Mack's Sling Blade: Top Producer for BC Kokanee

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.

Lesson 1: The Science Behind the Mack's Lure Sling Blade Dodger 

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. 

Some of the best color options for the Sling Blade include:

• 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.

Sling Blade Options:

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.

Lesson 2: The Art of Trolling for Kokanee

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.

Depth Adjustment is Equally Important:

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. 

My Pro Tips for Trolling

1. Use a Quality Rod and Reel: A medium-action rod paired with a smooth reel will provide the necessary feel and control while trolling. 
   
   
2. Monitor Your Speed: Have a GPS or speedometer on board to keep track of your trolling speed. Adjusting the speed can make all the difference, as Kokanee may prefer a faster or slower presentation on different days.

Lesson 3: Pairing Up for Success

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.

Choosing the Right Lure

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.

• Smile Blades: Also known as Mack's Smilie Blades, these spinners are a popular pairing with Sling Blade dodgers. They can be tuned to your desired speed and spin pattern. Knowing experimentation is the pro angler's secret to achieving consistent success, Mack's Lure offers  Smile Blade Packs in dozens of colors and finishes to allow anglers to customize their presentations. 
  
  
• Hoochies: These soft plastic baits, especially in high UV colors, make them an attractive option for Kokanee. They can be particularly effective when paired with the Sling Blade, creating a natural presentation. The Cha Cha 1.5 Kokanee is designed for the small mouths of Kokanee. With its two-hook, no-gap squidder setup, this is a great choice for fall fishing.
  
  
• Scented Baits: Adding a scented bait to the trailer can enhance the appeal. Kokanee are attracted to scent, so using a scent that mimics their natural food sources can lead to more bites. Kokanee Magic and Shrimp high UV Gels made by ProCure exclusively for Mack's Lure is one of my favorites.

Lesson 4: Unlocking Structure Secrets

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.

Tips for Identifying and Targeting Current Seams

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. 

1. Observe the Environment: Pay attention to the shoreline and surrounding area. Areas with rocky points will have current seam on one side or the other. Understanding the current in the lake will help you understand prime spots for Kokanee and where to start fishing. Look for scum lines on the surface; they are dictating where a current line is and where you will find zooplankton. Find zooplankton you will find Kokanee!
   
   
2. Target Current Seams: Trolling along these areas can lead to successful catches. Current seams will change a little bit, but the zooplankton can change with wind, water dropping or rising in a reservoir, and the current seam moving in or out according to the time of year. 
   
   
3.  Use Sonar Technology: When you have a lot of money tied up in a “fish finder” use it….this means fish to the fish at whatever depth you are finding them. Believe your electronics.

 Lesson 5: Adapting to Fall Fishing

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.

Tips for Fall Fishing Success:

1. Adjust Depth and Presentation: As Kokanee move to shallower waters, adjusting your trolling depth is essential. Use smaller presentationlures to maintain a natural presentation.

2. Slow Down Your Trolling Speed: Fish may become less aggressive in cooler water temperatures, so slowing down can lead to more bites. Aim for a speed of around .8 to 1.3 mph during fall fishing.

3. Observe Kokanee Behavior: Pay attention to the feeding patterns of Kokanee. They may be more active at specific times of day, so plan fishing trips accordingly.
   
   
4. Try Different Lure Colors: As the seasons change, so do the preferences of kokanee. Experimenting with various colors can help determine what works best on a given day.

Lesson 6: Exploring Local Hotspots

British Columbia is home to some of the finest Kokanee fishing spots.

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.

Local Hotspots to Explore:

1. Big and Little Deka Lake: Known for its abundant Kokanee population, this lake offers excellent fishing opportunities. Target the deeper sections and look for submerged structures to increase your chances of success.
   
   
2. Bridge Lake: A true paradise for trolling and casting, Bridge Lake is well-regarded for its Kokanee fishing. The scenic backdrop adds to the experience, and the fishing can be exceptional.
   
   
3. Sulphurous Lake: This is another prime location for Kokanee fishing. It is deep enough to have a thermocline, which is the transition layer between the warmer mixed water at the surface and the cooler deep water below.
   
   
4. Hathaway Lake: Another deep lake that consistently produces satisfying catches of Kokanee. With its diverse underwater structures and beautiful surroundings, Hathaway Lake is a must-visit for any Kokanee angler.
   
   

5. Other lakes that may interest you: Stump Lake, Horse Lake, Ruth Lake, Purden Lake and Monte Lake.

Conclusion

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!