Fish Species

Kokanee salmon establishment in Lake Coeur d’Alene started through deliberate stocking efforts by fisheries managers during the 1930s.

Kokanee salmon are landlocked freshwater fish in Idaho lakes sharing genetic ties and striking red spawning colors with anadromous Sockeye.

Kokanee salmon and sockeye salmon share identical genetics, but landlocked kokanee live exclusively in freshwater lakes.

Chinook salmon and steelhead traits, life cycles, and physical differences help Idaho anglers identify their catch correctly.

Idaho Chinook salmon sizes in the Salmon River, Clearwater River, and Lake Coeur d’Alene, including growth factors and populations.

Idaho steelhead from the Pacific Ocean measure 24 to 30 inches, weigh 6 to 12 pounds, and migrate up the Snake River.

A clipped adipose fin on an Idaho steelhead visually distinguishes hatchery-reared fish from wild-born fish for anglers.

Idaho wild steelhead conservation protects genetic diversity, supports river ecosystems, and ensures the survival of returning fish.

Idaho steelhead anglers learn to identify wild fish by checking for the small adipose fin located between the dorsal and caudal fins.

Idaho hatchery steelhead identification requires checking the clipped adipose fin to ensure legal harvest under state regulations.