Kokanee Salmon in Lake Tahoe

Kokanee salmon are a landlocked form of the red salmon, which is native to the marine and fresh waters of the pacific Northwest. The Kokanee was first introduced into the waters of Lake Tahoe in 1944 when holding ponds at the old Tahoe city fish hatchery overflowed. During October and November of each year, 3 and 4 year old Kokanee gather in large groups in Lake Tahoe at the mouth of Taylor Creek. At this time, strong reproductive changes cause their bodies to turn red and the males to develop heavy, hooked jaws. Kokanee sexually mature usually in 4 years and spawn in pairs during November-December. Eggs are laid in redds and hatch in 110 days at 43 degrees F. Fry emerge in spring and enter the lake. Adults die soon after spawning.

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Copyright: ©Ken Hawkins / KenHawkinsPictures.com
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Kokanee salmon are a landlocked form of the red salmon, which is native to the marine and fresh waters of the pacific Northwest. The Kokanee was first introduced into the waters of Lake Tahoe in 1944 when holding ponds at the old Tahoe city fish hatchery overflowed. During October and November of each year, 3 and 4 year old Kokanee gather in large groups in Lake Tahoe at the mouth of Taylor Creek. At this time, strong reproductive changes cause their bodies to turn red and the males to develop heavy, hooked jaws. Kokanee sexually mature usually in 4 years and spawn in pairs during November-December. Eggs are laid in redds and hatch in 110 days at 43 degrees F. Fry emerge in spring and enter the lake. Adults die soon after spawning.