Just heard from a pretty reliable source that another Wallowa Couty local just caught a record fish at Wallowa Lake. Some confusion as to whether it weighed 9.8 pounds or 9 pounds 8 ounces, but either way it would break the current world record fish from British Columbia that weighed 9 pounds 6 ounces. Will share more info as it emerges.
New World Record!!!?
- Thread starter pimpler
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smokin' Kokes
Well-known member
another world record first week of August?
12 pounder+
12 pounder+
kokanee kombine
Active member
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- Mar 26, 2010
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world record
hey pimpler,you are correct.my father in law who lives in josrph was at the store at weighin and saw the fish along with half the town.he said it came in at 9 lbs,10 ounces .guess we will find out,we are headed to the lake for a couple days this after noon.the guy said he lost one bigger yet,but it's not in the boat to weigh!go wallowa lake!
hey pimpler,you are correct.my father in law who lives in josrph was at the store at weighin and saw the fish along with half the town.he said it came in at 9 lbs,10 ounces .guess we will find out,we are headed to the lake for a couple days this after noon.the guy said he lost one bigger yet,but it's not in the boat to weigh!go wallowa lake!
The enjoyment of fishing is the fishing and not the catching. Every fisherman dreams of someday catching the big one. If I have given even one other fisherman the enjoyment of the anticipation that the next fish he hooks could be the new world record I am totally happy. The influx of fishermen and their families and the money they spend in Wallowa County is good for our economy and I can still enjoy my time on the lake because I don't care who catches the biggest fish - I just want everyone to enjoy the time they spend fishing on one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Lip Ripper
Well-known member
Gilligan,
I was one of those poor suckers that came through your town in April. And I spent several hundreds of dollars and I didn't see any body that didn't want my money. So just set back and enjoy the crowd and it will be gone before you know it. Then all of the businesses can say what a nice summer it was. You might look at the Green Peter forum and that's where I live and see how people help people. My hat is off for the input that Pimpler has helped several people be a better fisherman, maybe you should practice it also.
I was one of those poor suckers that came through your town in April. And I spent several hundreds of dollars and I didn't see any body that didn't want my money. So just set back and enjoy the crowd and it will be gone before you know it. Then all of the businesses can say what a nice summer it was. You might look at the Green Peter forum and that's where I live and see how people help people. My hat is off for the input that Pimpler has helped several people be a better fisherman, maybe you should practice it also.
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Kokanee Wizard
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- Dec 15, 2008
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- 30
Pimpler, you've hit it spot on. I hope someday to catch a big one but for me it's more about the fishing, the scenery, and the company. Wallowa is special in a number of areas. I concur, it's one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
I was in the dark gray Duckworth on May 22nd when it was snowing on us. It was good to talk briefly to you. I wish I lived closer so I could fish it more often. I envy you. Best Wishes and thanks for sharing the information.
I was in the dark gray Duckworth on May 22nd when it was snowing on us. It was good to talk briefly to you. I wish I lived closer so I could fish it more often. I envy you. Best Wishes and thanks for sharing the information.
Gilligan112
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- May 24, 2010
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I figured I'd get ripped for that..
Hey guys,
I did not mean to offend everyone. My point to P was simply "Why ruin a good fishing hole by inviting everyone?" P has caught many more big fish than I have. I would never trash my local fishing hole. He has done that in spades! I hope you all forgive me for speaking out.
Hey guys,
I did not mean to offend everyone. My point to P was simply "Why ruin a good fishing hole by inviting everyone?" P has caught many more big fish than I have. I would never trash my local fishing hole. He has done that in spades! I hope you all forgive me for speaking out.
Tdog
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- May 11, 2010
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- 1
Reasonable Concern for a Fragile Fishery
What ever happened to doing the work yourself? I believe that half the challenge of fishing is the work that is put in to successfully find a pattern that produces the big fish.
Wallowa is a small Lake and a relatively fragile fishery. While Flaming Gorge and some of the other larger systems can accomodate significant pressure, I think it is reasonable to have concerns about what level of fishing pressure Wallowa can endure before it has a negative affect on the future of the fishery, especially the large strain of fish that are being targeted.
We can talk all day about how great it is to support all of the businesses in the area, but who is going to support them if the fishery is over utilized? I think that's what they call "robbing from Peter to pay Paul"?
As a fisherman who has fished the Lake for a lot of years, as well as one who would like to continue to fish the Lake long after this big fish hype has passed, I think these questions deserve serious consideration.
Statistically, it is very likely that the attention and the coresponding pressure from all of that attention will have a negative impact on the fishery. This cycle has repeated itself pretty much any place that is within reasonable reach of the majority of the fisherman.
The good news is that we all have a chance to fish for the next world record Kokanee. The bad news may be that Wallowa will never be the same after such an amazing season.
If there is any question whatsoever about the future of the fishery then I think a reduced bag limit for over-sized fish would be a great idea and would probably discourage some of the out-of-town fisherman from coming for the wrong reason. It's pretty near impossible to have quantity and quality at the same time and expect a fishery to hold up to the pressure.
If as a trophy fishery it is to be fished, then as a trophy fihery it should be managed.
What ever happened to doing the work yourself? I believe that half the challenge of fishing is the work that is put in to successfully find a pattern that produces the big fish.
Wallowa is a small Lake and a relatively fragile fishery. While Flaming Gorge and some of the other larger systems can accomodate significant pressure, I think it is reasonable to have concerns about what level of fishing pressure Wallowa can endure before it has a negative affect on the future of the fishery, especially the large strain of fish that are being targeted.
We can talk all day about how great it is to support all of the businesses in the area, but who is going to support them if the fishery is over utilized? I think that's what they call "robbing from Peter to pay Paul"?
As a fisherman who has fished the Lake for a lot of years, as well as one who would like to continue to fish the Lake long after this big fish hype has passed, I think these questions deserve serious consideration.
Statistically, it is very likely that the attention and the coresponding pressure from all of that attention will have a negative impact on the fishery. This cycle has repeated itself pretty much any place that is within reasonable reach of the majority of the fisherman.
The good news is that we all have a chance to fish for the next world record Kokanee. The bad news may be that Wallowa will never be the same after such an amazing season.
If there is any question whatsoever about the future of the fishery then I think a reduced bag limit for over-sized fish would be a great idea and would probably discourage some of the out-of-town fisherman from coming for the wrong reason. It's pretty near impossible to have quantity and quality at the same time and expect a fishery to hold up to the pressure.
If as a trophy fishery it is to be fished, then as a trophy fihery it should be managed.
smokin' Kokes
Well-known member
I did not see that heavy of fishing pressure on Wallowa Lake the first week of June that I was there. The most boats I saw out on the lake fishing at any time was no more than 12 or so.
The town of Joseph needs all the economic help it can get from tourist dollars with the downturn in cattle prices, the ranching economy, logging industry and tourist real estate. The majority of businesses in town were land speculation related real estate companies, we know where real estate prices have went.
It's obvious from talking with the locals and the state park staff that much of the young people employment depends on the tourist industry, sightseers, tram riders, water skiers, jet skiers and a few fisher people. One young woman I talked with had taken a temp job in the tourist industry so that she could stay in the town where she was born and raise her son, a single mother with spunk and drive.
The lake protectors have far more to worry about than a few "outsider" fisher people coming in to use the lake and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Wallowas. Dozens of new homes with septic tanks and commercially fertilized lawns have went in on the western shore of the lake with dozens if not hundreds more to follow, REAL lake and fish killers. The crystal clear high plankton levels clean water of Lake Wallowa will be gone forever in a few years from high levels of introduced nitrogens and bio matter from the failed septic tank systems and fertilizers.
Most of us come there to catch ONE fish, not dozens that we can and do from other lakes that are high fish count producers with consistent spawn production yearly. I turned most back using gentle circle hooks that set in the corner of the mouth and use a live release rubberized net and only kept 2.
The only catch and kill fishery I saw on Wallowa was the small planted rainbows.
pimpler has done all real fishermen a friendly fishing camaraderie gesture, giving some basic tips on the lake. I made my plans and booked my reservation to fish Wallowa long before he caught his "BIG ONE" which he earned by hours of diligence, hard work and fishing in bad weather.
All of us that are stewards and protectors of sports fishing had mentors who taught us the sport; showed us how to put on that first huge hammered long heart shaped brass salmon spinner 50 years ago, taught us the drifts in a special steelhead stream that they had learned from their grandfather, showed their neighbor's son how to tie on his first dry fly and make it settle lightly on the water without a ripple. Fishing is about teaching those who follow us the thrill and enjoyment of the outdoors, not hogging it selfishly to oneself like a secret in the dark
The GREAT FATHER put the lake there for all to enjoy in a reserved respectful way and not just for the "locals".
Cliff
The town of Joseph needs all the economic help it can get from tourist dollars with the downturn in cattle prices, the ranching economy, logging industry and tourist real estate. The majority of businesses in town were land speculation related real estate companies, we know where real estate prices have went.
It's obvious from talking with the locals and the state park staff that much of the young people employment depends on the tourist industry, sightseers, tram riders, water skiers, jet skiers and a few fisher people. One young woman I talked with had taken a temp job in the tourist industry so that she could stay in the town where she was born and raise her son, a single mother with spunk and drive.
The lake protectors have far more to worry about than a few "outsider" fisher people coming in to use the lake and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Wallowas. Dozens of new homes with septic tanks and commercially fertilized lawns have went in on the western shore of the lake with dozens if not hundreds more to follow, REAL lake and fish killers. The crystal clear high plankton levels clean water of Lake Wallowa will be gone forever in a few years from high levels of introduced nitrogens and bio matter from the failed septic tank systems and fertilizers.
Most of us come there to catch ONE fish, not dozens that we can and do from other lakes that are high fish count producers with consistent spawn production yearly. I turned most back using gentle circle hooks that set in the corner of the mouth and use a live release rubberized net and only kept 2.
The only catch and kill fishery I saw on Wallowa was the small planted rainbows.
pimpler has done all real fishermen a friendly fishing camaraderie gesture, giving some basic tips on the lake. I made my plans and booked my reservation to fish Wallowa long before he caught his "BIG ONE" which he earned by hours of diligence, hard work and fishing in bad weather.
All of us that are stewards and protectors of sports fishing had mentors who taught us the sport; showed us how to put on that first huge hammered long heart shaped brass salmon spinner 50 years ago, taught us the drifts in a special steelhead stream that they had learned from their grandfather, showed their neighbor's son how to tie on his first dry fly and make it settle lightly on the water without a ripple. Fishing is about teaching those who follow us the thrill and enjoyment of the outdoors, not hogging it selfishly to oneself like a secret in the dark
The GREAT FATHER put the lake there for all to enjoy in a reserved respectful way and not just for the "locals".
Cliff
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Gilligan112
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- May 24, 2010
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My appologies to the moderators..
I got an email from the moderators explaining why my original post was pulled. They were quite correct. Being a newbie to this type of fishing board, I didn't realize I could simply PM a member. My bad.
The sharing of fishing techniques and tales of success are great, in my book. However, "Call someplace paradise......kiss it goodbye." And that is precisely what we're dealing with here this summer.
I got an email from the moderators explaining why my original post was pulled. They were quite correct. Being a newbie to this type of fishing board, I didn't realize I could simply PM a member. My bad.
The sharing of fishing techniques and tales of success are great, in my book. However, "Call someplace paradise......kiss it goodbye." And that is precisely what we're dealing with here this summer.
TopFuelKokanee
Well-known member
This site is open for discussion of all things kokanee (and other things as well). We will not all agree with each other. That is ok. But what will not be tolerated is name calling or disparaging comments toward a particular person. That is why I deleted the earlier post by Giligan112. So please continue discussion, but keep it civil.
The world record was broken yesterday at Wallowa 9 pounds and 7.76 ounces. I tried for four days to get the big one but didnt make it. I even got spooled once in the process. A fellow from Pendleton caught the big one right after i pulled out.
smokin' Kokes
Well-known member
the Big Ones make runs like sturgeon or halibut, just keep slogging like a freight locomotive. no wild jumps, no concerted body twisting and contortions, just keep peeling off line.
my 6 pounder peeled off 100 yards like nothing, I didn't turn him, he turned on his own several times.
my 6 pounder peeled off 100 yards like nothing, I didn't turn him, he turned on his own several times.
vvBob
Active member
I don't know why guys are so worried about this fishery. Do you think the lake is going to get fished out??.....Most of those big fish will die this fall of natural cause.
Then the cycle will begin anew.
I was up there the last week in May, Joesph can certainly use the publicity.
Then the cycle will begin anew.
I was up there the last week in May, Joesph can certainly use the publicity.
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Fallriverguy
Well-known member
I don't think it is so much that the lake will be fished out, but more about upsetting the balance between the kokanee and the mysis shrimp. As far as I know, Wallowa is the only koknaee lake with introduced mysis shrimp that has not crashed. If managed correctly, it might be possible for this to be a sustained trophy kokanee fishery.
May the big Wallowa kokanee continue to gobble up the shrimp and grow to amazing sizes!
And, congrats to the fisherman who landed an amazing kokanee!
May the big Wallowa kokanee continue to gobble up the shrimp and grow to amazing sizes!
And, congrats to the fisherman who landed an amazing kokanee!
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jzell
Well-known member
I share the concerns voiced by FRG. No question last year and this will have a lasting effect on the local economy from visiting fishermen. What effect the increased pressure (whatever that increased level may be) will have on the fishery and the balance of aquatic life therein, is yet to be known.
The internet and the regional media and it's speed of delivery definitely has a huge effect on the increased level of pressure. When records are set the flood gates open big time.
Be wise and take only what you need and make sure you leave plenty for the future.
The internet and the regional media and it's speed of delivery definitely has a huge effect on the increased level of pressure. When records are set the flood gates open big time.
Be wise and take only what you need and make sure you leave plenty for the future.
fishslayer13
Well-known member
I have gone over to wallowa, once last year and twice this year.
The first trip this year was in the snow storm in may that dumped 4 inches of snow. That trip we caught 3 fish over 3 lbs and 2 over four. This last weekend we caught 35 kokes, 2 were in the low 3 lb mark and the rest were
12 to 16 inches. Out of them 2 trips 5 fish came home with us !
So not all non-residents are there to fish it out.
I wish I could have figured out how to catch the big ones last weekend but it just didnt happen. The most boats I saw were about fifteen. Im not thinking that this will fish out a lake or harm the population of kokes. Like vvbob states they will die. I do belive an adjustment could be made on the limits.
I marked on my fish finder hundreds upon hundred of fish both days.
I very much admire and look up to pimpler for his pure heart and love of fishing for kokes. I hope to meet him some day!
When pulling out my boat on sunday I talked to a nice guy who was telling me that he had fished in the boat he had, with father as he grew up. What a wonderful thing, I wish I would have ask him his name. There is more to fishing than catching fish as others have stated and to me thats the fun in life.
The area is full of great , nice and polite people. My wife and I love to go there for more than just the fishing.
I dont mind leaving the $500.00 for a weekend it cost me go for a couple days!
The first trip this year was in the snow storm in may that dumped 4 inches of snow. That trip we caught 3 fish over 3 lbs and 2 over four. This last weekend we caught 35 kokes, 2 were in the low 3 lb mark and the rest were
12 to 16 inches. Out of them 2 trips 5 fish came home with us !
So not all non-residents are there to fish it out.
I wish I could have figured out how to catch the big ones last weekend but it just didnt happen. The most boats I saw were about fifteen. Im not thinking that this will fish out a lake or harm the population of kokes. Like vvbob states they will die. I do belive an adjustment could be made on the limits.
I marked on my fish finder hundreds upon hundred of fish both days.
I very much admire and look up to pimpler for his pure heart and love of fishing for kokes. I hope to meet him some day!
When pulling out my boat on sunday I talked to a nice guy who was telling me that he had fished in the boat he had, with father as he grew up. What a wonderful thing, I wish I would have ask him his name. There is more to fishing than catching fish as others have stated and to me thats the fun in life.
The area is full of great , nice and polite people. My wife and I love to go there for more than just the fishing.
I dont mind leaving the $500.00 for a weekend it cost me go for a couple days!
hubtucker
Member
Just got back back today from Wallowa. Was there last Wednesday thru yesterday. Left anything below 17 inches to grow, however only came home with 4 fish, largest 20 1/2, four pounds. Threw back at least 15 to 20 fish a day, mostly 8 to 13 inches. Also, came home with a lot of memories. Fishing partner caught a 20 lb. (estimate) Mack on Friday. We did measure it at 34 inches. Hope to post a pic soon when he gets it to me. He had the only camera aboard.
HiTechKoke
Well-known member
+ FallRiverGuy
+ jzell
It's a bit of a dilemma when a lake breaks records 4 times within a year period it is definitely going to get some added pressure. The Internet and external coverage in press etc. can definitely play a factor where one decides to go fishing or in Wallowa's case take a vacation since thankfully it is out of the way for the majority of people.
The same thing applies to Flaming Gorge as they certainly have seen an influx of activity the last few years when they had what I'd like to call "silly fishing" a few years ago and I had the opportunity to fish it that year for a few days. The Gorge is a lot bigger body of water than Wallowa but they both get their winter time off to rest a bit.
One thing to consider about Wallowa from my understanding is that there is no external planting program unless you guys know otherwise. Wallowa's Kokanee population is dependent on the one headwater that feeds it or if there is any in-lake spawning capability that was discovered in the Gorge among the cliffs. That makes it more sensitive to the year to year populations that are able to spawn and if they are able to spawn do they have the normal conditions to spawn based on water flows and availability.
In California the majority of lakes have no natural spawning (with a handful of exceptions) so what is left at the end will die and not have the opportunity to contribute their genes onward. I'd sure like to see those Wallowa monsters spawning this fall. Given the depth and girth of the slugs this year I gotta think half of their bodies will be exposed above water as they jockey for the spawning beds. I hope it is a good water year so they have ample room to do the wild thing!
Kevin
+ jzell
It's a bit of a dilemma when a lake breaks records 4 times within a year period it is definitely going to get some added pressure. The Internet and external coverage in press etc. can definitely play a factor where one decides to go fishing or in Wallowa's case take a vacation since thankfully it is out of the way for the majority of people.
The same thing applies to Flaming Gorge as they certainly have seen an influx of activity the last few years when they had what I'd like to call "silly fishing" a few years ago and I had the opportunity to fish it that year for a few days. The Gorge is a lot bigger body of water than Wallowa but they both get their winter time off to rest a bit.
One thing to consider about Wallowa from my understanding is that there is no external planting program unless you guys know otherwise. Wallowa's Kokanee population is dependent on the one headwater that feeds it or if there is any in-lake spawning capability that was discovered in the Gorge among the cliffs. That makes it more sensitive to the year to year populations that are able to spawn and if they are able to spawn do they have the normal conditions to spawn based on water flows and availability.
In California the majority of lakes have no natural spawning (with a handful of exceptions) so what is left at the end will die and not have the opportunity to contribute their genes onward. I'd sure like to see those Wallowa monsters spawning this fall. Given the depth and girth of the slugs this year I gotta think half of their bodies will be exposed above water as they jockey for the spawning beds. I hope it is a good water year so they have ample room to do the wild thing!
Kevin
It is my understanding that there are both lake spawners and stream spawners. As far as the lake being fished out, the only fish taken were predominantly those over the 15" mark. Most others were released unharmed. There are a ton of fish in the lake. My fishfinder in the early morning was having screen spasms and crying out for mercy.
The population has been cyclical in the past with larger fish one year and smaller fish the next. So in saying that, we can expect some fluctuation. Some of the larger fish I caught were not mature, meaning they would have spawned next year. I like to open up the bellies and look to see what they have been eating and their bellies were full of the typical spring fare.
The shrimp have been in the lake for many years now and the lake has not crashed due to the shrimp population as in other lakes. This may be due in part to the layout of the lake in relation to the prevailing wind. The lake gradually slopes off one end to the deepest part and then slopes gradually up the opposite end. Possibly the lake is forced to turn over every time they get a good wind. When that happens it brings the shrimp up to the feeding area of the Kokanee which would keep the shrimp population under control. This is just my theory, but after doing extensive research on this, it makes sense. If you graph (with your fish finder) the end of the lake after a good wind, there is a large school of fish on the downwind side. They didn't get there by accident. When the sun comes out full, they (the fish) are gone.
The cause of the crash in all of the other shrimp infested lakes is that the shrimp migrate deep during the day and come up at night when the fish are more dormant. The fish in turn feed during the day while the shrimp are deep at night. In Kootenay Lake in Canada, where this whole shrimp thing started there were upwelling currents that brought the shrimp up to the shallows where the Kokanee could feed on them. Dams changed the current patterns and the kokanee population crashed. That isn't going to happen here!
The population has been cyclical in the past with larger fish one year and smaller fish the next. So in saying that, we can expect some fluctuation. Some of the larger fish I caught were not mature, meaning they would have spawned next year. I like to open up the bellies and look to see what they have been eating and their bellies were full of the typical spring fare.
The shrimp have been in the lake for many years now and the lake has not crashed due to the shrimp population as in other lakes. This may be due in part to the layout of the lake in relation to the prevailing wind. The lake gradually slopes off one end to the deepest part and then slopes gradually up the opposite end. Possibly the lake is forced to turn over every time they get a good wind. When that happens it brings the shrimp up to the feeding area of the Kokanee which would keep the shrimp population under control. This is just my theory, but after doing extensive research on this, it makes sense. If you graph (with your fish finder) the end of the lake after a good wind, there is a large school of fish on the downwind side. They didn't get there by accident. When the sun comes out full, they (the fish) are gone.
The cause of the crash in all of the other shrimp infested lakes is that the shrimp migrate deep during the day and come up at night when the fish are more dormant. The fish in turn feed during the day while the shrimp are deep at night. In Kootenay Lake in Canada, where this whole shrimp thing started there were upwelling currents that brought the shrimp up to the shallows where the Kokanee could feed on them. Dams changed the current patterns and the kokanee population crashed. That isn't going to happen here!
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