Trip to gorge ,Time?

[fishslayer13]

The wife and I are thinking of a trip to the Gorge again this year. We havent been in about 4 years or so.

We want to go when the fish are turning red. Want a couple big mounters is what we are after. Where we live here in Idaho we get all the eaters that we want with a 25 fish limit per day and they run up to about 15 inches.

Here the fish dont turn until about the end of Aug. By looking at the photos on here it looks to be earlier at the Gorge.
So if any one has any input as to a time frame I would greatly appreciate it.

Van

 

[SuperD]

Van,
the fish at the Gorge start turning pink at the end of July and getting a nice kipe in the nose and jaw. the real dark red is probably closer to your end of August time frame.

 

[fishslayer13]

Ok Thanks that was what I was kinda thinking from looking at all the old posts on here.

The kokanee in the Gorge must bank spawn ? So Im guessing that you would have to be in shallower to catch fish this time of year ?

 

[Downrigger]

There's actually two runs of spawning fish at the Gorge. The first run happens around the second week of August. These are typically smaller spawners and a smaller run. The big run occurs right around Labor Day every year.

The Kokes at the Gorge are the only known example (at least to UDWR and WYGF) of kokanee that spawn in the reservoir itself without going up a stream to spawn, although there are some that do go up stream still as well.

If you are looking for big red kokanee, you do not necessarily need to be close to the banks. I've found them at 75 feet in the middle of Pipeline and 80 feet at Anvil Draw. Really, more than anything, you need a little luck.

 

[wrightwyoming]

Mid to late August for the big reds. They are usually in deep water and schooled up with other fish. A 5lb fish is a good mount and the record is 6 pounder plus a few ounces. I will be there in August for 3 weeks, so if you need any help I will be camped at Buckboard crossing. Good Luck!

 

[fishslayer13]

Ok great info you guys! Thanks. wrightwyoming I will get back to you on seeing you down there. Would be fun. The wife caught a silver phase in Wallowa a couple years back that was an ounce over 6 pounds. I havent broken 5 lbs yet. But came close. That fishery has totally died when it come to kokes. The wife loves the gorge so is really wanting to go back.

Van

 

[froggie]

Nice looking giant silver bullet! She looks very HAPPY!!101props101

 

[rebelsportsman]

the women usually catch the big ones in my boat also...

 

[froggie]

Yeah, Tortuga is always saying his nickname is "Netboy".
Froggie

 

[fishslayer13]

I hear that a lot myself. Hurry and get the net for me this is a big one. If she ever sees this she will be calling me netboy too.
She has me beat on everything we catch trout ,salmon, & kokes, hers are always the big ones. She smoked me so bad when we took the boat to BC this last summer that it was flat embarrassing !! worthy12