Witness kokanee salmon migration in Summit and Wasatch counties this fall

Spawning kokanee salmon in Utah's Strawberry River near Strawberry Reservoir. Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

UTAH – In September and early October, Kokanee salmon, which are typically silver for most of the year, turn a vivid red before migrating up rivers and streams to spawn. Kokanee salmon’s unique transformation will be on display all throughout Utah, including in multiple locations along the Wasatch back.

This bright red coloration makes the salmon easy to see in the waters where they lay their eggs. During this spawning transformation, the males also develop humped backs, hooked jaws, and elongated teeth.

While observing kokanee salmon can be thrilling, it’s important to remember that keeping any kokanee salmon caught in Utah is prohibited from September 10 to November 30, which is the spawning season.

Additionally, visitors should avoid disturbing the spawning fish by wading into the water, attempting to handle them, or letting dogs chase them. Violating these rules could result in citations.

In Wasatch County, the DWR will be hosting its annual viewing event at the Strawberry Reservoir. The event is free of charge and offers an educational and viewing opportunity of the salmon.

This viewing event will be held Saturday, September 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the U.S. Forest Service visitor center at Strawberry Reservoir. The visitor center is located along U.S. Highway 40, about 20 miles southeast of Heber City.

Participants can view a few salmon in the Strawberry River near the visitor center. However, if you walk to the fish trap and egg-taking facility located behind the visitor center, you’ll see hundreds of the vibrant red fish. DWR biologists will be at the facility to show the salmon and discuss the unique life cycle of these fish.

“Kokanee are easily visible at this viewing location,” DWR Central Region Outreach Manager Scott Root said. “Once you arrive at the fish trap, you can ask questions about the salmon and see them up close. It’s a great activity for families and is always a unique experience.”

While the event is free, participants are asked to register for it in advance on Eventbrite. For more information about the event, call the DWR’s Springville office at 801-491-5678.

In Summit County, there are three locations the DWR recommends for kokanee salmon viewing.

Kokanee in the Jordanelle Reservoir spawn in the Provo River, typically above the Rock Cliff recreation area.

The recreation area is situated at the eastern end of the reservoir, 2 miles west of Francis. The Rock Cliff area features several trails that lead to the river’s edge, as well as a bridge where you can observe the salmon. Spawning typically occurs throughout September, with the peak around the middle of the month.

Kokanee can also be observed in the Smith and Morehouse Reservoir in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Kokanee salmon should be visible as they swim up either Smith and Morehouse Creek or Red Pine Creek. Late September to mid-October is usually the best time to see the fish.

Another location where kokanee can be spotted in Summit County is at the Stateline Reservoir, also located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This reservoir on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains, about a half-mile from the Utah-Wyoming state line, and offers great kokanee-viewing opportunities.