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Kokanee
Salmon Run Up The Strawberry River Story
And Pictures By Utah Outdoor Activities
If you have never seen the Kokanee salmon spawn, you
are definitely missing out. We took the kids up to Strawberry Reservoir
early in September, for the beginning of the spawn. If you go to the
Strawberry Reservoir visitor’s center, they have what they call “Discovery
Trail”, which is a planked walkway that runs along the Strawberry River
with several different overlooks.
Picture
Of The Discovery Trail
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For Larger Picture
When we first arrived we headed down the west side
of the trail. All along the walk way we did not see any of the blazing red
Kokanee. But if you continue you will end up at what they call a fish
catch house. Of course we were treated with a great view of a large catch
of the Kokanee there.
Picture Of The
Kokanee In The Hatchery
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Larger Picture
The rangers where catching the
Kokanee, weighing,
checking for spawn ready, and sorting them between the female and male
fish. This was a huge treat for me; I have never seen any thing like that.
The rangers were great to answer all of our questions, and show us the
differences between male and female fish. They brought fish up to the
rails to show us close up.
Picture
Of A Male Kokanee Salmon
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For Larger Picture
We learned that the Kokanee usually spawn when they
are four, and that they, just like the pacific salmon die after they
spawn. The rangers take the fish and milk them for their eggs, and sperm
to help guarantee the survival of the species in Strawberry Reservoir. The
rangers also gave us an example of how they check for spawn ready and
pre-spawn. The catch house was quite crowded but every one was very
courteous, and made room for the kids to get a front row seat for the
activities. After we left the catch house we headed back to the visitor’s
center where we crossed the road and went on the east side of the
Discovery Trail. There was an overlook that hung out over the Strawberry
River, and we were treated with a rare view of about a half dozen strong
Kokanee headed up stream. They were great to watch, so determined.
Picture
Of The Kokanee Swimming Up River
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For Larger Picture
Since our early September trip to Strawberry, we
have been back in the area. We went the first week in October again, and
we decided to stop and see the Kokanee. The ranger had told us on our last
trip that they spawn better during stormy days. Since the last couple of
days had been very rainy and over cast we thought we would check it out.
Quite a difference a couple of weeks, and a storm or two made. The river
was full of the blazing red fish. However the fish are in their final
stage of spawn, in fact there were several that had already died lining
the river bottom. Even though the fish didn’t have the determination of
a couple of weeks ago, it was still a great experience, and one I am sure
the kids will not forget soon. I know I won’t, and if we can we will try
and make it up there again next year.
Click
For Larger Picture
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For Larger Picture
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