Newbie!

[DrJohn]

Hey Guys,

I usually chase steelhead with a spey rod. However, I do live on a lake with Kokanee. I would like to catch my first kokanee on a fly rod. The lake is 1000 acres and about 90 ft deep. I believe that I see the fish at 40 ft. It may be a challange to get down there with a fly rod. So any tips appreciated.

 

[SuperD]

While many here might not use an actual fly rod, many do use fly rod blanks in #3 - #5 wt. If you don't plan on investing in a downrigger, think about a make shift one using a stiff rod and a linecounter reel. Just about anything you can hang a heavy weight on and put to an accurate depth. If you tie you own flies, I'm betting you can do something in the Koke colors (pink, orange, green) that they will like.

Welcome to the boards.

 

[DRM]

John,
As i have not had time to try this, here is what Im planning.
On Lucky Peak, there are a few places that the Koks like to hang on a point about 40 feet down. When time permits plan on throwing a 5wt with a pink crystal bugger and strip it over there heads. My thinking is that at least one on them fish should come on up and smack the fly.... i HOPE.
I missed the window this spring, another idea is just to just use the boat to let out about 50 to 75 yards to line, ( after marking a school ) and then just strip it threw them, and see what happens. Just a few redneck ideas. 101idea101.
If you do go, let me know how and what you did.

 

[Bduck]

Welcome to the boards DrJohn. 101welcomw Your saying you are seeing fish at 40' so is it a safe assumption you are in a boat with a sonar unit? You can also try deep six, dempsy divers, or pink lady without the use of a downrigger. These will help you achieve depth according to size purchased. Using a rod with a little more backbone would help with these gadgets.

 

[SuperD]

If one doesn't have a method they are confident with in getting to the right depth, jigging would be the next best bet. Mark the fly line every 10' with a sharpie and jig on top of their head with something bright and weighted.