CPW advises public to call ahead of scheduled kokanee giveaways

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

DURANGO, Colo. – Cool autumn temperatures signal the return of kokanee salmon spawning for many Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatic biologists and hatchery staff.

Spawning operations have already started in some areas of the state. 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 can vary.

It is always best to call ahead the day before scheduled giveaways to make sure fish will be available. Contact information for each giveaway location is available in the 2023 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 aquatic biologist Dan Brauch, who serves the Gunnison area. “There were days last year 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 2022, CPW collected an estimated 8.5 million kokanee salmon eggs from five spawning locations. Eggs are raised in hatcheries and stocked out across 26 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 fish already running at Dolores, and Lake Nighthorse has been pretty consistent in recent years,” said CPW aquatic biologist Jim White, who serves the Durango area. “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 2023 Colorado fishing license must be presented. Up to four youth may receive kokanee if accompanied by a license-holding adult.

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 Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Oct. 27, Nov. 3 and Nov. 10. Attendees should be in line by 9 a.m. to receive fish.

The kokanee run is low so far this year, and 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.

“Our numbers have been lower the last couple of years because of the drought conditions,” said Roaring Judy Hatchery Manager Seth Firestone. “The giveaways are a great program, and the fish we typically get here might be bigger. But Nighthorse or Dolores might have more fish, so people should consider that when planning on where to go.”

Lake Nighthorse in Durango will host giveaway days at 3 p.m. Nov. 3, 10 and 17. 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. Nov. 2 and Nov. 9. 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 2023 Kokanee Salmon Regulations brochure.