AOTY Huge Kokanee Alert.

All, Corey just entered a monster 17.25 Kokanee

It’s is in the top 4 ever entered and the first 17+ inch fish entered since 2019.

Great job Corey! Congratulations.

Wow! That's massive.

Thanks, John.

Quick report: I had to be out of my house for the weekend to accommodate an open house (selling and moving to Sonoma County), so i packed up my trailer, the Outback and my dog and headed for Shaver Lake, 4 hours away.

Shaver has been putting out some jumbo Kokanee this year with some topping 18", a world-class koke anywhere. It took me a few days to dial them in, but I did eventually figure it out. Day one had me lose every fish I hooked. The biggest problem I had was braid. I've never seen Kokanee as acrobatic as the Shaver fish. I've caught plenty on Wiskeytown, Berry, Pardee, etc... but the Shaver fish go absolutely berserk when hooked. They acted like sailfish and are very adept at shaking the hook when airborn. Monofilament is critical - the lack of stretch in braided line just doesn't cut it..

As far as rigs, I really didn't have much luck until I followed the advice of an old-timer I met in town - these fish want hoochies. So if you go, bring your hoochies (orange and pink).

Once I worked all of that out, I was able to pretty quickly get some action, though nothing fast and furious. Locals told me it's really slowed down over the last three weeks. The fish I landed averaged 14", with this one going just over 17. Still looking for an 18. If any lake in CA will produce one this year, it will be Shaver. If anyone desires to go, PM me and I'll talk locations and depths (obviously, that's subject to change quickly, but dialed in for now).

Now enjoy some sideways photos!

DUDE nice Corey!!!

Way to study up and execute!   

What a beauty!     Having only ever caught ONE kokanee, I'm super jealous   

That’s a nice one!!!
Congratulations!!!


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im offended. my 18" kokanee was classified as a salmon back when they were mixed 

 

Must be one heck of a fight with an 17 plus inch Koke on the end. Their saltwater relatives fight to the death and will test any tackle in that initial run. Great fish

Just caught my first batch of 17" kokes from whiskey the other day. Looks like it's a good year for big kokes.