Kokanee salmon spawn returns to Colorado

DENVER (KDVR) — It is kokanee salmon spawning season in Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be deploying aquatic biologists and hatchery staff to prepare for the upcoming collection of eggs that will keep them busy through the next month.

Kokanee have been in Colorado since they were first introduced in 1951. They are similar to sockeye salmon but will never know the freedom of the sea. They rapidly grow to about 10 to 13 inches in length and typically have a lifespan of about four years.

Across eight different kokanee spawning locations, CPW was able to gather an estimated 8.3 million kokanee eggs last year. The eggs collected will be raised in hatcheries, and when matured, the salmon will eventually be released into 24 separate bodies of water in the spring.

Fitting so many salmon into these areas requires that not all of them make the journey. In an attempt to make sure all of the remaining salmon do not get wasted, CPW hosts a kokanee giveaway. During this giveaway, they will be distributing thousands of salmon.

In order to participate in the giveaway, recipients must possess a valid Colorado fishing license. Up to four youths may receive salmon if they are accompanied by a licensed adult. Members of the Southern Ute and Ute mountain tribes may show a Tribal ID card, Brunot fishing license or state fishing license.

The giveaways will be hosted in several different locations. The number of salmon given away will be determined by the number of salmon spawned during the previous week. It is advised to bring a small cooler or another similar container to transport them in. The kokanee are available on a first come first serve basis.

“In some recent years, we’ve had issues with too many people showing up to receive a small number of kokanee,” said CPW’s Dan Brauch. “There have been days where we had almost as many people show up as we had fish, so it’s best for people to call ahead so they don’t travel too far for a small amount of fish.”

Some locations may not have the amount of salmon they desire and the giveaways may be canceled. Conversely, new giveaways may be scheduled that are not in the initial release of locations and dates. To check for updates on the availability of salmon or added dates those interested can reach out to the individual locations to hear about their status.

“We have had great runs the last few years at Dolores, and Lake Nighthorse has been pretty consistent in recent years,” said Senior Aquatic Biologist Jim White. “I think we will have a reasonable number of fish for those scheduled giveaways. Recipients should always bear in mind that giveaways vary based on the natural run of the salmon, number of people that show up and size of the fish. Nighthorse fish are little hot dogs compared to Blue Mesa. Keep in mind, these fish are not going to taste like an ocean-run salmon”

Giveaways will be hosted at these locations

Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery(North of Gunnison) – Oct. 11, 18, 25 and Nov. 1, 8.

Attendees should be in line by 9 a.m. to receive their salmon. Kokanee numbers are expected to be low this year. To check on the status of the location call 970-641-0190 or 970-641-7070.

Lake Nighthorse(Durango) – Nov. 8, 15, 22.

These giveaways will begin at 3 p.m. Staff will usually allow access to the parking area around 2 p.m. To check on the status of the location call 970-247-0855.

Joe Rowell Park(Dolores) – Oct. 24, 31.

These giveaways will also begin at 3 p.m. and it is encouraged to get there early. To check on the status of this location call 970-247-0855.

Other possible locations –

There are several locations that have the potential to host giveaways depending on circumstances.

Grandby or Shadow Mountain – To receive the status of these locations call 970-725-6200.

Wolford Mountain Reservoir – To receive the status of this location call 970-725-6200.

Those interested in the kokanee salmon giveaways can find additional information in the 2024 Kokanee Salmon Regulations brochure.

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