By Bobby Loomis
Tips, Techniques, and Gear for Success
Spring is an exciting time for Kokanee anglers. As the water warms and Kokanee shake off their winter lethargy, they become active feeders, presenting an excellent opportunity to target these feisty, hard-fighting fish. Kokanee fishing in spring requires a blend of understanding fish behavior, using the right gear, and employing effective techniques. For those looking to maximize their success, Mack’s Lure products—like the Double D Dodger and UV Magic Imperial Spoon—are standout tools that have proven effective in spring conditions. In this article, we’ll dive into why these components work so well, how to fish them effectively, and other pro tips to help you land more Kokanee this season.
Why Spring is Prime Time for Kokanee
Kokanee are landlocked sockeye salmon that thrive in cold water. During spring, as lakes begin to warm and plankton blooms occur, Kokanee become more active and move into shallower water (typically 10–30 feet deep). This makes them easier to locate compared to summer when they dive deeper into cooler layers of the lakes.
Power Pairing: Double D Dodger and UV Magic Imperial Spoon
Mack’s Lure Double D Dodger
Dodgers are essential for kokanee fishing because they create flash and vibration that attract fish from a distance. The Mack’s Lure Double D Dodger is particularly effective due to its unique features:
-
Multi-Angle Attachment Points: These allow anglers to spread lines away from the boat’s path like a side planer, covering more water and reducing the chance of spooking fish.
-
Erratic Action: The dodger’s stop and go action, along with its side-to-side wobble mimics schooling baitfish while imparting additional action to the lure trailing behind it.
-
UV Colors: Bright UV finishes like hot pink or chartreuse make it highly visible in murky or low-light conditions.
UV Magic Imperial Spoon
The UV Magic Imperial Spoon is a lightweight lure designed specifically for kokanee. Its standout features include:
-
Darting Action: Its erratic movement mimics injured prey, triggering strikes from Kokanee.
-
UV Enhancement: The UV-treated finish increases visibility at depth or in stained water.
-
Glow-in-the-Dark Capability: Perfect for low-light conditions such as early morning or late evening.
-
Single Hook Design: A sharp size 6 hook ensures solid hook-sets while minimizing damage to the fish.
When paired together, the Double D Dodger attracts Kokanee with its flash and vibration, while the Imperial Spoon seals the deal with its lifelike action.
How to Fish This Combination Effectively
To maximize your success with this setup, follow these guidelines:
1. Trolling Speed
Kokanee are sensitive to trolling speed:
- In early spring, when fish are less aggressive, troll slowly at 0.8–1.2 mph.
- As water temperatures rise later in spring (above 50°F), you can increase speeds slightly to 1.2–1.6mph.
Even at slower speeds, the Double D Dodger allows a smooth while letting the spoon maintain its natural darting action.
2. Leader Length
Leader length plays a critical role in how much action is imparted to your lure:
- In early spring, use longer leaders (12-18 inches) to create a subtle action that entices less aggressive fish.
- Later in spring, shorten leaders to 6-12 inches so the dodger transfers more aggressive movement to the lure.
3. Depth Management
In spring, Kokanee are typically found in the upper water column (10–30 feet deep). Here’s how to target them effectively:
- If using down riggers: Set your gear 50–150 feet behind the boat at depths where fish are marked on your sonar.
- If long-lining: Use small weights (1/4–1/2 oz) or lead core line to get your lure down while maintaining its natural action.
4. Bait Tipping
Enhance your presentation by tipping hooks with bait:
- Use shoe peg corn soaked in scents like garlic or anise oil.
- Maggots work very well with this lure also because they are small and are a fantastic bait early in the season.
- Add just enough bait for scent without overpowering the spoon’s natural movement.
Color Selection for Spring Kokanee
Color can make or break your success when targeting Kokanee. Both environmental conditions and fish behavior influence which colors work best:
Best Colors for UV Magic Imperial Spoon
-
Hot Pink: A go-to color for murky water or overcast days.
-
Chartreuse: Highly visible in stained water or low light.
-
Fire Red: Effective during plankton blooms when Kokanee focus on reddish-orange prey.
-
Silver: Subtle options for clear water or bright sunlight.
Best Colors for Double D Dodger
-
Hot Pink: A proven favorite for attracting Kokanee in most conditions.
-
Lemon Lime UV: Excellent in murky water or during overcast weather.
-
Copper UV: A versatile option that works well across varying light conditions.
Pro Tips for Spring Kokanee Fishing
1. Match Your Presentation to Fish Behavior
In early spring, Kokanee are less aggressive due to colder water temperatures. Use slower trolling speeds and longer leaders to create a subtle presentation. As temperatures rise later in spring, shorten leaders and speed up your troll to match their increased activity levels.
2. Focus on Light Conditions
Kokanee are highly light-sensitive:
- Fish early morning or late evening when light levels are lower.
- On bright days, target deeper depths where light penetration is reduced.
3. Keep Fish Subsurface During Retrieval
Kokanee are notorious for throwing hooks due to their soft mouths and acrobatic jumps:
- Keep your rod tip low or submerged during retrieval to prevent them from breaking the surface.
- Use rods with soft tips or trolling snubbers to absorb shock during fights.
4. Pay Attention to Details
Kokanee fishing often comes down to small adjustments:
- Fine-tune leader lengths until you find what triggers strikes.
- Experiment with different colors based on water clarity and light conditions.
- Monitor trolling speed closely; even slight changes can impact success.
Sling Blade vs Double D Dodger: Which is Better?
The Mack’s Lure Sling Blade is another popular dodger option for kokanee fishing. While both dodgers are effective, there are key differences:
Sling Blade Features
- Slimmer profile compared to the Double D Dodger.
- Creates less drag in the water, allowing for faster trolling speeds (up to 2 mph).
- Offers a tighter wobble compared to the broader swing of the Double D Dodger.
When to Use Each
- Use the Sling Blade when targeting more aggressive fish later in spring or when faster trolling speeds are required.
- Opt for the Double D Dodger when fishing slower speeds or when you need its multi-angle attachment points for spreading lines.
Both dodgers pair well with lures like hoochies, Wedding Ring spinners, or spoons but require slight adjustments in leader lengths based on their action profiles.
Where to Find Kokanee in Spring
In spring, Kokanee can be found near:
- Shallow bays where plankton blooms occur.
- Drop-offs or ledges where they can move between feeding zones and deeper waters.
- Tributary inflows where nutrient-rich water attracts plankton.
- On the inside of points where you have current seams and food will collect in non-moving water.
Use sonar to locate schools of fish at specific depths and adjust your presentation accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Spring Kokanee fishing is an exhilarating experience that rewards anglers who pay attention to detail and use quality gear like the Double D Dodger and UV Magic Imperial Spoon. By understanding Kokanee behavior, fine-tuning your presentation, and experimenting with colors and leader lengths, you can increase your chances of landing these silver torpedoes consistently throughout the season.
So grab your gear, hit those prime spring fishing spots, and enjoy one of angling’s most rewarding pursuits!
