Salt Lake City – Fall brings many beautiful colors to the Utah countryside, and the drive to see the leaves that are turning is a popular activity for many locals. Trees aren’t the only things that turn bright red in the fall, however – Kokanee salmon do too.
Kokanee salmon in autumn.
In September and October, the Kokanee salmon – which is silver for most of the year – turns a bright red before migrating up rivers and streams to spawn. The red color makes the fish easy to spot in the waters where they lay their eggs. The males also acquire humped backs, hooked jaws, and elongated teeth during their spawning transformation.
While the fish are exciting to see, be aware that from September 10th to November 30th you will not be allowed to keep Kokanee salmon caught anywhere in Utah during the spawning season. Visitors should also not disturb the spawning fish by wading in the water, allowing their dogs to chase the fish, or attempting to pick it up.
To celebrate annual spawning, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is holding two free tours at the following locations.
Schafbach (County Daggett)
This sightseeing will take place on Saturday, September 11th, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the first bridge in the Sheep Creek Geological Loop, just off Highway 44. Sheep Creek, a tributary of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, is about 6 miles south of Manila, Utah.
Participants should pay attention to the observable wildlife signs that are set up along the highway. You should be able to see the signs no matter which way you are traveling on Highway 44.
“We really hope to see lots of Kokanee in their bright red, spawning colors,” said Tonya Kieffer-Selby, Outreach Manager for the Northeast DWR Region. “Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, wild turkeys, sand hill cranes, red-tailed hawks, songbirds, squirrels and a host of other wildlife have welcomed visitors in the past. We look forward to the Kokanee migration as it is a great symbol of the changing seasons and a Signs that autumn is here. “
DWR biologists will be available at the event to answer questions about the salmon and their behavior. It’s also a great time of year to enjoy the car tour along the Sheep Creek Geological Loop and stop by the Red Canyon Visitor Center.
While the event is free, attendees are asked to register for it on Eventbrite.
For more information, call DWR’s Vernal office at 435-781-9453.
Strawberry Reservoir (Wasatch County)
This event takes place on Saturday, September 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the US Forest Service Visitor Center at Strawberry Reservoir. The visitor center is located on US Highway 40, approximately 20 miles southeast of Heber City. Although the visitor center is closed, the toilets will be open during the event.
Participants can see some salmon in the Strawberry River next to the visitor center. However, if you go to the fish trap and egg collection facility behind the visitor center, you will see hundreds of the bright red fish. DWR biologists will be on hand to show you the salmon and talk to you about the fish’s special life cycle.
“Kokanee are clearly visible in the visitor center in the river,” said Scott Root, DWR Central Region’s Outreach Manager. “At the fish trap, you can ask questions about the salmon. You can even touch one if you want.”
When the visitor center parking lot fills up, overflow parking is available south of the visitor center.
While the event is free, attendees are asked to register for it on Eventbrite.
For more information on this free event, contact the DWR Springville office at 801-491-5678.
If you are unable to attend one of the DWR events, you can still see Kokanee salmon spawn at these locations until the first week of October. Here are some other places in Utah that you can see bright red Kokanee as well:
Central Utah
Jordanelle Reservoir and Provo River (summit circle)
The Kokanee who live in Jordanelle spawn in the Provo River above the Rock Cliff Recreation Area. The recreation area is on the eastern tip of the reservoir, 2 miles west of Francis. The Rock Cliff area has several hiking trails that lead to the riverside and a bridge that crosses the river where you can spot the salmon. Spawning usually lasts for the month of September and peaks around the middle of the month.
Northern Utah
Causey Reservoir (Weber County)
You have to hike or paddle to see Kokanee Salmon at Causey Reservoir. Observation opportunities can be found at the left and right fork of the South Fork of the Ogden River, which connects to the reservoir. The left fork is not accessible by land – you must use a stand up paddleboard, kayak, or canoe to get there. The right fork is accessible by land and requires approximately a 2.5 mile hike from the Skullcrack Canyon parking lot. The main spawning season is mid-September.
Porcupine Reservoir (Cache County)
Kokanee salmon run up the East Fork of the Little Bear River, which is the main source of water for the Porcupine Reservoir. However, parking is very limited. When driving to Porcupine Reservoir, please park in the small parking lot and avoid parking on the street if possible. Visit on weekdays or schedule your early or late day trips to find parking. Do not enter the grounds of the Cinnamon Creek Campground, which is located directly upstream and is marked with a “no trespassing” sign and a locked gate. The main spawning season is mid-September.
Smith and Morehouse Reservoir (Summit County)
You should be able to see some Kokanee salmon during their run in Smith and Morehouse Creek or Red Pine Creek. The best time to see the fish is usually late September to mid-October.
Stateline Reservoir (Summit County)
This reservoir on the northern slopes of the Uinta Mountains – about half a mile from the Utah-Wyoming state line – is great for watching Kokanee. The fish are typically small but very abundant at this point. Fish run up the east fork of Smith’s Fork, which flows into the north end of the reservoir. The main spawning season is mid-September.
Southeast Utah
Electric Lake (Emery County)
At the northern end of Electric Lake, the main tributary splits into Boulger Creek and Upper Huntington Creek. Salmon run through both streams from the beginning of September and the spawning season lasts until the end of October. However, the best viewing opportunities at Electric Lake are in the first half of October. Both streams are easily accessible from the junction at the northern end of the lake that leads to the boat ramp. Upper Huntington Creek runs several miles north, just off Highway 96. There are many small run-off areas and the creek is very close to the road.
Southern Utah
Fish Lake (Sevier County)
Kokanee has only been around in Fish Lake, about 40 miles southeast of Richfield, for a couple of years, but they’ve done really well. The best place to see them is at Twin Creeks. The new promenade offers a great view of the spawning fish. This can also be a great place to take photos or video clips of the fish as the water is crystal clear. Spawning usually lasts from mid-October to early November. A DWR viewing event will then also be held and details will be announced as the event approaches.
If you have the exciting opportunity to see Kokanee this fall, use the hashtag #utahsalmon on social media to share your photos and videos with the DWR.
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