Kokanee of Unusual Size Fontanelle Reservoir (Kokanee Across America)

Kokanee Across America Is Made Possible by:
- Paulina Peak Tackle: paulinapeaktackle.com/
- @Old Town Canoe & Kayak: oldtowncanoe.johnsonoutdoors....
With Support from:
- Humminbird: www.humminbird.com/
- Cannon Downriggers: www.cannondownriggers.com/
- ProCure Bait and Scents: www.pro-cure.com/
- Ram Mounts: www.rammount.com/
Southwest Wyoming’s most famous Kokanee fishery is Flaming Gorge. Fontanelle is that reservoirs largely unknown quiet little sister upstream. This year this reservoir is far out pacing its downstream neighbor in average Kokanee size and catch rate. So far on my Kokanee Across America tour this lake has produced my largest Kokanee yet caught. Enjoy!
Tackle used in this video:
- Paulina Peak Tackle 7'3" Kokanee rod: paulinapeaktackle.com/shop/ol...
- Paulina Peak Peak Peformance Lite Dodger Wonderbread: paulinapeaktackle.com/shop/ol...
- Peak Performance Dodger Silver Moon Jelly: paulinapeaktackle.com/shop/ol...
- Paulina Pink Micro-hoochie: paulinapeaktackle.com/shop/ol...
- Paulina Pink/Purple Micro-hoochie: paulinapeaktackle.com/shop/ol...
- Gulp Maggots: amzn.to/3NgzSNi
- Pro Cure Water Soluble Krill: amzn.to/3w75MpM
- Pro Cure Water Soluble Shrimp: amzn.to/3a1zsfH
- Pro Cure Water Soluble Anise: amzn.to/39gDMXI
- Snaps for snap weights: amzn.to/38c2tEz
Kayak & accessories:
- Old Town Salty 120 PDL Kayak: oldtowncanoe.johnsonoutdoors....
- Humminbird Helix 7 SI/DI/GPS: amzn.to/36MC8w3
- Pro-Cure Shrimp Water Soluble Oil: www.pro-cure.com/products/shr...
- @Cannon Downriggers Lake Troll: amzn.to/3wbaO4L
- Cannon 6 lb ball: amzn.to/3yzlTxZ
- Gamakatsu Split shot/Drop shot hook size 2: amzn.to/3s3gVp5
- RAM Rod HD Rod Holder: www.rammount.com/part/RAP-433...
- RAM Extension Arm: www.rammount.com/part/RAP-114....
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[@DBWELDER100]

I'm new to kokanee fishing but went out on a local lake after gearing up with some of your recomendations. Put 10 kokes in the boat smallest was 14" most were between 16" and 18". Caught about the same number of rainbows. Really appreciate your videos and how you explain not only what you are doing but why. Also, as a biologist, I enjoy the biology geek talk. Keep up the cool vids!

[@spiltmilt]

Congrats on your fish and thank you for your support.

[@catfishman9516]

@@spiltmilt where did you pick up the dodger you mentioned? And was it silver moon jelly color?

[@stingray4540]

Dang. You said it was big, but when you swung the net up, I was more impressed than I expected to be.

[@mikeed2372]

Went and fished Fontenelle today, 3 KOUS in the boat. Lots of action, zero trout all Kokes. Thanks for the video to motivate me to go chase them.

[@spiltmilt]

Awesome!

[@alsellers5657]

It was a pleasant surprise to meet you on the boat ramp !!! I'm super happy that you had a good day. I wish that we had time to visit. I look forward to your videos. Thank you

[@spiltmilt]

Great meeting you as well. Thank you for your support

[@dallaswood4117]

Fontanelle is most definitely in the middle of nowhere

[@Reptiles_for_recovery]

I looked that place up when I was in rock springs for college classes. I’m regretting that I didn’t pull the trigger and fish while there! Great fish

[@HungryH1951]

Very nice KOUS.

[@TheBigKC]

Also, fantastic Princess Bride reference! KOUS!

[@braddixon3338]

Holy cow, 20+ inch kokanee! I've never had the chance to catch something like that before. Great vid.

[@JR497]

Just got back from the Gorge last week. We had a great time. Caught 2 man limits 3 days in a row on the Utah side and a 2 man limit on the Wyoming side on day 4. Keep an eye on the weather and don’t get caught in the wind in your Kayak! Can’t wait to see your FG video! Good luck!

[@JJ-tf2qs]

Awesome Fish! Thanks for the link on the dodgers from Paulina peak. Two of us caught 100 Kokanee in a 1 1/2 days. With the size of the fish you've been catching, I just invited myself with you for Kokanee across America lol

[@johnspecht7449]

Wow! Beautiful fish.

[@TheBigKC]

What a phenomenal day! Thank you for sharing!

[@pmm422]

Those were impressive for sure!

[@jaredstark231]

That was 🔥🔥🔥

[@garyroenicke2102]

Incredible fish, great videos as well

[@lunchbox5825]

My biggest is 14" this year. That was fun to watch. Thanks for the videos and info you share

[@tysonmurphy7521]

Killer Koke! Great job!

[@dgvern]

Nice job Tyler

[@macsmith2092]

That is a monster kokanee! Congrats. I am super excited to see you fish flaming gorge.

[@GENERALEEOUTSIDE]

Best video yet!

[@ronaldfleeger7734]

I guess big fish = best video

[@davidfish8383]

Great Kokanee action - lip rippin!!! 👍

[@arthurjones9580]

I love your videos!

[@Fishfuzzlove]

Now that’s some good SOCKEYE fishing;) Nice work dude! Monster kokes wow!!

[@Phishrman]

Two giant Kokanees in the bag!! Way to go!

[@micahgelfand8282]

Woahhhh those are monsters!!! KOUS. Practically searun sized

[@zacharypedersen4090]

Holy crap my dude nice fish! I probably would be having a panic attack after that! 🤣🤣🤣 Congratulations on the catch that is amazing. You are making me wanna go up to Wyoming this summer.

[@cask8553]

Nice Kokes!

[@stowperro]

Just think how big they'll be the end of July beginning of August, WY and UT are producing big fish this yr.

[@TinyTrout]

Oregon grows them I just caught a 19inch 2.8 lb wild Redlband at Mt hood 4days ago good job on the fish

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

Those are giants! That's amazing that a 17" fish is small! Big on my local lake is 14"!

[@thomaswallis3504]

I fished Flaming Gorge last July. We caught several very large Kokanee. That's a lake you need to try.

[@spiltmilt]

Here right now

[@thomaswallis3504]

Awesome. Good luck to you. The size of the fish in that lake are ridiculous.

[@lessalik6280]

Great video, gorgeous fish! I have a question, can you do a video sometime on the best way to kill them quickly and if you bleed them out before storing? Also, best ways to clean them and how you freeze them?

[@bradfarrahgerwing154]

Rip a gill while the heart is pumping to bleed before you knock em on the head....keep a cooler or cooler bag in the boat with some ice or frozen bottles....makes a huge difference in table quality

[@barbkoos2629]

Wowza!! Great video! KOOSes “Kokes Of Outrageous Size” 😁 I’ll have to head over that way from Idaho once I pick up my trailer that’s being built! Did you launch from the campground ramp, then headed…?

[@spiltmilt]

Yes campground out to the main channel troll south

[@bradfarrahgerwing154]

Another fan of a classic movie A Princess Bride I see....lol Nice size....similar to what I get in the Cariboo

[@spiltmilt]

I can’t wait to get up to the Cariboo next year

[@bradfarrahgerwing154]

@@spiltmilt Deka lake and bridge lake should be on your list....

[@katiecox1232]

Awesome video, there was so much action! I was wondering what do you spool your Kokanee reels with?

[@spiltmilt]

Maxima 10 lb ultragreen

[@830pc209]

Geeeeez, some big a#$ kokes!!!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@kevinkompolt8033]

Stunning fish! 14 hour drive from Salem might be worth it! Camping nearby?

[@spiltmilt]

You can camp at the lake.

[@desertson6323]

I watched your corn scent video. Great information. What ended up being the scent for this trip to Fontenelle? Did corn work better or maggots? I saw you using both. Thanks!

[@ronlee597]

"Oh pleees...come to come to papees!"

[@timross7046]

What ramp did you use and was you way north in the reservoir or down towards the dam . Great video as always , third time I've watched it . Thanks

[@spiltmilt]

North

[@ChipDarby13]

Beautiful looking fish! How come you don’t keep the rainbows?🎣

[@spiltmilt]

I have enough meat in the freezer and Rainbows count towards your shared limit in a lot of states.

[@scottweagel5416]

You slayed! Just wondering, do you RV travel or motel on your pilgrimage? Beautiful fish

[@spiltmilt]

Currently doing the hotel/AirBnB thing simply because I need the electricity and wifi to accomplish my goals

[@Badkharma21]

Don’t even try to escape ;) you must have just watched the Princess Bride

[@Carlb328]

Nice fish, but that really is the middle of nowhere.

[@waynecollins7929]

Your not far from Fremont lake 600 feet deep and your also not far from the seedskadee National wildlife refuge , well not far by wyoming standards , really looking forward to your flaming gorge video

[@spiltmilt]

I drove by the Seedskadee refuge. Didn't see any sage grouse though

[@shaboi3889]

Will you be coming to Strawberry Reservoir in Utah?

[@spiltmilt]

yes

[@chubbrock659]

So if you’re at fontanelle in Wyoming, does that mean flaming gorge is next? 🤞edit: just saw that you’re c9ming to fg next. That’s awesome. Huge lake trout in there too, you should jig for some of those 30# ers!

[@spencerdavis3025]

Disclaimer: fontenelle can be very dangerous, kayaks should take caution. Wyoming winds will pick up daily and produce up to 3’ whitecap waves. I’m a local and see it many many times.

[@ncalais09]

Amazing fish! Told my wife I've never had an urge to visit Wyoming until now! What net do you use? I know you've mentioned it before but I couldn't find it in the videos... I spent an embarrassingly long time pulling a size 4 hook out of an "impenetrable"rubberized Kokanee net yesterday at Merwin. When they barrel roll in the net the hooks are getting stuck worse and worse... I'm not fishing smarter, yet haha

[@spiltmilt]

I use Ranger Nets rubber coated nylon nets. I still get the occasional hook wrapped up as you do

[@dallaswood4117]

Anyone that’s an outdoorsman should have urges to go to Wyoming

[@nathanielnelson3997]

You should try strawberry after the gorge

[@dallaswood4117]

I’ve seen some tanks come out of strawberry this year not to mention he would have a shot at some mega cutthroats

[@alsellers307]

Hey Tyler, That general area that you're in is the last to freeze in the winter. I wonder if that has any bearing on why they're there.

[@spiltmilt]

More sun = Higher chlorophyll = more plankton = more Kokanee food? Maybe

[@alsellers307]

Fontenelle has underwater methane vents, too. I always thought that maybe that had something to do with that area freezing last. Thanks for what you do.

[@scottwilkinson570]

Just started fishing Kokanee, I live about 2 hours from Fontenelle a little farther to Flaming Gorge and Strawberry. My question is can you catch Kokanee in the fall or is it mostly a summer time fish?

[@spiltmilt]

You can catch them in the fall. However, if they are turning they will not be good table fare. Next year's chrome fish will still be excellent eating.

[@alcvideo]

You should head to Fish Lake, Utah! Huge Kokanee caught this year. We caught our limit all 4+ pounds and a 6.2lbs 25inch was just caught today!

[@spiltmilt]

Unfortunately won’t have time to make it there. Sounds amazing though! That’s almost a state record

[@jacobdalecrow564]

Do you know when they spawn in that resevoir?

[@bryantgarbe7036]

Are you going to strawberry, jordanell or fishlake in utah?

[@vjmotano835]

California is full of big rainbows but finding kokes over 15” is a challenge

[@spiltmilt]

Checkout Shaver Lake. It has some big ones.

[@vjmotano835]

@@spiltmilt That’s my Kokanee lake as I’m from Fresno. They’re not biting good right now. My biggest shaver lake Kokanee is 18”

[@deitrickorullian505]

I've been fishing Merwin weekly and since switching to your favorite hook I am hooking most of my bites but I am losing 80% of them at the net, especially the bigger ones, very very frustrating. My netting technique isn't too different than yours but as soon as I lift them up slightly to get in the net they shake off, seems your hooks are in there better and you have more wiggle room. Any tips? Maybe more spacing between hooks?

[@spiltmilt]

Are you stopping your boat or keeping it under power?

[@deitrickorullian505]

@@spiltmilt I keep it running

[@SparrowTheRed]

Any plans to fish Kokanee in Connecticut?

[@spiltmilt]

Yes end of July

[@SparrowTheRed]

@@spiltmilt awesome!

[@verdeanpetersen8350]

Can you tell me month and date you were on fontannelle resavor?

[@spiltmilt]

End of June

[@samkamkar9147]

What lbs test line and brand do you recommend for these heavier kokanee?

[@spiltmilt]

12 lb

[@spiltmilt]

Maxima ultra green

[@Bykerboy26]

Tyler. Where do you find most of the regulations for the bodies of water you fish? Some of the guidelines are difficult to interpret. I don't want to break the law and want to be within regulations. Thanks!

[@spiltmilt]

I read the regulation pamphlets.

[@Bykerboy26]

@@spiltmilt might have been a dumb question. Do you just find those online?

[@Bykerboy26]

@@davidharper2954 couldn't agree more!

[@amaraltv1401]

How do you store your dodgers ?

[@spiltmilt]

luresafe.com/product/39vm-kokanee-dodger-20-pocket-jacket-pockets-2-%c2%bc-x-6-%c2%bd/

[@forrestmichnevich7371]

Oh you dirty dawg! You made it to West Virginia

[@micahgelfand8282]

??

[@forrestmichnevich7371]

@@micahgelfand8282 you heard me, guy.

[@spiltmilt]

Wyoming you mean?

[@forrestmichnevich7371]

@@spiltmilt just don’t want my homewaters to be too pressured that’s all. The water levels are incredibly low because they’re sucking it out as fast as it’s coming in during a very high run off year. At that rate it’s going to get lower every year.

[@dallaswood4117]

@@forrestmichnevich7371 I doubt this video will cause it to be overpressured it is a huge reservoir and in the complete middle of nowheresville

[@verdeanpetersen8350]

Which marina at the Gorge are you using?

[@spiltmilt]

This isn’t the gorge

[@verdeanpetersen8350]

Which will you use at the Gorge?

[@spiltmilt]

Buckboard and Lucerne

[@Unpluggedoutside]

What about the K.O.U.S.'s? Kokanee of unusual size? I don't think they exist. hahahahaa

[@spiltmilt]

😂

[@jedi5691]

Welcome to Wyoming. The fish you catch on this trip are average fish. Wyoming is starting to produce high quality kokanee. Fontenelle is just one lake, there are multiple lakes holding this kind of quality of fish. Wagners out of Casper WY guide "Griz" has them dialed in for the central area. No longer do I have to go to Alaska, Our back yard is full of fish. Just can't wait until they give to ok to stock Chinooks. Very cool. Again welcome to Wyoming.

[@brucetrout3482]

K.O..U.S.’ and you didn’t have to navigate the fire swamp! Win!