Change announced for fishing kokanee salmon in Utah

(Division of Wildlife Resources)


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SALT LAKE CITY — Anglers should be aware of a new rule for fishing kokanee salmon that will take effect in Utah in 2016.

Kokanee salmon are a completely freshwater fish species, according to the Division of Wildlife Resources. They follow a lifecycle that is similar to other salmon, except instead of migrating from the Pacific Ocean to freshwater streams, kokanee reach the streams by migrating from freshwater lakes and reservoirs. The unique fish species also turns bright red when it spawns.

Starting Jan. 1, anglers will not be allowed to keep any kokanee salmon caught in Utah from Sept. 10 - Nov. 30, according to DWR. The change was approved by the Utah Wildlife Board on Oct. 1 in an effort to protect the fish species during its spawning period.

"Sept. 10 is the peak of the spawn for the strain that spawns early in the fall," DWR cold water sport fisheries coordinator Paul Birdsey said. "Starting the closure on Sept. 10 will allow anglers to keep some fish before the spawn peaks while still protecting the kokanee at the peak of their spawn."

#poll

Birdsey said the peak of the spawn for the later spawning strain occurs around Nov. 10 so the closure dates will protect kokanee during the earlier and later spawning periods.

Besides the closure dates during the spawning period, anglers will be allowed to keep up to the legal limit of kokanee salmon caught in Utah throughout the year. However, some areas of Utah will remain an exception. Tributaries to Strawberry Reservoir, Causey Reservoir and Sheep Creek will be closed to keeping kokanee during some additional periods as well as the spawning period, DWR said. Some of the tributaries to Strawberry Reservoir are also closed to fishing throughout the year.

The 2016 Utah Fishing Guidebook will be available by November and anglers should be sure to check the guidelines for more details before going fishing.

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Faith Heaton Jolley

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