04-30-2006, 03:35 PM
You are right about the kokanee being heavily preyed on by lakers. Another major problem for the kokanee has been attributed to the drought. Most of the kokanee in the Gorge are a result of shore spawning fish at locations in Wyoming and Utah. During the low water years their spawning habitat deteriored. Now that we have seen some recovery from the drought, the spawning areas are in good shape and we should see positive results in the near futrure. You were lucky to get to enjoy the great rainbow fishing in the early years of the Gorge. I was there too and really miss those years. Kamloops were planted until about 5 years ago I think. Studies did not show that they preyed on the kokanee in latter years because for some reason, most of them never switched to a kokanee diet. They were originally planted with hopes that they would prey on Utah Chubs that numbered, as you know, in the millions. The Gorge has gone through many transformations over the years and always seem to have something that does very well in the reservoir. My favorite years were those of the monster browns! Tight lines to all of you out there!
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