When it comes to catching kokanee, few lakes are as iconic (or as challenging) as Bucks Lake in California’s Sierra Nevada. But with the right gear and a thoughtful rig, anglers can turn early mornings into action-packed outings.
In the video "Rigging for Kokanee Explained" Pro Staff Marc Christophel breaks down his reliable trolling setup that consistently puts kokanee in the boat.
The secret? A combination of Mack’s Lure Ball Trolls, Sling Blades, Mini Kokanee Pros, and their Ultra Release system, customized for performance and adaptability.
Marc starts with a proven color combo: chartreuse and pink. These high-contrast colors are known kokanee killers, and Mack’s Lure has brought them to life in the Mini Kokanee Pro spinner lineup. Rigged on a short leader (just 12 inches from tip to tip) this setup sits perfectly behind a Sling Blade dodger.
”It’s got a nice whip in the water. Just enough action for that Smile Blade to work really effectively,” Marc explains.
The short leader helps transfer dodger movement directly to the lure, maximizing vibration and visual appeal at typical kokanee trolling speeds (0.9–1.4 mph).
Marc runs his spinner behind a Mack’s Lure Ball Troll, a classic string of rotating blades that delivers maximum flash without overpowering the rig. The key to keeping things dialed is using Mack’s Ultra Release system with in-line flashers.
”What I love is that the Ultra Release puts all the drag on the downrigger. Once the fish hits, you're not fighting your gear, just the fish,” says Marc.
The Ultra Release clip can be adjusted for line strength and tension using a quick-loop method, making it reliable and consistent across rods. Marc runs 12-lb P-Line CXX for its abrasion resistance, noting that kokanee aren’t line-shy, durability wins over finesse here.
One subtle modification Marc uses is adding a small spinner blade directly onto the Sling Blade itself, what he jokingly calls the “Frankenstein Sling Blade.”
“It adds just enough drag to give the dodger a new action, almost like it skips now and then,” he says. “Is it a game changer? Maybe. But it works, so I leave it on.”
Positioning the extra blade facing the dodger disrupts the water flow in a way that adds unpredictability to the rig, something kokanee often find irresistible.
One of Marc’s favorite aspects of the Sling Blade dodger is its adjustability. By simply bending or flattening the blade, he can tune the action to suit trolling speeds or even pivot to trout fishing mid-day
“You can bend it for extra whip at slower speeds, or straighten it out and run it at three miles an hour for trout. It’s super versatile,” he explains.
As seen in the video, it doesn’t take long before the first hookup. The combination of bright colors, tight leader, and tuned dodger proves effective once again. Even young anglers on board get in on the action, proving that with the right setup, kokanee fishing can be fast and fun for everyone.
Marc’s Bucks Lake Kokanee Setup at a Glance
For anglers chasing kokanee on Bucks Lake (or anywhere else) Marc Christophel’s Mack’s Lure setup offers a proven, customizable solution that works.
From color selection to clip settings, every detail of this rig is designed for performance. Whether you’re new to kokanee or fine-tuning your approach, this video is a masterclass in getting your gear dialed in.
Ready to hit the water? Grab your Ball Trolls, Sling Blades, and Mini Kokanee Pros—then watch that rod tip start to dance.
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