Trolling advice

[DonInDenver]

I'm going to try my hand at kokanee trolling for the first time this year and could use some advice, particularly on trolling speed and what to tip my little spoons and squids with. I'm coming to the Gorge May 15 for a week and again in early June. I have good electronics, a Canon downrigger with 8 lb. ball, line counter reel, ML trolling rod (8'), a handful of dodgers, small squids, kokanee killers, and Dick Nites (all in assorted colors). What should I tip the lures with? What speed range should I be running? Where should I be looking? Any colors or color combinations better than others?

I'm very familiar with the Gorge, but I've always just jigged for lake trout or fished for bass up there before, so trolling kokes is a whole new ballgame for me. Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Don

 

[codybunco]

I generally troll .8 - 1.2 mph. Do you have an instrument to measure your speed? I use the Luhr Jensen Luhr Speed Troll‑Speed Indicator. It is way over priced but the best for indicating speed if you do not have a speed indicator on our electronics. I'm a fan of Shoepeg Corn. You may want to try to cure your corn (add a scent). Also, kokanee like to find the 52 - 54 degree water. If the cool water is on top I will use a #70 orange hotshot with no flasher or corn, just the hotshot. My top rods are a couple G Loomis kokanee rods and they sure are fun to catch kokanee on. Good Luck!

 

[mrmike]

You stated you have good electronic use your GPS on your unit it will tell you your speed. I usually at 1.5 to 1.7hoping you have that feature on your unit. Good luck.

 

[mrmike]

Check your regulation for the body of water fishing zI thing I read somewhere over there corn is not permitted.

 

[Mike]

I fished corn all last season on the gorge with awesome results, never touched a mealy. As far as I knew last year was the first year it was legal, but I could be mistaken.

 

[DonInDenver]

Thanks for all the info. That was exactly the type of help I was hoping to receive. What about bait other than corn? It's illegal to use or possess corn while fishing in Utah, and I generally launch at Lucerne.

 

[0 DARK 30]

The majority of Kokanee fishermen use gulp maggots at the Gorge, pink, green or natural all work well. I've used them for years with excellent results. Corn is legal in Wyoming but you should check Utah. Regulations.

 

[DonInDenver]

Thanks! I'll pick up some Gulp maggots.

 

[Kokaholic]

Corn is legal in Wyoming, however NOT in Utah.

Pink and natural gulp maggots are always a sure bet.

 

[Propnut69]

The only other thing I would consider is some smelly jelly. I use Kokanee Hammer with ultra corn. Just smear some on the back of your dodger. Am headed to the gorge the next 2 days,Wednesday and Thursday will make a post Thursday afternoon when we get home.

 

[DonInDenver]

Thanks. Where can I pick up kokanee Hammer? Does anyone in Manila sell it or maybe Lucerne?

 

[jacksonlaker]

Don, I would not put any scents on my gear. The stuff may or may not help you catch fish, but it will get all over your dodgers, squids and everything else. It is hard to remove. I have thrown out my gear after using that crap. There are days, especially in June where anything you throw down there will work. Kokanee fishing is not that complicated. All the advice given here has been excellent. When the bite is on, maggots or no maggots, white, green, pink...none of it matters. The Gorge is the best Koke fishery in the west. If you are fishing in middle of May, you may try flatlining if you don't have planer boards. I use snap weights. Let out 40' of line, clip on a 1/2 or 3/4 oz snap weight, let out another 60 to 80 feet. Stick it a rod holder and watch it bend over. Use the same lures as your down rigger rods.

 

[DonInDenver]

Thanks very much! I appreciate the help.