water and color didnt seem to matter. Lots of boats on the water Friday!

[Hunting183]

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

[gillnetter]

First time out on Saturday specifically attempting to target kokanee. Lets just say Amateur Hour should be the name of our boat. We did manage to get three in the boat and lost two. Little did we know that 2.0-2.5 is a bit too fast after we meet a fellow angler who gave us a ton of info. Guess we caught the ones practicing for the Olympics.

[MaGoo]

I have seen some post on Covid 19 and fishing. When the Governor first signed "Stay at Home" and US Forest, Bureau of Reclamation said that camp grounds, and boat ramps were to be closed. I made a phone call to Idaho Parks and Rec. asked if they were closing Spring Shores. They said some state parks were closed but no boat ramps were going to be closed. I also Checked Idaho F&G and all fishing and hunting is still open. So any State, county, city police cannot stop you from fishing, and or traveling. I went tp springs shores this week and did see that someone has closed the road to Turners launch. But this is the Idaho F&G response Hunting and Fishing.

https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/hunting-and-fishing-seasons-continue-social-distancing-and-travel-guidelines

[Armondo]

Idaho has not closed any seasons, however they have suspended the sale of non-Resident fishing licenses. I believe the justification is that it is consistent with the guidelines that you should not travel long distances for recreation. Not sure how far is too far. An hour? Two hours? Does not matter if you cannot buy a license. For now I will stay close to home in NW Wyoming and hope things get better. I keep telling myself it gives the fish time to get bigger!

[ElJay]

Casting a 1/2 ounce Chartreuse spoon with pink dots was my go to lure Thursday evening. Kokanee wouldn’t leave it alone once they began surfacing in the Curlew area. Largest Kokanee was 18 1/2 inches. Bite lasted 45 minutes. Anyone else having success with spoons?

[UncleLucas]

Casting a 1/2 ounce Chartreuse spoon with pink dots was my go to lure Thursday evening. Kokanee wouldn’t leave it alone once they began surfacing in the Curlew area. Largest Kokanee was 18 1/2 inches. Bite lasted 45 minutes. Anyone else having success with spoons?

I used to have great success in some of the central Oregon lakes casting a jig behind the boat and jigging it horizontally while trolling. That has yet to work for me here.

[Narnz27]

We are going to try to head up to Anderson on Monday for the day. Does anyone know if any of the boat docks are open? And if so are any out?

[pollackoke]

Was up there a week ago. Dock is out at Curlew. However water level was quite a ways below that dock. Reservoir level has not come up much since then:

https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/wygraph.html?list=and%20af&daily=and%20af

[Narnz27]

Thanks for the information. Not sure if we'll head up that way or not, but if we do I'll try to update.

[Bassmeet]

Thanks for the information. Not sure if we'll head up that way or not, but if we do I'll try to update.

04-18-2020 We were there for 1/2 the day along with everyone else who wasn’t at CJ Strike :). There was only about 5ft of the dock in the water. It wasn’t quite usable yet.

[Narnz27]

Went to Anderson yesterday and the kokanee fishing was terrible. We used 2 long lines and 2 downriggers with all kinds of color combinations you could think of and not a bite. The water level is very low. We were able to launch our boat from Curlew with little to no dock in the water. With that said the weather was gorgeous and the scenery was beautiful as usual.

[gillnetter]

Fished on staurday from 830 to 4 for one king. Only saw two other fish caught.

[MMDON]

Thanks for the reports guys!

[trmaret]

Trolled for koks thursday afternoon and friday morning...one 12" kok only fish caught at 35ft...tried shallow with lead line/highlines and deep with downriggers...did mark a few fish mostly deep 35-50ft which is unusual for this time of year, water temp 56F. Did not see any large schools unlike past years...where have all the koks gone? BTW restroom are locked.

[terek]

Trolled for koks thursday afternoon and friday morning...one 12" kok only fish caught at 35ft...tried shallow with lead line/highlines and deep with downriggers...did mark a few fish mostly deep 35-50ft which is unusual for this time of year, water temp 56F. Did not see any large schools unlike past years...where have all the koks gone? BTW restroom are locked.

We were there a week ago. Marked lots of fish, but all spread out. No schools. And they wernt biting. We went home skunked for the first time at Anderson in 10 years

[G3 longliner]

We were there a week ago. Marked lots of fish, but all spread out. No schools. And they wernt biting. We went home skunked for the first time at Anderson in 10 years

any thing happening at Anderson this weekend ? last time i went it was a bust Sounds like LP might be picking up a little

[DFowler]

Picked up a little Saturday afternoon. Caught 2 lost 5. All fish hooked were around 15 ft.

[alhntr]

I wish more people would report their fishing success etc , we are all into this together. Three day weekend and hardly a report from Anderson and you know there was good number of fisherman giving it a go who are probably on this forum. Just my thoughts, good luck all. Going to Arrowrock tomorrow morn to try my luck.

[crappieslayer]

I fished Friday through Monday. Over 3 days caught 4 kokes. Monday I hit the water at 6am and caught 4 pretty quickly, but by 9am it quickly died off. All the kokes were 16inches or more.i lost one right at the boat that might have gone 21 or more.

[Kokslayer6000]

any thing happening at Anderson this weekend ? last time i went it was a bust Sounds like LP might be picking up a little

Fishing is still slow

[Fuzzy]

Thanks for the reports. Is the shore packed with campers this week ? Wake makers / water skiers running around ?

[MMDON]

Thanks for the report Crappieslayer! Wish it was picking up a bit faster.

[Smokey]

Hi,

I am heading to Anderson ranch for a few days next week. I have to camp near Curlew do to the size of my 5th wheel/boat triple set up. Is the dam area a better place to fish than near Curlew?

[DFowler]

When I fished Saturday it didn’t make a difference Dam end or Curlew since we caught one on each end. But overall most action was on the curlew end.

[fish4kok]

Today is our first fishing trip of this year. We're starting from 8:30Am and quit at ~5:00PM. That's a beautiful day on the lake and there were many fishing boats around Lime Creek early in the morning. We troll from Curlew toward the Power lines. We boated 5 Kokanee and lost other 3. They're very good size from 14" up to 20.1/2". depth was vary from 5' to 20'. long line pole 5/8 oz sinker 100' line out. The water level is still low.

https://www.kokaneefishingforum.com/fishing-forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9970&d=1590729757

[wigeonpete]

I see a lot of "it's still slow." It's the end of May. I see some quality fish being caught, but not quantity. If it was going to pick up I think it would have done so by now. I think this is just going to be a slow year with a few nice fish at this point. I could be wrong, and I hope I am, but I've seen this kind of trend before.....

[mowrus]

I see a lot of "it's still slow." It's the end of May. I see some quality fish being caught, but not quantity. If it was going to pick up I think it would have done so by now. I think this is just going to be a slow year with a few nice fish at this point. I could be wrong, and I hope I am, but I've seen this kind of trend before.....

I think your right about being slow this year unfortunately. Was there yesterday and got our ars handed to us. Tried from top too bottom. No nooks no trout no squaws. To say the least very disappointing. Next time🤞

[SuperD]

I've noticed that at my own lake this year if you wave a net it brings 10+ boats with it. When a lake is fishing well, it might bring in a couple.

[fish4kok]

I've noticed that at my own lake this year if you wave a net it brings 10+ boats with it. When a lake is fishing well, it might bring in a couple.

thumbsuplaugh hyst101ok101

[Smokey]

Ran 2 poles on Thursday and caught 1 Chinook and 1 Koke. Ran 4 poles on Friday and caught 2 nice Koke's and 1 trout. Lake was dead calm all day Friday.

[terek]

So I saw a pic on Facebook today that showed someone getting a 4 man limit today. Any truth to it? Most the fish looked like they were starting to turn, like its a poc from last year.

[MaGoo]

Did they show the gill net they used.tooexcited

[Good Outfit]

Launched curlew on 6/12 @ 5:30 am, hooked up by 5:45 and boated an 18", hooked up again before 6:00 am and lost it halfway to the boat, trolled another 12 plus hours with no hits, tried about everything that has worked for years, nothing worked, did not see any schools, found very few fish on the finder, fished everywhere I usually pick up fish, did not see the net come out on anybody's boat, worst mid June fishing I have ever seen on the lake.

[geneo72]

Went yesterday 18th fished from 7am-1pm never got a hit. We tried every thing I could think of, no luck.
Some other guys had the same luck-0-.
Gene

[Pauli]

Southwest Idaho Kokanee fishing is in crisis. What the heck is going on Idaho Fish and Game???? You've been FAR too silent for FAR too long!!! Time to spill your guts...... but this time, make it the truth...the whole truth....and nothing but the truth.


Pauli

[MaGoo]

Southwest Idaho Kokanee fishing is in crisis. What the heck is going on Idaho Fish and Game???? You've been FAR too silent for FAR too long!!! Time to spill your guts...... but this time, make it the truth...the whole truth....and nothing but the truth.


Pauli

I fished Arrowrock twice early spring. When I was loading the boat one of the times I saw a very large number of dead fish. They had been dead for some time, could not identify them. Now I wonder if they have a large kill. Did it go through all three reservoirs. Did anyone see the dead fish.

[MaGoo]

I think Blackfoot is more likely to have some koks survive, but a lot of big rainbow will still have a feast on the small koks.

https://idfg.idaho.gov/blog/2020/06/experimental-kokanee-stocking-seeks-improve-fishery-diversity-blackfoot-reservoir?fbclid=IwAR0zfiSZ5iWstBJ7DUtCDz6nRFjVsrG ge70Yj_IP_QzjWWNuMZn4WYtbHck

[Bassmeet]

We fished this morning around fall creek. Hooked up 7 times landed 5 from 8am-noon. Still very slow in my opinion, but it was the most productive day I’ve had so far this summer. Everything was at 25ft, pink and orange, 1.3mph. Hope this helps someone do better than I have been doing. Good luck

[Good Outfit]

I started fishing in the Curlew area on 6-17 20, trolled 14 hours and not a hit, tried everything in my box with every possible leader length, boat speed, scent, you name it and the results were no hits, also no fish on the finder and I mean none, fished again on 6-18-20 in the lime creek area for the entire day and same as the day before, saw a few on the finder, fished again for another 14 hours of trolling on the 19th around the dam area and the same results, no hits, none seen, seen no one pull out a net, fished one more day on the 20th in the Fall creek area for about 10 hours and I had enough, again no fish on the finder, seen none netted, talked to other boats and their comments were all the same, none seen caught, none caught, no bites, nothing, just like they are none in the lake, what in the He-- is going on, I think the Fish and Game owe us some explanations but I will not hold my breath waiting for them to tell us lies, very sad indeed, I have fished this lake for over two decades and I have never seen anything like this, also no Chinooks, no squaws and no bows, am going to Arrowrock Monday but have heard it as well as LP are all the same, no fish, good luck to all of you Kok hunters, your going to need it, maybe have a priest bless your gear or something.

[geneo72]

Thanks for the report101goodpost101, I've fished Anderson ranch seance 1974 and it's got me stumped.
Gene

[MMDON]

Anderson Ranch has really run off the rails. Ririe hasn't been any better.

[redhotrod]

I fished Arrowrock twice early spring. When I was loading the boat one of the times I saw a very large number of dead fish. They had been dead for some time, could not identify them. Now I wonder if they have a large kill. Did it go through all three reservoirs. Did anyone see the dead fish.

fished arrowrock this spring and also saw many 16" rainbows dead on the boat ramp. Fished down by the southfork and trolled all the way back didn't see fish on the finder and only caught 1 16" trout, very slow.

[Spit the Hook]

Haven't seen the dead fish being talked about here. Last time I fished Arrowrock was 3-4 weeks ago. We got 3 small kokes and loads of trout. Many of the trout were 15-16 inches with full tails.

[Good Outfit]

I fished yesterday, 6/22 at Arrowrock, launched at 6:15 am fished all the places I have caught kok for years and seen very few on the finder, fished all day at different depths but mostly targeted the 25 to 35 foot levels, caught 4 planter bows, no squaws and no kok's, did not see any schools either, tried all different colors, scents, speeds, leader lengths, depths, everything I could think of doing to entice a bite and again I was served a big helping of humble pie, just like Anderson Ranch, I wish all you kok hunters the best of luck, we are going to need it this year.

[Kokanee Troller]

Southwest Idaho Kokanee fishing is in crisis. What the heck is going on Idaho Fish and Game???? You've been FAR too silent for FAR too long!!! Time to spill your guts...... but this time, make it the truth...the whole truth....and nothing but the truth.


Pauli. I agree with Pauli, SouthWest Kokanee fishing is in a horrible mess. I camp at Running Bear RV Resort at the back end of little Camus, I have fished Anderson 6 times and NO jokes, nothing! Talked to Chris at Kokanee Store and he blames to many predators in the lake, fingering don’t have a chance. Some say the blowout above the river a few yrs ago is the big reason! It’s hard to believe what is actually happening. The problem is LP & Arrowrock are in similar shape!! Not enough plankton ? Is It food related? So what gives with F&G planting 4inch fingerlings in CJ?? & Cascade? Talk about predators !! Why didn’t they put them in one if local lakes..Anderson, LP, Arrowrock ? I think F&G needs to give us the real story on what’s going on. Why are they so silent? Many (most) of us have thousands of dollars invested in boats & gear, and support local tackle shops. We need to hear what’s going on!!

[rem40xb1]

I wonder if having a 25 fish limit and a 3 day possession limit with 30 plus boats fishing everyday last year could have maybe had a impact on fish numbers
Just maybe they should have looked at anderson and not Deadwood for limit reductions--Manage and destroy--

[redhotrod]

I have heard that f&g sterilizes the kokanee that they plant so that they can control the numbers in the lakes and how is that going, why don't they let the fish spawn naturally and control the numbers by limits but then they couldn't be managing just like they do on the deer and elk those numbers are down too.

[Good Outfit]

I wonder if having a 25 fish limit and a 3 day possession limit with 30 plus boats fishing everyday last year could have maybe had a impact on fish numbers
Just maybe they should have looked at anderson and not Deadwood for limit reductions--Manage and destroy--

I do not beleive that the 25 per day limit has anything to do with why there are no fish in the lake today as the mature fish we catch this year or any year are going to die no matter what, thus the reason the limits are what they are, the fish are going to die like all salmon do after their life cycle is complete so they may as well be harvested and it is my understanding from a conversation that I had with a conservation officer on the ramp one day that 98 % of the fingerlings that get planted each year come from stocking programs and are not natural spawners so taking a lot of mature fish should not harm fishing for the coming years, however, when people can't catch mature fish they will take the 10,12,13 inch fish that are supposed to be next years crop, that is not good, they are usually released by most seasoned kok fisherman

[MMDON]

Kokanee are highly susceptible to bacterial loss and because of their shoaling nature they could pass a viral or bacterial infection very easily. We are seeing Kokanee fishing with highly diminished numbers across southern Idaho with no water body left unscathed. This tells me we may have a problem in the hatcheries. I would request the F&G do a biological study of the hatchery fish that were shipped from the same hatcheries out of state to see if they are finding similar problems with whole year classes literally decimated by 80 to 90% as first year class fish.

[G3 longliner]

I do not beleive that the 25 per day limit has anything to do with why there are no fish in the lake today as the mature fish we catch this year or any year are going to die no matter what, thus the reason the limits are what they are, the fish are going to die like all salmon do after their life cycle is complete so they may as well be harvested and it is my understanding from a conversation that I had with a conservation officer on the ramp one day that 98 % of the fingerlings that get planted each year come from stocking programs and are not natural spawners so taking a lot of mature fish should not harm fishing for the coming years, however, when people can't catch mature fish they will take the 10,12,13 inch fish that are supposed to be next years crop, that is not good, they are usually released by most seasoned kok fisherman



I agree 100% I keep nothing under 14 in. Last trip i released 9 koks 12- 13 in at LP Next year they will be the 15-17 in fish But what do I know Iv'e only been at it for 45 years since they started the program at Anderson Since i started fishing KOKs the biggest fish have been in the last 4 or 5 years SO guys catch and release on the small ones Gently

[Bowhntr510]

Fished Friday and caught a 22" Chinook (only bite and only fish). Saturday caught one 19" Koke (only bite and only fish). Sunday same thing, one 20" Koke and that was it. I have fished for years and never seen the fishing this slow. I threw everything I had at them, marked them on the fish finder but nothing. One fish on orange squid with watermelon dodger, the Kokes were on wedding rings with watermelon dodgers. Everything I seen on the radar that was anywhere from 20' to 40'. We caught at 32',38' and 40'. Good luck to everyone.
9985

[Smokey]

I agree 100% I keep nothing under 14 in. Last trip i released 9 koks 12- 13 in at LP Next year they will be the 15-17 in fish But what do I know Iv'e only been at it for 45 years since they started the program at Anderson Since i started fishing KOKs the biggest fish have been in the last 4 or 5 years SO guys catch and release on the small ones Gently

I am new to the Kokanee fishing but I have read quite a bit regarding the catch and release of Kokanee. My understanding is that the mortality rate for handled and released fish is very high and a lot of folks say to keep them because theywill most likely die. Evidently the air bladder makes it difficult for them to get back down to the cool water after they are brougt to the surface warm water. Thoughts?

[Pauli]

This is what IFG is putting out..... It's kinda like asking Mrs. Lincoln if she still enjoyed the play anyways........

Pauli

https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/kokanee-fishing-ramping-idaho-and-heres-where-go

[dustyjohns]

Idaho F&G doesn’t care enough about fishing to properly manage any fishery in the state. There’s not enough money to be made in it for them.

[Good Outfit]

Idaho F&G doesn’t care enough about fishing to properly manage any fishery in the state. There’s not enough money to be made in it for them.

Well said my fellow Kok hunter, you hit the nail Right On the head.

[JagerR]

Trolled yesterday from 2pm-10pm and not one kokanee, this is getting so frustrating. We boated 3 chinook (12, 15, 18 inch) and two small trout, trout we caught on the long line on top in the evening. Not seeing any schools, and very few fish on the finder. We fished allot of the spots we normally catch from the dam to Fall Cr. Just seeing schools or fish would keep me motivated but I cant see going out many more times with these conditions.

[dustyjohns]

Headed up tomorrow and was really hoping to read something miraculous happened the past few days. My son and I volunteered to take a couple Veterans fishing as part of the Idaho Backcountry Vets tournament. Even if we don’t boat any fish, I’m sure we’ll have a good time.

[G3 longliner]

May this years fishing reports be as promising as last year. Good Luck to all at "The Ranch".

ANY koks being caught at Anderson? thinking of making a trip BUTTT???

[JagerR]

Last report I seen was the IBV tournament a few weeks ago. Those guys did ok, I wasn't there this year but looked like a good amount of boats caught a few fish.

[Maxdgard]

Slept in on Saturday morning and hit the water at 11:30 and fished til 4. Landed 8 Kokanee and a chinook. 57’ and 42’ were the ticket. No specific color was better than another but they are definitely aggressive fish right now! Had one hit that made it look like a snag.

[JagerR]

Tried to make a run this evening, made it on the water about 5pm and got blown off the water about 6pm. I did have enough time to get the rods in the water and get two hits, starting to see schools in the 30-40ft range. Storm came in hard and fast and I had to bail with the rest of the boats.

[G3 longliner]

Tried to make a run this evening, made it on the water about 5pm and got blown off the water about 6pm. I did have enough time to get the rods in the water and get two hits, starting to see schools in the 30-40ft range. Storm came in hard and fast and I had to bail with the rest of the boats.

Anderson yesterday 7-1pm - 4 hits - boated two - one 16 and a dink - slow slow - water 72 degrees- all hits at 45 ft - dam boat dock just about out of water

[Rkuehn]

Fished from 08:30 am to 4:00 pm on July 30. . Caught 2 at noon and two additional at 3:00 pm. Caught the first two on black and silver and the second pair on red. Most of the fish on the finder were between 30 and 50 feet. Fish we caught were in the narrows south of Curlew. All four were between 17 and 18 inches. Very nice fish.

[JagerR]

I also fished the 30th from 5pm to dark. Boated two chinook, one Squaw, and a trout. Didn't see any schools or many fish on the finder.

[JagerR]

Drove by today and the dock by the dam is now out of the water.

[geneo72]

So you got any ideas, where 150,000 koks went after stocking them last mouth?
I've fished Anderson ranch sense 1975, and have never seen it like this. Gene in M.H. ID.

[Spit the Hook]

The 150,000+ that were stocked last month, actualy in June not July,were less than six inches long meaning the were probably 2-4 inches. Some have probably been eaten by predatory fish but most are still in the lake. The earliest you could expect to catch them is 2021 and they would still be small then. There was no stocking of kokanee in 2019 recorded on the fish and game web site. There was 173,000 in 2018. These would and should be the ones to be caught this year. The question should be: where are they?

[JagerR]

Three or four years ago I finial boated the rare chinook in Anderson. I was convinced before I caught that fish that they didn't exist or there was just a super low number. Now it seems like I catch a minimum of three or four every outing. But not only chinook are grabbing my line while trolling for kokes, monster squawfish seem to have a healthy population by the catch rate. Just my opinion, but I'm thinking the kokanee are taking a major hit by predator's.

[G3 longliner]

Three or four years ago I finial boated the rare chinook in Anderson. I was convinced before I caught that fish that they didn't exist or there was just a super low number. Now it seems like I catch a minimum of three or four every outing. But not only chinook are grabbing my line while trolling for kokes, monster squawfish seem to have a healthy population by the catch rate. Just my opinion, but I'm thinking the kokanee are taking a major hit by predator's.



fished LP wed. one hit poor Any body fish Anderson in last week or so? I caught as many koks for whole summer as i used to get in one day at Anderson. To early to get ready for steelhead