By Bobby Loomis
As the vibrant hues of autumn blanket British Columbia, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows. Fall in BC is a magical time, offering an incredible opportunity for anglers to enjoy a few weeks of fall Kokanee fishing before the lakes freeze over. With the crisp air and the peaceful surroundings, there’s no better time to head out onto the water and experience the thrill of catching these fiesty landlocked salmon.
If you haven't already added Mack's Lure Sling Blades to your tackle box, it's time to consider this top producer for catching Kokanee. Its unique design can turn a good fishing day into a great one. Here are the ins and outs of using the Sling Blade, including the science behind its design, tips on color selection, and opportunities for making the most of your season. Mack's also offers an Ice RIg Value Pack.
The secret to the Sling Blade's effectiveness is its unique design, featuring a slim profile and a longer, narrower blade compared to the traditional paddle-style dodger. It can be fished faster than the traditional blade and has less drag because of its unique shape, resulting in smoother, more lightweight trolling.
When it comes to using the Sling Blade, selecting the right color is crucial. Kokanee salmon are known to respond well to specific colors that trigger them into wanting to bite.
Pink: This vibrant pink color is a favorite among Kokanee fishermen, especially during the fall. Its brightness stands out in various water conditions, making it an excellent choice for attracting fish.
Chartreuse: This yellow-green hue is effective in murky waters and is proven to catch the attention of Kokanee. It can be particularly helpful on overcast days.
Silver: A classic choice, silver reflects light well, making it ideal for clear waters. It mimics the natural color of fish which will draw Kokanee towards your gear and is my go-to choice during sunny conditions.
Glow Colors: These colors, such as glow pink or glow green, can be particularly effective in low-light situations, such as early morning or late afternoon or fishing deep water. They provide an additional level of visibility that should draw Kokanee to your gear.
When targeting Kokanee, I recommend choosing Sling Blades that feature high UV colors to pick up UV rays from the sun. Fishing high UV colors whether you are fishing in clear or murky water, shallow or deep, will enhance your ability to attract Kokanee and get them to bite.
Mack's Sling Blade Dodgers are available in various sizes and a variety of colors, patterns, and UV options, as well as ladderback decals.
PRO TIP: Experiment with different colors throughout the day. Observe the water temperature, color, depth, and time of day as a guide for selecting the colors most likely to get noticed.
When it comes to trolling for Kokanee, finesse and attention to detail are key. During one memorable trip, the calm waters provided perfect conditions. I knew I needed to find the optimal trolling speed. After some experimentation, it became clear that a speed of 1.5 to 1.7 mph was ideal for that day. The objective is to match the Kokanee's feeding pace, which significantly increases your chances of triggering a strike.
On that particular day, I found the Kokanee were sitting around 20 feet deep. By consistently checking the sonar and making adjustments, I experimented until the number of bites increased dramatically.
It is important to keep trying different presentations throughout the day to keep the bite going, as the light and water temperature have an effect on fish behavior. High UV colors will change their appearance throughout the day according to the amount of light and will become more or less effective.
Later in the day, I turned to another tactic I use - pairing the Sling Blade with the right lure. I add a Double Whammy Kokanee Pro with a Wedding Ring for flash and attraction and a Smile Blade for serious action and vibration. On another rod, I set up a high UV Hoochie with a Smile Blade to attract the Kokanee.These are all great Mack's tackle options for attracting and triggering Kokanee to bite.
PRO TIP: Having two different setups ready to go cuts down on time out of the water, if one is not working well, you can quickly trade them out to see what the fish are wanting that day.
The results were impressive. Each pairing brought in more bites, leading to a satisfying day on the water. As you can see, choosing the right trailer is crucial, as it enhances the overall effectiveness of the Sling Blade. Observing Kokanee behavior and adjusting the setup accordingly is the best way to achieve remarkable catch rates.
Pairing the Sling Blade with the right lure can further enhance its effectiveness. Consider these options:
Wedding Ring Lures: These add flash and attraction to the presentation. The combination of the Sling Blade and a Wedding Ring can create a more enticing target for Kokanee. For lakes where a double hook is allowed, the Wedding Ring Double Whammy Kokanee Pro is a great choice. And in lakes where only one hook is allowed, the Wedding Ring UV Spinner with its metal blade is an excellent producer.
Understanding structure is vital for successful Kokanee fishing. During a trip to Cultus Lake, the importance of habitat became evident. Weed beds conceal Kokanee, while drop-offs provide excellent ambush points. Rocky points create natural structures that attract fish.
Utilizing sonar to locate these structures made a significant difference. Presenting the Sling Blade near these areas resulted in numerous bites. Experimenting with different presentations for each type of structure kept the fishing experience dynamic and rewarding.
Every lake has some type of current in it. A river, creek or stream runs in 1 end and a small river, creek or stream runs out the other end, creating a current. Even if a lake does not have incoming and outgoing water it will still have a type of current in it. This current helps dictate where you will find Kokanee. The zooplankton that Kokanee feed on are going to be on the edges of current seams and back eddies.
As fall approaches, Kokanee behavior changes. On Lake Cowichan, it’s essential to adjust tactics. The water temperature drops, and the fish tend to move to shallower areas. Warmer water, more zooplankton. Slowing down the trolling speed will help tremendously.
Understanding the unique structures and seasonal patterns of these hotspots is essential. It’s wise to gather local knowledge, try various presentations, and stay observant of Kokanee behavior. Each location presents its own charm and challenges, making every fishing trip a new adventure.
Other lakes that may interest you: Stump Lake, Horse Lake, Ruth Lake, Purden Lake and Monte Lake.
The Mack's Lure Sling Blade deserves a spot in every angler's tackle box, especially for those targeting Kokanee. Don't be surprised if the thrill of catching Kokanee hooks you, just as it did me. When you are out enjoying the beauty of BC this fall, remember that when the lakes are covered in ice, your Sling Blade will come back out for fishing under the ice!
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