Spawning season brings brilliant red kokanee salmon to Utah rivers and reservoirs

UTAH — Utah foliage isn’t the only thing turning colors this fall. In Utah’s rivers and reservoirs, kokanee salmon are entering their annual spawning season, turning a brilliant shade of red as they migrate upstream.

The transformation typically occurs in September and early October. For most of the year, kokanee are silver, but during spawning, males develop bright red bodies, humped backs, hooked jaws, and elongated teeth.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources reminds anglers that it is illegal to keep kokanee salmon caught anywhere in the state from Sept. 10 through Nov. 30. Visitors are also asked not to disturb the spawning fish by entering the water, attempting to handle them, or letting dogs chase them.

Wasatch County viewing event

DWR is hosting a free kokanee salmon viewing event at Strawberry Reservoir on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the U.S. Forest Service visitor center.

A few fish can be seen in the Strawberry River near the center, but hundreds will be visible at the fish trap and egg-taking facility behind the visitor center. DWR biologists will be on hand to answer questions and explain the salmon’s unique life cycle.

“Kokanee are easily visible at this viewing location,” DWR Central Region Outreach Manager Michael Packer said. “Once you reach the fish trap, you can chat with our team about the salmon and get a front-row view. Experiencing these remarkable fish up close has become a favorite autumn tradition for many Utah families.”

Although the event is free, participants are asked to register in advance on Eventbrite. Those unable to attend can watch a livestream of the salmon at the fish trap on the DWR YouTube channel from Sept. 13–20.

Summit County viewing locations

Jordanelle Reservoir: Kokanee spawn in the Provo River above the Rock Cliff recreation area on the reservoir’s east side, about 2 miles west of Francis. Trails and a footbridge provide good viewing opportunities, with spawning peaking around mid-September.

Smith and Morehouse Reservoir: Salmon can be seen swimming up Smith and Morehouse Creek or Red Pine Creek. The best viewing is usually from late September through mid-October.

Stateline Reservoir: Located near the Utah-Wyoming border on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains, this spot offers abundant viewing opportunities. The fish run up the East Fork of Smith’s Fork, which flows into the north end of the reservoir. Peak spawning is typically mid-September.