2021 Lucky Peak Reservoir Kokanee Report

[sawtooth]

More fish, less Virus in 2021.

[callelk]

I have not fished there for two years now, hoping 2021 will prove to be a better year.................

[G3 longliner]

More fish, less Virus in 2021.

Boats in getting tuned Next change out steelhead gear for kok gear wait for 60+ degrees and im fishing

[gillnetter]

Fished 0900-1200. Water was 34-35 degrees. Flatlined rods from 45-75 ft. Lost one koke at the boat, boated a 16” koke, tossed back a nice though lethargic rainbow.

[terek]

Hunting season is over and I already have cabin fever. Im wanting to go to lucky peak to catch anything I can lol. Anyone been hitting it up? Any luck? I really need to get my trout stock back up for when cat fishing season starts

[Pauli]

Hey Terek.... I haven't ventured out yet. I'm headed to St. Helens OR for some Springer chinook fishing middle of next month. I would like to have a shake down trip locally before I hit the big river. I imagine lucky peak's water level is WAY DOWN. Do you know if there is any ice on the reservoir?


Paul

[Mad Angler]

I took the boat out for a shakedown about 10 days ago at Lucky Peak, didn't see any ice all the way up to Spring Shore, launched from Turner. The week before that had some light ice on top right after Spring Shore though.

Planning on hitting Arrow Rock in a couple weeks if weather permits, hope the road is graded by then, last year was getting pretty bad!

Chris

[Pauli]

Thanks for the report. Seems to me that last year about this time there was still snow on the road to Arrow Rock. I had to turn around before I got to the dam. Hope the road is clear for you.

Pauli

[DEALMKR]

Bringing up my Trailer/Boat for 3 nights. Camping/Fishing Fever 😜

[gillnetter]

Trolled from 0800-1300 from the west side of chimney rock half way to birch creek. Water was 34-36 degrees. Flatlined two rods and put two others at various depths the lowest being 30ft with purples, orange, white, and pink hoochies. All we caught were 4 huge trout. 3 of 4 were caught around 20ft. Marked a couple schools along the rock wall under the Forest Service Nursery but no takers.

[msusprtn]

Put in a Spring Shores. The floating dock is in the water.

Surface water temperature was 37F.

Marked scattered fish near Spring Shores. 3 boats fishing this area.
Marked a small school at mile 69 along North shore.
Another small school at Birch Spring. 1 other boat fishing this area.
Saw 1 boat at the lower dam.
1 boat fishing by Mack's Creek.

Fish for 3 hours. Most fish were deep 60-80'... couldn't get those to bite. Marked fish occasionally at 10-40' and targeted them. 2 rainbows & 1 14' koke. All back in the water to fight another day. Ran wedding rings on double stacked downriggers.

Ran dam to dam. You can get to Arrowrock dam, but be careful as it's only 7' deep and the channel is narrow the last 100 yards.Saw some ice in Mores Creek, but other than that it was 100% clear. Floating dock is in at Turner's Gulch. Water level looked to be down 60-70' from last summer. Water is coming in pretty quick at the Arrowrock dam.

[Pauli]

Thanks for the reports guys. Still a bit early for the bite to really turn on. It's hopeful that you marked schools of fish. We should be on return year 2...meaning that this year should be so-so.....but next year it should be great. I'm going to hit the Springers in the Columbia over the next month or so. Then I hope our reservoirs will start producing again.

Pauli

[terek]

Thanks for the reports guys. Still a bit early for the bite to really turn on. It's hopeful that you marked schools of fish. We should be on return year 2...meaning that this year should be so-so.....but next year it should be great. I'm going to hit the Springers in the Columbia over the next month or so. Then I hope our reservoirs will start producing again.

Pauli

back before ssnowmageddon ruined LP and arrowrock, this is the time of year we would usually start hammering them. I just got a 6 year reminder on facebook yesterday of 3 man limits of kokes out of arrowrock.

[tomn1603]

Fished LP from about 10:30 to 2:30 yesterday. Not a bite. Surface temp about 38.5 F. *Lots* of fish down deep (60' to 80') in the channel almost within site of Spring Shores, but they weren't biting on anything we put down there. There were 2-3 other boats out. Nice day to be on the lake, but not much action.

[wiperhunter]

I had never fished LP until last Fall but here is a pic I took of the low water level at that time. I launched from the dam end of the lake but it was poor fishing at that time. Which launch is the best one to launch from late in the season?

[Spit the Hook]

Water at spring shores is almost always much calmer than near the dam but Turner gulch is always launchable no matter how low the water and Spring Shores isn't if the water is low enough. I've caught plenty of fish at both ends but prefer Spring Shores.

[gillnetter]

Flatlined two rods at 0730. Fished from 75-110ft with hootchies of various colors. Water temp was 44. Caught four trout and lost two unknowns. Stayed around chimney rock and the pipe wall. Marked a few schools on the surface in the channels.

[DEALMKR]

Today? How big are the trout your catching?

[gillnetter]

4/18/21, all were about 12”.

[DEALMKR]

Are the docks out yet or just the floater dock?

Thanks All...

[fish4kok]

Our 1st fishing trip in LP this year (April-30-2021). Launched at Turner Gulch at 9:45AM and it was windy, 1st section of the main dock floats, temporary dock still in the water.
Trolled from Sheep Creek toward Charcoal Creek. We boated 2 - 15" Kok, 2 -14" trout and 1-16" Chinook, the Chinook wounded very badly so we kept it. Depth is vary from 12' to 25' DR Kokabow dodger + pink squid. Long line pole 75' line out 1.1/4oz sinker + 3 blades flasher and green Kokabow Kingfisher. We quited at 1:30PM.
Talked to other fishermen they caught 4 Kok and 2 trout early in the morning in Goose Neck bay area. They quit at noon.

[DEALMKR]

Beautiful and not a bit of wind. Fished in the afternoon and no bites. Found our favorite beach
Brought out the lawn chairs and got some rays.
Spent about 4 hours on the Lake. Good time for sure. Plenty of dock space at the Marina.

[gillnetter]

Fished from 0645 -1330. Caught and released three trout, kept one 15 1/2 Kokanee, two fish popped off while reeling, and four good hits we failed to connect with. Mainly fishing the pipe wall and across from Spring Shores. Water temp was 47-49 degrees. Marked lots of fish at 20-50 feet deep but no takers. All hits and fish caught were while flatlining hoochies or a spin and glow.

[jmorfin]

thanks all good info new to the page just found it hope to help out and to learn.

[msusprtn]

put in spring shores 6:30AM. marked some fish but not as many as I'd like. One 14" koke, one 18" Coho, 1 pull-off, & 1 hit. Orange was the color. flat lines at 150' back & down riggers at 35'. Off the water at 9:30am. surface temp 54F.

[Spit the Hook]

Don't think that was a Coho. Records don't indicate that Coho are stocked in LP, only Kokes and Chinook. Thanks for the report.

[Tazman]

A friend and I fished LP yesterday, arriving at 7:30 done at 1:00. SLOW. The lake is almost full and all the docks are floating. We were there 3 weeks ago and the lake was a lot lower with no docks floating. We launched at the Springs and were the second boat on the water. Had a fish snap our long line at 8:00 despite new 10lb line. We hooked a couple small rainbows but really struggled to get fish on despite working through lures and dodger colors. Talking with others, they had similar results. I think the filling lake and almost full moon were our nemesis. We had lunch at the Spring Shores Cafe and they did a great job with the burgers. Friendly staff for sure. Overall it was a beautiful day, the hills had greened up from the recent rains, and the temp hit 81 by noon.

We wanted to get out before the Memorial Day crowd came and recked havoc on our peace and quiet. Enjoy the weekend.

[gillnetter]

Fished from 0630-1130 and caught 4 rainbows, that we tossed back, and 4 Kokanee. Missed a few strikes and saw a school that filled the fish finder when we had all three rods light up.

[Oldfishnfart]

Nice to see good fish this year. THANKS

[Tazman]

Fished from 0630-1130 and caught 4 rainbows, that we tossed back, and 4 Kokanee. Missed a few strikes and saw a school that filled the fish finder when we had all three rods light up.

Can you share details that led to your success? Debt, color, speed, scent, type of lure …. We tried everything and couldn’t figure out a pattern. Thanks in advance.

[fish4kok]

We fish from 7:30 AM 'til 12:15PM. Boated 6 Kok from 15" ~ 16". Few trout from 12" -15". Long line 1.1/2oz sinker, Fordfender half & half + Kokabow Eagle spinner + white corn. DR depth is vary from 9' ~ 30' Silver Dodger + Kokabow squid spiner. + white corn. Color light orang or pink squid are worked for us. Scent was Anise, Herring...Fish was slow after 11:00AM.

[Tazman]

Thanks for the tips. We are going to go out Wednesday of Thursday and give it another go.

I am still new in the pursuit of Kokanee and learn something every time out.

[John1369]

40 years ago I noticed something while ice fishing at Turners ramp. There were lots of people ice fishing. What I saw was that the people catching fish in a counter clockwise rotation, I would watch and every 45 minutes our poles would get bites. SO I've wondered if it makes a difference in the direction I'm trolling? Clockwise or counter clockwise. I don't know how far the fish cruised up the reservoir before circling back. Or was it different schools 45 minutes apart. Just things in my mind that makes me go .. Hummm and scratch my head. Ow I got a sliver....
Tight lines
John.

[Armondo]

I have noticed sometimes I will catch them going with the wind and get nothing against the wind or vice versa. I think that might be that I tend to zig zag more into the wind. Now you have me thinking about the clockwise vs. counter clockwise thing. I will have to try it next time if I am not getting bites.

[conservationist]

Fished 8 to Noon. Had lots of fish on (6) but only managed to get one 15" fish in the boat. Slow between bites. Down riggers at 20+ feet. Started shallow in the morning but no takers. Thinking all the boat traffic over the holiday might of pushed them deeper. Pink was a good color.

[gillnetter]

Fished from 0630-1200. Hammered a nice 18" Kokanee first thing in the morning about half way from the spring shores and the rock wall flatlining about 90' out. Filtered water for a few hours while we tried every color dodger and hoochie and depth. Marked numerous fish across from spring shores at 50'. Day total was one 18" koke, one rainbow we tossed back, one 8" koke we lost at the boat, and one 10" koke that came to life and split his jaw to get off the stringer. I'd guesstimate eight boats fishing in the area and didn't notice much action from them either.

[Tazman]

We fished Thursday. Launched at 6:00- fished till 11:00. Score: one squaw fish that was the best fight of the day and three embarrassingly small Kokes. No wind. Hot. Slow. Tried everything and every color. Two scents. At 11:30 we couldn’t even mark fish. They just disappeared. There were 13 boats launched at Curlew and the boat dock is now out of the water. Water temp was 64-66.

Anyone think it will improve as summer approaches?

[formulaben]

There were 13 boats launched at Curlew and the boat dock is now out of the water.

Were you at Lucky Peak or Anderson Ranch?

[Tazman]

ANDERSON Ranch

[MMDON]

We fished Thursday. Launched at 6:00- fished till 11:00. Score: one squaw fish that was the best fight of the day and three embarrassingly small Kokes. No wind. Hot. Slow. Tried everything and every color. Two scents. At 11:30 we couldn’t even mark fish. They just disappeared. There were 13 boats launched at Curlew and the boat dock is now out of the water. Water temp was 64-66.

Anyone think it will improve as summer approaches?

Not likely. It would seem the fish have suffered from a bacterial die off. It appears to be prevalent in Kokes due to their schooling and shoaling nature. It makes diseases, viruses and bacteria easy to spread.

[MMDON]

40 years ago I noticed something while ice fishing at Turners ramp. There were lots of people ice fishing. What I saw was that the people catching fish in a counter clockwise rotation, I would watch and every 45 minutes our poles would get bites. SO I've wondered if it makes a difference in the direction I'm trolling? Clockwise or counter clockwise. I don't know how far the fish cruised up the reservoir before circling back. Or was it different schools 45 minutes apart. Just things in my mind that makes me go .. Hummm and scratch my head. Ow I got a sliver....
Tight lines
John.

Good eye. You can see the kokes in a virtual sense as you watch the bite of a school move around the lake. If the fish tend to move counter clockwise you would want to troll clockwise. An explanation for that is most kokes like to head into the current so they can filter feed on plankton. A bet might be that the current is going the opposite way you see the bite heading.

[Tazman]

Launched before the sun came up. No action till 10:30 then sporadic action. Ran two stacked downriggers and most hit the upper line 15-20’. All colors seemed to work. Used scent and hot corn. LOST TWO BIG FISH. I think they we Chinook feeding on the Kokes. We could see them on the Garmin and they were down to 100’ below where we located Kokes. Last fish caught when getting ready to quit about 1:30. 3 15” footballs, a small one, and a 13” rainbow. We were fishing for some company that wanted fresh fish for dinner. Success. I really wish we had landed the two nice lost fish. Who doesn’t.

10145

[DannyMoon]

Launched before the sun came up. No action till 10:30 then sporadic action. Ran two stacked downriggers and most hit the upper line 15-20’. All colors seemed to work. Used scent and hot corn. LOST TWO BIG FISH. I think they we Chinook feeding on the Kokes. We could see them on the Garmin and they were down to 100’ below where we located Kokes. Last fish caught when getting ready to quit about 1:30. 3 15” footballs, a small one, and a 13” rainbow. We were fishing for some company that wanted fresh fish for dinner. Success. I really wish we had landed the two nice lost fish. Who doesn’t.

10145

Thanks for the post. I'm going to give it a shot. But the thing is, my boat doesn't have long range, no downrigger and no fish finder. Just an electric trolling motor. I'll try different depths a little off shore and see if I can get lucky. Would you say Turner or Spring Shores area is better for kokes? Or does it not matter?

[crappieslayer]

Good eye. You can see the kokes in a virtual sense as you watch the bite of a school move around the lake. If the fish tend to move counter clockwise you would want to troll clockwise. An explanation for that is most kokes like to head into the current so they can filter feed on plankton. A bet might be that the current is going the opposite way you see the bite heading.

When I was trolling last week, every pass didn't matter whether I was going west or east (with current or against), I caught fish. Almost exactly same amount each way...

[Tazman]

Most were concentrated north of North Shores it seamed. Just off the point on the East side.

That is what we observed anyway.

[callelk]

Yesterday was my 5th trip of the year and only the 2nd time I landed fish. Thursday, I landed two 13-14” and was discouraged when a fish hawk dove, thrashed around for some time and eventually flew off with a 19+” Koke that was such a football the bird could hardly fly. Yesterday I got my revenge, released one about 10” and kept a 16” and 19 1/2” fish. Gooseneck had at least a dozen boats, but I only seen two fish landed.

I have not fished LP for 3 years because of the reportedly poor fishing conditions. The large fish yesterday was taken at 25’ with a double dodger setup and I have thrown everything at them this year and nothing is consistent.

Really discouraging…………..

[formulaben]

Most were concentrated north of North Shores it seamed. Just off the point on the East side.

That is what we observed anyway.

Spring Shores?

[Tazman]

Correct. Spring Shores. Me bad.

[DannyMoon]

Correct. Spring Shores. Me bad.

I took your advice with me, but it seemed all the boats and people I talked to go south. Running on battery, I don't have huge range so I had to pick a direction. I followed everyone else, had one koke on (lost it) using a 3 oz weight, probably 25 ft down or so, on green dodger and squid. I'll try the north side next time because quite frankly, there were a few too many boats on the south side's hot spot, even on Tuesday at sunrise.

[Tazman]

I agree. Most of the time we work the south side however the last time out, the fish had moved north. Probably had to do with their food supply. When boats catch fish, the others seem to herd up. The last time, all the fish we caught were on the north end of the shore. Fish move, probably due to the location of their food. Another note: the Chinook were really feeding on the Kokes. We saw many big fish down 80-100’. Hooked two big ones that threw the hook at the boat.

[formulaben]

Correct. Spring Shores. Me bad.

Thanks, just making sure I'm not ignorant of local landmarks. I still wish to find a detailed map with names of all the gulches, and also those that are nicknames such as pipeline, etc.

[DannyMoon]

I agree. Most of the time we work the south side however the last time out, the fish had moved north. Probably had to do with their food supply. When boats catch fish, the others seem to herd up. The last time, all the fish we caught were on the north end of the shore. Fish move, probably due to the location of their food. Another note: the Chinook were really feeding on the Kokes. We saw many big fish down 80-100’. Hooked two big ones that threw the hook at the boat.

Went out again today. This time less boats and the boats were spread out not herding in one spot. Caught my first koke ever right around 7am. A nice 18 incher. Not north or south, kind of right across from the boat launch. Feels good because I've tried many times, no fish finder, no downrigger. inflatable boat. Ha ha, makes it a little sweeter with that setup because you have very low expectations. Thanks to all who contribute on this forum.

[Tazman]

We were out as well. I have the 19’ boat with the hard top cab. We’re you in the raft with the electric outboard? We were fishing for the big Chinooks today. Not a bite. Switched to Kokes later. One nice fish on and lost. Boy the water was really churned up from the power boaters. Probably my last trip till fall. SLOW and busy after 11:00. Still a beautiful day but getting crowded. I can’t imagine what weekends are like.

[DannyMoon]

We were out as well. I have the 19’ boat with the hard top cab. We’re you in the raft with the electric outboard? We were fishing for the big Chinooks today. Not a bite. Switched to Kokes later. One nice fish on and lost. Boy the water was really churned up from the power boaters. Probably my last trip till fall. SLOW and busy after 11:00. Still a beautiful day but getting crowded. I can’t imagine what weekends are like.

Yeah, was out there from about 6:30 to 9:30. We are the only ones ever out there in an inflatable, so that was me. Can't say I remember your boat in particular. Next time I see a 19' with a hard top I'll say hi. It was slow after 1st koke. It fought hard and hook was actually barely on from under its gill, not even in mouth, maybe the other hook popped out of mouth. Pretty lucky catch. We were thrilled to get that one so we made a big loop and ended early without another bite. I guess we missed the rush of speedsters that eventually came. Next year I'll be buying a truck and real boat. But couldn't wait to try koke fishing before that. Too bad it's so busy there but hey, Boise is a pretty big growing metro area.

[G3 longliner]

Yeah, was out there from about 6:30 to 9:30. We are the only ones ever out there in an inflatable, so that was me. Can't say I remember your boat in particular. Next time I see a 19' with a hard top I'll say hi. It was slow after 1st koke. It fought hard and hook was actually barely on from under its gill, not even in mouth, maybe the other hook popped out of mouth. Pretty lucky catch. We were thrilled to get that one so we made a big loop and ended early without another bite. I guess we missed the rush of speedsters that eventually came. Next year I'll be buying a truck and real boat. But couldn't wait to try koke fishing before that. Too bad it's so busy there but hey, Boise is a pretty big growing metro area.

Danny your screwed First KOK 18 in. It is now in your blood You will be shopping for a boat - welcome to the the society of KOK heads You are right about the speedsters ( we call googins ) just dont carry a gun you might be tempted to use it I have been doing a lot of yelling and finger waving latlely Its going to get worse But there are a few fisherman just as bad Namely the guy in the hugh red jet boat Hey just plan on being off by 11 Good luck kid

[davet]

Yeah, was out there from about 6:30 to 9:30. We are the only ones ever out there in an inflatable, so that was me. Can't say I remember your boat in particular. Next time I see a 19' with a hard top I'll say hi. It was slow after 1st koke. It fought hard and hook was actually barely on from under its gill, not even in mouth, maybe the other hook popped out of mouth. Pretty lucky catch. We were thrilled to get that one so we made a big loop and ended early without another bite. I guess we missed the rush of speedsters that eventually came. Next year I'll be buying a truck and real boat. But couldn't wait to try koke fishing before that. Too bad it's so busy there but hey, Boise is a pretty big growing metro area.

I too happen to use an inflatable this year for Kokanee, 13ft blue tributary raft. Been able to rig it up pretty well for Kokanee as long as they are within a couple miles of the boat ramp haha. If you need ideas on rod holder set ups, fish finder set ups etc let me know I can show you what I came up with. Boated a decent number of fish this year with it, the ones at lucky peak are tanks this year pretty amazing. Good work, keep at them however you have to.

[DannyMoon]

I too happen to use an inflatable this year for Kokanee, 13ft blue tributary raft. Been able to rig it up pretty well for Kokanee as long as they are within a couple miles of the boat ramp haha. If you need ideas on rod holder set ups, fish finder set ups etc let me know I can show you what I came up with. Boated a decent number of fish this year with it, the ones at lucky peak are tanks this year pretty amazing. Good work, keep at them however you have to.

NIce raft! I'm using a Sea Eagle STS10. I like that yours doesn't seem to need floor boards, which is the hardest part setting mine up in the morning. I've seen something about fish finders that stick on to the raft. I'm curious about info you have on getting a fish finder on an inflatable. Thanks.

[callelk]

Fished from 6:30 to 11:00, not a hit from spring shores to charcoal. Seen one net in the water for a little rainbow but that's it

[G3 longliner]

Fished from 6:30 to 11:00, not a hit from spring shores to charcoal. Seen one net in the water for a little rainbow but that's it

prob us at charcoal creek- caught a small rainbow then a 10 in kok that was it going tomorow for prob last time think they in spawn mode

[mowrus]

Fished from 6:30 to 11:00, not a hit from spring shores to charcoal. Seen one net in the water for a little rainbow but that's it We fished Saturday the same time and NOTHING..🤔🤔.Pretty sad..

[Tazman]

On the lake at 6:00. Fished till 12:30 then had lunch at he spring diner. Tried everything. Caught 2 small Kokes. Kept one because it was bleeding. Just filleted it and my partner and his wife will have a nice meal. We fished double rigs on both downriggers, shallower than I have been. Caught both on the upper line in probably 15-20’ of water. Started a Charcoal and trolled all the way to the springs. Caught both at the same place, around the 1/2 way point.

I am the boat with the hard top. We stick out as there have only been a few of these made. I always have my VHF radio on but seems like nobody else does. Idaho has the quietest VHF marine radio bands. If you ever have yours on, I respond to Tazman. Sherif and the county workers are the only responses I ever get.

We are headed to CDA for a week fo Chinook fishing. We will fish for Kokes a bit but I have a craving for some line ripping Chinooks. Probably won’t be back to LP until the third week of August.

Tight lines.

[Tazman]

10154

Made up for the terrible fishing

[G3 longliner]

10154

Made up for the terrible fishing

I have kept a log for last few years very end of July is the end of this years Koks they are spawning and even if ya catch a big one hes going be soft and blush The bad thing is the dinks start biting ( 9-10 in ) and most will die when ya release them So i quit for that reason Last 2 years there was some late ones from the north idaho planting that spawn later But that gene pool is done In my opinion hang it up so as to let the dinks grow for next year We shook two dinks yesterday and they both died Overall a good season at LP caught some nice 17-19 inchers

[Tazman]

We are done till next year although I wouldn’t mind catching some of the big Chinooks I keep seeing on the graph. We took a morning and just targeted them and had zero success. Seems like they are caught accidentally, not being targeted. If any secrets exist, let me know. I know there are some biguns in LP.

[DannyMoon]

We are done till next year although I wouldn’t mind catching some of the big Chinooks I keep seeing on the graph. We took a morning and just targeted them and had zero success. Seems like they are caught accidentally, not being targeted. If any secrets exist, let me know. I know there are some biguns in LP.

I saw someone recently post a pic of a huge chinook caught at Arrowrock. I wonder if the chances are better there? Have you tried?

[Spit the Hook]

Picture had to be from Lucky Peak or Anderson if it was a chinook from around here. Chinook have never been planted in Arrowrock.

[DannyMoon]

Picture had to be from Lucky Peak or Anderson if it was a chinook from around here. Chinook have never been planted in Arrowrock.

I searched for the photo on Facebook, sure enough, you're right! It was Anderson. I get them mixed up sometimes. Thanks for correcting the record.

[Tazman]

10161

My wife hooked up with a 18lb Chinook. I wish I could say Lucky Peak, although we practiced for 4 straight days. We fished CDA from 5 am till 9 or 10, then the power toys came out and churned up he lake. Hot and smokey. In 4 days of fishing HARD, we Ad only one strike and this was it. Feels good to be hope and excited to try out our new skills here at home.

[Pauli]

Hello Mr Webmaster.... possible to get the 2022 forums going?

Pauli