Kokanee salmon spawn returns to Colorado; giveaway days scheduled

John Livingston
Southwest Region Public Information Officer
970-759-9590 / [email protected]
@CPW_SW

Sept. 27, 2024

DURANGO, Colo. – Fall has returned to Colorado, and kokanee salmon have started to make their run for spawning season.

For Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatic biologists and hatchery staff, that means a busy month ahead of collecting eggs for Colorado’s hatcheries to propagate the state’s kokanee program.

As part of the kokanee salmon program, giveaway days are scheduled each year for interested members of the public who hold a valid Colorado fishing license to receive fish. However, the available kokanee for the scheduled giveaway days at each location can vary greatly.

In 2023, CPW scheduled additional giveaway days in some locations and canceled giveaway days in others. Because giveaways are dependent on available fish, it is always best to call ahead the day before scheduled giveaways to make sure fish will be available. The public can also follow CPW on social media channels from their area for the latest information.

Contact information for each giveaway location is available in the 2024 Kokanee Salmon Regulations brochure.

“In some recent years, we’ve had issues with too many people showing up to receive a small number of kokanee,” said CPW’s Dan Brauch. “There have been days where we had almost as many people show up as we had fish, so it’s best for people to call ahead so they don’t travel too far for a small amount of fish.”

Kokanee salmon were introduced to Colorado waters in 1951. They are the landlocked version of sockeye salmon. These fish grow quickly, typically live about four years and naturally die after spawning. 

In 2023, CPW collected an estimated 8.3 million kokanee salmon eggs from eight spawning locations. Eggs are raised in hatcheries and stocked out across 24 bodies of water the following spring.
 
CPW conducts kokanee salmon giveaways to make sure the meat from spawned kokanee is not wasted. Each year, thousands of fish are given away, but availability at each location can vary depending on the size of the run.

“We have had great runs the last few years at Dolores, and Lake Nighthorse has been pretty consistent in recent years,” said CPW Senior Aquatic Biologist Jim White. “I think we will have a reasonable number of fish for those scheduled giveaways. Recipients should always bear in mind that giveaways vary based on the natural run of the salmon, number of people that show up and size of the fish. Nighthorse fish are little hot dogs compared to Blue Mesa. Keep in mind, these fish are not going to taste like an ocean-run salmon”

To be eligible for the giveaway, a 2024 Colorado fishing license must be presented. Up to four youth may receive kokanee if accompanied by a license-holding adult. Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribal members may show a Tribal ID card, Brunot fishing license or a state fishing license to receive fish.

Those interested in receiving kokanee should bring their own small cooler or other container. Most of the kokanee are 10 to 13 inches in size.

Giveaways at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery north of Gunnison are scheduled for Fridays of Oct. 11, Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8. Attendees should be in line by 9 a.m. to receive fish.

Kokanee numbers running up from Blue Mesa Reservoir are anticipated to be low again this year. Severe drought negatively impacted several year classes of kokanee. CPW is hopeful that numbers may start to rebound by 2026. Consistent moisture and good water levels in Blue Mesa Reservoir are vital for rebuilding a more robust kokanee fishery.

The number of fish available on giveaway days will fluctuate depending on the number of fish spawned during the week. Participants should call Roaring Judy Hatchery at 970-641-0190 or 970-641-7070  prior to the giveaway day for more information.

Lake Nighthorse in Durango will host giveaway days at 3 p.m. Nov. 8, 15 and 22. Lake Nighthorse staff typically allow participants to access the parking area around 2 p.m.

Joe Rowell Park in Dolores will also host giveaway days at 3 p.m. Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. It is recommended that those wanting fish arrive early to get in line at this well-attended giveaway event.

Those interested in the Dolores or Lake Nighthorse giveaways may call 970-247-0855.

For information on potential giveaways at Granby or Shadow Mountain, the public should call 970-725-6200. For information on possible giveaways at Wolford Mountain Reservoir, the public may call 970-725-6200.

For more information on kokanee salmon snagging opportunities in Colorado as well as the giveaway days, see the 2024 Kokanee Salmon Regulations brochure.