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Well, I made my first attempt for kokanee this morning from the Soldier Creek marina launch. Temp was 27 as I cleared Daniels Canyon and 25 at the marina launch. There was one boat already in the water - I am pretty sure it was OCF. The water temp was 38 and calm. It looked to be a good day - and it was except for the catching.
I trolled most all the lines that have been successful in the past. Skunk city. There were some fish on the finder, but none wanted to play.
After a while, the wind came up. I headed over to Strawberry. Funny thing, it was calmer on Strawberry, but the water was stained. Spent some time off Haws point, still no fish. Finally went back to SC side and made one final pass.
Sorry for the bummer report - I know many of you have the fever but the water is still a bit cold. I can't get back until late next week. Hopefully it will warm up by then.
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I wouldn't expect to much kokanes till the water gets near 50 degrees. I will also be eager for them. They are usually up in the top 25 feet at 50 to 55 degrees. Keep watching. Thanks for your info.
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Today I tried the riggers at 8, 10, 15, 20 , 25 and 30 feet. And you are right it was too cold. Last year my first didn't come until the water was 45-48. It got better from there.
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Thank you for the report, sorry the fish didn't cooperate more.
They still have to eat no matter how cold the water is, that's what keeps me going.
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That was me up there today. I had the same result as you - I might of had one bump with long lining a rainbow Rapala!
I did see a lot of fish 90 to 120 feet deep in several areas. I dropped down and trolled for them; however, I never got a bite. Tough day of fishing. In some areas the water visibility was only 3 feet, in others maybe 7 feet. With the amount of snow on the surrounding ridges, it maybe a couple of weeks before the water warms and clears.
After the wind began blowing, the water temp dropped to 37 degrees. I have caught kokes when the water temps reach 42 degrees. Last year it was May 18th before I caught a koke. This year looks a lot like last year. It will be 10 to 14 days before I go back up.
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I thought I recognized your Lund. I actually had one "bump" not even a hook up, over on Strawberry, but that was probably a cutt - it was just as I was going into the narrows. The water on Strawberry was even worse, barely any visibility at all. My first koke last year was May 24th. According to my records, that day, the water temp started at 45 and ended at 48. I also fished last year May 12th with the same results as today.
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Thanks for the report and saving me some frustration, but I am Jones to go.
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I also appreciate the good info, and maybe the 'go to' date for me will be mid May, soon after getting my motors' annual servicing....looking forward to trolling for the Kokes .... just like opening day of duck hunting! ....Guluk....
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