The Ultimate Guide to the Top 10 Kokanee Lures You Need in Your Tackle Box
Alright, let's talk kokanee! If you've ever chased these feisty landlocked sockeye salmon, you know they can be incredibly fun to catch, but also, let's be honest, a bit of a challenge. They're notorious for being picky, sometimes driving anglers absolutely bonkers trying to figure out what they want. But when you dial it in, that gentle tap on the rod tip, the sudden surge, and the acrobatic fight make it all worth it.
So, what's the secret sauce for consistently putting kokanee in the cooler? A huge part of it comes down to your lure selection. These guys are visual hunters, attracted by flash, vibration, and color, and they're incredibly sensitive to scent. Having the right arsenal of lures in your tackle box is absolutely crucial. Forget those old sayings about "anything works" – with kokanee, precision pays off. We're going to dive deep into my personal top 10 kokanee lures, the ones that have proven themselves time and time again, helping you crack the code and fill your stringer.
Why Those Finicky Kokanee Demand the Best
Before we jump into the lures themselves, let's briefly touch on why kokanee are so particular. Unlike their ocean-going cousins, kokanee primarily feed on zooplankton – tiny microscopic organisms. This means they don't have aggressive predatory instincts to chase down large baitfish. Instead, they're attracted to things that mimic these plankton (or small invertebrates) and, crucially, things that simply annoy them or appeal to their curious nature. They've got soft mouths, too, which means your presentation needs to be just right to get a solid hook-up without tearing out. So, we're looking for small, flashy, vibrant, and often scented offerings. Got it? Good.
The Unsung Heroes: Attractors (Dodgers & Flashers)
Now, while these aren't "lures" in themselves, it's absolutely vital to mention them because you almost never fish kokanee lures without them. Dodgers and flashers are the workhorses that create the attraction. They produce a ton of flash, vibration, and erratic movement that calls kokanee in from a distance. Think of them as the noisy party host that gets everyone's attention, and your lure is the delicious appetizer they then decide to nibble on. Common colors for attractors include chrome, various shades of pink, orange, chartreuse, and sometimes even patterns. Pair them with a short leader (typically 8-24 inches, depending on the attractor and lure) to your chosen lure, and you're in business. Without them, even the best lures often fall flat.
Your Arsenal: The Top 10 Kokanee Lures
Okay, enough preamble. Let's get to the good stuff! Here are my go-to kokanee lures that you absolutely need to try.
1. Mack's Lure Wedding Ring
You can't talk about kokanee fishing without mentioning the Wedding Ring. This classic spinner has been catching fish for decades, and for good reason. It's essentially a small inline spinner with colorful beads and a small blade, often dressed with a piece of plastic tubing or rubber snubber. The spinning blade creates flash and vibration, while the beads add visual appeal. They come in a massive array of color combinations, but pink, orange, chartreuse, and various metallic mixes are usually top performers. Tip: always tip your Wedding Ring with a kernel of shoepeg corn soaked in your favorite kokanee scent. It's almost mandatory!
2. Apex Kokanee Killer
The name says it all, doesn't it? The Apex Kokanee Killer is a unique, small, spoon-like lure with a distinctive "wing" design that gives it an irresistible darting and fluttering action when trolled. It's not quite a spoon, not quite a plug – it's in its own category. This erratic movement, combined with its vibrant colors (think bright pinks, oranges, and greens, often with glow or UV finishes), drives kokanee wild. They're super effective on their own behind a dodger, mimicking a struggling invertebrate. Don't forget to scent them up!
3. Mack's Lure Cha Cha
Another Mack's Lure hit, the Cha Cha is a spinner with a slightly different profile than the Wedding Ring. It features a unique, segmented body that creates a distinct vibration and subtle wobble in addition to the flash from its small blade. It's often adorned with soft plastic beads or skirts, giving it a lively appearance. The Cha Cha comes in a variety of UV and glow finishes, making it incredibly visible in deeper, darker waters where kokanee often reside. Again, corn and scent are your best friends here.
4. Dick Nite Spoons
These small, thin metal spoons might look simple, but they are absolutely deadly for kokanee. Dick Nite spoons have a classic, proven fluttering action that kokanee can't resist. They come in a huge array of colors, from basic chrome and brass to vibrant painted finishes like pink, orange, green, and chartreuse. What makes them so effective is their subtle, almost seductive wobble at slow trolling speeds, which is perfect for kokanee. They're particularly good on sunny days when the flash can really reach them, or with UV colors in murkier conditions.
5. Hoochie/Squid Skirts
These soft plastic skirts are incredibly versatile and effective. While often associated with ocean salmon, tiny versions are kokanee magnets. They don't have inherent action like a spinner or spoon, so they rely entirely on the action imparted by your dodger. The soft tentacles pulsate in the water, mimicking small squid or other prey. Rig them with small hooks, often in tandem, and definitely add a piece of corn or Gulp! Maggot inside for scent and added bulk. Pink, orange, green, and white are perennial favorites.
6. Rocky Mountain Tackle (RMT) Squids
Building on the concept of the hoochie, RMT Squids are specifically designed for kokanee and have gained a massive following. They often feature proprietary UV and glow materials, incredibly vibrant colors, and sometimes even "bug eye" details that add to their allure. RMT squids have a slightly different profile and texture than generic hoochies, and they come pre-rigged with small, sharp hooks. They're fantastic behind various dodgers and are a staple in many serious kokanee anglers' boxes. Experiment with their "signature series" colors.
7. Brad's Kokanee Cut Plugs
Brad's Cut Plugs are an ingenious design. These are hard-bodied plugs that split open, allowing you to stuff them with scent (like tuna, herring, or commercial kokanee scents) and then snap them shut. When trolled, they have a distinct, erratic rolling action, and as the scent slowly leaches out, it creates an irresistible trail. For kokanee, you'll want the smaller sizes, often called "Koke Cut Plugs." They combine visual attraction, action, and a potent scent profile all in one package.
8. Shasta Tackle Koke-A-Nut
The Koke-A-Nut from Shasta Tackle is a small, hard-bodied plug designed specifically for kokanee. These lures have a tight, erratic darting action that kokanee find hard to ignore. They're often brightly colored, featuring vibrant hues and sometimes holographic finishes that catch and reflect light beautifully. Like other plugs, they're fantastic for drawing strikes from aggressive kokanee, especially when you're looking for something with a bit more of a defined swimming motion than a spoon or spinner.
9. Vance's Sockeye Slammer
Don't let the "Sockeye" in the name fool you; these lures are absolute kokanee killers too. Vance's Sockeye Slammers are a unique hybrid, often described as a winged flutter spoon or a small, specialized plug. They have an irresistible side-to-side, darting action that mimics injured bait or erratic movement. They come in stunning UV and glow colors, perfect for different light conditions and depths. They're fantastic fished behind a dodger, creating a dance that kokanee just can't resist.
10. Granny Lures
These are often small, handmade or semi-custom spinners, typically featuring a small blade (often a Colorado or Indiana style), colorful beads, and sometimes a small piece of tubing or plastic. The beauty of Granny Lures is their simplicity and often unique color combinations you won't find in mass-produced options. Many anglers swear by a specific "Granny" they know for their custom ties. They work on the same principles as the Wedding Ring, but often with a slightly different vibration or bead pattern. If you know someone who ties them, grab a few – they can be magic!
Beyond the Lure: Color, Scent & Presentation are Key
Having the right lures is a huge step, but don't stop there. How you use them is equally important.
The Right Hue: Playing with Color
Kokanee can be incredibly color-sensitive. What works one day might not the next. Always have a variety of colors on hand: * Pinks, oranges, and reds: Often mimic krill or other plankton, and are highly visible in low light or deeper water. * Chartreuse and greens: Great for stained water or as an alternative when pink isn't working. * Chrome, silver, and white: Excellent for flash on sunny days or in clear water. * UV and glow finishes: Crucial for visibility in deep water or on overcast days. Always charge your glow lures!
Scent-sational Success: Kokanee Love a Whiff
If you're not using scent, you're missing out. Kokanee have an excellent sense of smell. * Garlic, krill, and anise: These are the big three. Many commercial kokanee scents incorporate these. * Shoepeg corn: Marinated in scent, it's the traditional tipping bait for a reason. It adds visual appeal, bulk, and a scent trail. Don't be shy about re-applying scent every 20-30 minutes.
Perfecting the Presentation: Speed, Depth, and Leader
- Trolling Speed: Kokanee are usually caught at slow speeds, typically 0.8 to 1.5 mph. Too fast, and your lures might not have the right action; too slow, and you might not cover enough water or get enough dodger action.
- Depth: This is critical! Use your fish finder religiously. Kokanee often suspend in schools at specific depths. If you're not getting bites, change your depth. Downriggers are your best friend here.
- Leader Length: As mentioned, your leader from the dodger to the lure is usually short – between 8 and 24 inches. Too long, and your lure might not get the erratic action from the dodger; too short, and the dodger might spook the fish. Experiment!
Wrapping It Up: Go Catch Some Chrome!
There you have it – a rundown of my top 10 kokanee lures, plus some essential tips to help you put them to good use. Remember, kokanee fishing is all about experimentation, observation, and patience. Don't be afraid to change colors, scents, speeds, and depths until you find what they're biting on that particular day. Each lake, and even each day on the same lake, can be different.
So, stock up your tackle box with these proven performers, soak that corn, charge those glow lures, and get out there! There's nothing quite like the tug of a kokanee on a light rod. Happy fishing, my friend!