Wickiup

[rods58]

Bigger fish

Mike

Wickiup is all natural production. I too believe that fewer fish in there has led to larger sizes overall. I also think the high water years we have seen the last two years is really helpful. Where we may differ is that I would rather catch an average of 10-12 larger fish from 16-20" per outing than limit out on 12" fish. There are plenty of lakes to get the smaller kokanee around here, I LOVE those bigger fish that Wickiup produces

I too like the bigger fish

 

[Lip Ripper]

The fish look to me like they are Coho and not Sockeye what are your thoughts on this?

 

[Metal Manipulator]

Coho Plantings

The fish look to me like there are Coho and not Sockeye what are your thoughts on this?

You are right there are Coho in the lake. They planted those along with the Kokanee over the years.

 

[mrmike]

That one confuses me I check the stocking schedule for 2013 at Wizard Hatchery Odell/Wickiup don't get stocked there natural producing stock as for Coho that questionable they say they stock Atlantic Salmon through out the state with trout there are rainbow in Wickiup possible Atlantic Salmon were mixed with the trout as Atlantic Salmon breed in fresh water I agree there are some that look different then kokanee.

 

[Fallriverguy]

I use to catch coho regularly about 12 years ago then over the next couple of years my catch rate went to zero. It seems they were not successful reproducing naturally. All the fish I catch now are kokanee. I base this on the tail shape and more importantly, the number and length of gill rakers.

 

[Metal Manipulator]

I use to catch coho regularly about 12 years ago then over the next couple of years my catch rate went to zero. It seems they were not successful reproducing naturally. All the fish I catch now are kokanee. I base this on the tail shape and more importantly, the number and length of gill rakers.

Could you define these specifics for us. It would be nice to know when I visit any of our lakes.

Thanks
Robin

 

[Fallriverguy]

http://nwoutdoorwriter.com/Tips/kokanee_or_chinook.htm

The above link gives a pretty good explanation of the differences between the gill rakers of kokanee and other salmon. Really, this is the litmus test for identifying kokanee.

 

[Metal Manipulator]

Thanks Fall River Guy. That will make it easy.

 

[rainORsnow1]

Did anybody ever find out when the opener is? I can't find any regs...

 

[mrmike]

The regulation state April 27th 2013 see you there