5 Kokanee Vacations Hotspots for 2023

Enjoyed that content? Want to see more? Click here to subscribe bit.ly/3eADeto
If you want to support this channel consider becoming a community member by hitting the join button or alternatively check out my Patreon account. Members and Patrons get access to exclusive content and one on one interactions with me. Click here to learn more: / spiltmilt
In this live stream I will be highlighting 5 locations to vacation for the Kokanee angler. Included in this list will be destination that are best for trophy fish, best for diversity of lakes to fish nearby, and family friendly locations as well.
Look forward to seeing and chatting with you!

[@saltyOG]

I’m so mad I didn’t know Whiskey town had Kokanee. I lived in the Redding area for most of my life and never heard they were there. I used to SCUBA dive that lake often too. Thank you for these tips! I think I will make plans based of this video for my new adventures in my yak.

[@garyroenicke2102]

Update from mid July, all the lakes in California are full. New Malones and Don Pedro kicking out 19”+ fish and over 3lbs. Berryesa is bad, Stampede over fished, Bullards small again and Whiskeytown consistent. And that lake was red hot following the big fire there a few years ago. Thanks for the info

[@boise2Talay7886]

After living in Boise for 30 years I moved overseas so I can share some of that protected "Idaho fishing info" and not be concerned at all. One thing about all 3 reservoirs you mentioned near Boise but didn't include in your presentation is the other species to consider targeting. In addition to Rainbow trout a couple others to consider fishing for are land locked Chinook salmon and Smallmouth Bass. I do want to clarify I understand the techniques for catching those species versus Kokanee are much different. Your video from Payette Lake last year was awesome and while I knew it held Kokanee it never got much notoriety for anything but extremely large Mackinaw when I lived in Boise but you clearly demonstrated it has potential to be a great Kokanee fishery. There's also one of the more difficult to access but most beautiful reservoirs in Idaho to fish for Kokanee and trout called Deadwood that you might want to check out for yourself some day. I appreciate your effort to make content available on your channel that is both educational and entertaining to watch, keep up the great work!

[@tbone6924]

Very true! As a Boise resident he nailed this info, other than honestly Lucky Peak is not generally considered a kokanee hot spot by the locals...but there are many other smaller lakes in the area, one of which you mentioned, that are little kokanee "secrets" that in my opinion are much better fisheries than the 3 he mentioned.

[@tishdyph]

Thanks!

[@spiltmilt]

Thank you!

[@stevenderusha6421]

Great report, thanks for the great info

[@boba-mg5md]

Thanks so much for all the tips greatly appreciated

[@tbone6924]

As a Boise resident, I loved this report!

[@chrisakins3266]

Thanks for the shout out !

[@mikePNW]

Another great video, Tyler! Most informative channel out there. Gonna try for some Kokanee this year for the first time. I live in Yacolt, so I figure Merwin and Yale to start. Will definitely have questions 😅

[@Daniel-ow2gk]

If youre heading up to the cariboo through the okanagan you should try Kalamalka on the way. Good size kokanee in there as well but not worth fishing once its warm enough for the wakeboard boats. The cariboo is also the holy land of stillwater fly fishing for trout on the fly so could be worth a try

[@spiltmilt]

It’s already on the hit list 👍

[@DavidGibson-hn8eh]

Thank you, for all your videos. I started kayak fishing last spring. In fact the first time I took it on the water was about the same time you were on Andersen ranch. Under your schooling I cought my first kokanee on Arrowrock about a month or two later. Started with a bang 16 inch. FYI the three Boise river dams are mainly irrigation storage. Lucky peak is fullest longest, because it is big recreation too. But buy late August it to is getting low. Last year Anderson Ranch was FULL about the first of June. Two or three weeks later it was going down. All three look bad most of the year . But they do have fish, Thanks again.

[@tannerfiez4977]

Great video! It is a shame wickiup cannot be included anymore in the La Pine trip. For the Oregon lakes, could be worth keeping in mind after June they can get algae problems that restrict fishing, and in Idaho it seems the lucky peak/arrow rock fish spawn somewhat early and often start turning in July.

[@steveliske220]

Thanks for the tip on the Kokanee Tackle shop in Boise. I will definitely stop by during an upcoming trip. Who should I ask to speak with, and should I mention that you referred me to him? Thanks.

[@rickw9169]

Thanks for steering people way from California. I appreciate it. Seriously.

[@tbone6924]

He probably hates California like the rest of us LOL. The problem is that we need to steer the Californians in their mass exodus of that train wreck away from the States he does mention.

[@spiltmilt]

I love California. I'd move there in a heart beat if I could I afford to. Where else can you go Kokanee fishing in the morning and be out chasing Bluefin tuna in the evening.

[@rickw9169]

@@tbone6924 No, I do not hate California at all. In fact, it is my home. I had the best Kokanee year of my life last year in California. I just don't like the crowds and tournaments and such. It's going to be a great year with all the lakes refilling.

[@chubbrock659]

Commie fornia 😂

[@rickw9169]

@@chubbrock659 You really think this is the right place to be posting nonsense? Its about fishing.

[@stephenarmstrong7354]

Great video. My cousins brother holds the State record for kokanee out of Wallowa Lake.

[@justingordon9384]

So he holds the world record? Lol

[@hazzard4475]

I'm headed to curlew next weekend for perch through the ice. Been doing it a few years now but haven't connected with any kokes through the ice yet. Rainbows and perch as you know have been good there.

[@tbone6924]

kokanee are extremely difficult to target with ice fishing...usually they occur as just occasional "accidental" catches.

[@spiltmilt]

Not true very easy to catch thru the ice kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqindIaBaa6Cmdk

[@amaraltv1401]

Water levels in California is best it’s been in years in my opinion right now

[@jaredhodges4093]

Great info as always Tyler! I live 25 minutes from lucky peak and arrowrock reservoirs. I have fished them at least 100 times. When you’re ready to go and get to Boise, I’ll take you out. I have one of the nicest setups money can buy. Jared

[@saltywalrusfishingcompany]

Thanks for this video! I'll be in nampa starting in April for work. As a lake Michigan guy I appreciate all the info t hat convinced me to bring one of my yaks. I'm catching up on all your kokanee videos but interested if you have any more specific tips for boise Idaho?

[@spiltmilt]

Be sure and check out my Anderson Ranch video kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKuwqnR8pbqdn9E

[@saltywalrusfishingcompany]

@@spiltmilt awesome, I'll be sure to check it out! Thanks again for all the great content, really looking forward to trying a new fishery

[@chrismelton67]

Great video. Assuming you spent a couple of days at these locations, where did you stay?

[@spiltmilt]

AirBnB's, camped, hotels, it depended on the location.

[@joesutherland225]

Kakawa lake near hope bc .fly into Vancouver and be at the lake 2hrs by car great in spring

[@edbaker4260]

Great information. I have to pick up a new trailer in Nampa Idaho so planning to tow my kayaks up and fish Anderson ranch and Payette lakes load the kayak trailer on the new trailer I am picking up and come home. I live in Reno not far from one your favorite suppliers

[@bradfarrahgerwing154]

Happy new year bud.....Can't wait until end of April when the ice comes off my lake....Bridge lake in the Canadian Cariboo You have helped me dial things down, thank you

[@harryjayne5306]

Where is the best location to start at Fontanelle? I am from Twin Falls and am planning a trip there this season. Bass lake in CA has been a KOUS place to try. Love your videos.

[@spiltmilt]

Launch at Fontanelle Creek. Troll down the middle towards the dam until you find them.

[@jeffbrady4281]

I'm a subscriber and always give you thumbs up. 😁 Any chance you could comment back what those California lakes are that are awesome for Kokanee if the water levels are good? I live in the Sacramento area.

[@spiltmilt]

New Melones and Shaver would be the top of my hit list.

[@jeffbrady4281]

@@spiltmilt thanks 😁👍

[@hazzard4475]

What are your thoughts on curlew lake kokanee? It's starting to produce some nice fish.

[@spiltmilt]

Two years ago they were huge but the size is coming down. Pretty typical pattern after introduction.

[@hazzard4475]

@Spilt Milt Productions yes I have noticed that. Any tips for them through the ice?

[@spiltmilt]

Spoons work kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqindIaBaa6Cmdk or dodgers and jigs kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHLYnXmGoa6Eh7M

[@Mark-gx6iz]

What body of water in Central Washington State would you recommend ?

[@spiltmilt]

Chelan is a good option

[@jeffhuff5961]

What can you tell me about Montana Kokanee ? Any recommendations ?

[@spiltmilt]

I've mostly fished the northwest part of the state where I've found mostly smaller fish on Little Bitterroot Lake. I plan on exploring some more Montana lakes this summer.

[@jeffhuff5961]

Thanks for your time , yes I’ve learned a lot of small Kokanee here in Montana . Keep an eye on houser and holter lakes here though , some big fish showing up last couple years

[@frankpiacentino9236]

What is the wind like at flaming gorge, how many days lot to wind

[@spiltmilt]

Blown off the water twice there in four days. Once in the afternoon and once before lunch

[@normdeshon665]

Recognize that a North or South wind could have been building waves for 70 miles. Not the place for a small boat or unreliable motor. Find a ramp in a large cove or side channel just in case.

[@chubbrock659]

I had a FG trip booked in June and a 30 mph windstorm all weekend ruined it. Happens a lot out there but if you can find good weather it’s incredible.

[@smthcrmnal26]

Any spots recommended in Colorado?

[@spiltmilt]

Blue Mesa has decent Kokanee but Colorado isn’t a great Kokanee fishing destination

[@smthcrmnal26]

@@spiltmilt I will test that theory with some other lakes and let you know.