Night Jigging for Kokanee

Night jigging for Kokanee salmon is a unique and exciting fishing experience that offers anglers the opportunity to catch these elusive fish during their most active feeding times. With the right lures, equipment, and techniques, night jigging can yield a plentiful catch of Kokanee salmon, making it a popular and rewarding pursuit for avid anglers. Additionally, night jigging allows for a peaceful and serene fishing experience, away from the hustle and bustle of daytime fishing crowds.

Hey there, I’m an avid angler and Kokanee salmon enthusiast who loves to spend my free time experimenting with different fishing techniques and lures. I’ve been fishing for Kokanee salmon for over a decade now, and I’ve learned a ton about their behavior patterns and preferences. Whether it’s jigging, slow trolling, or casting and retrieving, or even snagging, I’ve tried it all and figured out what works best. Plus, I’ve been writing and studying kokanee professionally for several years now. This is kind of my thing. So, if you’re looking to up your night jigging game and catch more Kokanee salmon, I’ve got you covered with some killer tips and tricks!

Why Jigging at Night

Night jigging for Kokanee salmon can be a very different experience compared to daytime jigging. One of the main differences is the depth at which the fish are found. During the day, Kokanee salmon tend to stay in deeper waters, around 30 to 60 feet, while at night they move up towards the surface, where the water is cooler and the oxygen levels are higher. This means that night jigging typically takes place in shallower waters.

Another important difference is the type of lures used. Kokanee salmon are known for their sensitivity to light, so using lures with UV or glow-in-the-dark properties can be more effective at night. Jigging lures that have a UV or glow-in-the-dark finish can help to attract Kokanee salmon and trigger more bites.

Finally, fishing techniques can also vary between day and night jigging for Kokanee salmon. During the day, slow trolling or drifting with the wind can be effective, while at night, vertical jigging can be more successful.

Night Jigging with Lights for Kokanee

Night jigging for kokanee is a lot of fun. By using some floating lights in the water, you attract bugs and fish to your location, so you don’t have to work as hard to find the kokanee. Check your local regulations on night fishing, but this is another really fun way to try jigging for kokanee. But does it really work?

A light can attract Kokanee salmon by mimicking the natural prey or food sources that these fish feed on. Kokanee salmon are attracted to light because they are sensitive to changes in light levels and can detect subtle movements in the water. In the wild, Kokanee salmon often feed on small planktonic organisms, such as zooplankton, which are attracted to light.

When a light is used for fishing, it can attract plankton and other small organisms to the surface of the water. This, in turn, can attract Kokanee salmon to the area in search of food. Additionally, the light can make it easier for fishermen to see their lures and detect when they get a bite, which can lead to more successful fishing.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of using a light to attract Kokanee salmon can vary depending on the location, time of day, and other factors. Some fishermen find that using a light is very effective, while others do not have as much success. Ultimately, it’s important to experiment with different techniques and lures to find what works best for the specific conditions and location where you are fishing.

The Light I Use For Night Jigging

I’m a fan of the floating fish light from Hydro Glow. It connects to my boat battery, and I can just throw it out in the water. Having the light right on the water helps you avoid drawing attention to yourself as well. I go fishing to relax. Having people coming to investigate a bright light is a pain. With this light, if I’m not right in the harbor, I can generally avoid notice from people, but its brought in some nice fish for me.

Hydro Glow Floating Fish Light w/20′ Cord – LED – 12W – 12V – White

Popular Jigging Lures

There are several types of lures that can be effective for night jigging for Kokanee salmon, including:

1. Glow-in-the-dark jigs: These jigs have a phosphorescent or glow-in-the-dark finish that can help to attract Kokanee salmon in low light conditions. This isn’t as big of a deal if you’re jigging with a light.
2. UV lures: Lures that have a UV or ultraviolet finish can also be effective for night jigging. UV light is more visible in low light conditions, and these lures can help to grab the attention of Kokanee salmon.
3. Hoochies or Squids with UV or glow-in-the-dark finish: Hoochies or squids with UV or glow-in-the-dark properties are also a popular choice for night jigging for Kokanee salmon. These lures are often rigged behind a dodger or flasher to create additional flash and attract fish. My favorite is the signature squid from Rocky Mountain Tackle for jigging. They have really small tentacles that flutter really well in the water.
4. Spoons with glow-in-the-dark tape: Spoons with glow-in-the-dark tape or finish can also be effective for night jigging. These lures can be fished vertically or cast and retrieved, and the glow-in-the-dark finish can help to attract Kokanee salmon in low light conditions.

When selecting lures for night jigging, it’s important to choose lures that match the size and color of the natural prey in the area where you are fishing. It’s also a good idea to experiment. Try different types of lures and fishing techniques to find what works best for the conditions and location where you are fishing.

About Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee salmon are landlocked sockeye salmon, which means they don’t return to the ocean and live their entire lives in lakes or reservoirs before spawning in rivers, streams, or gravel close to lakeshores. These salmon are delicious and are really strong fighters, making them a prime target for anglers, and the popularity of this fish is growing. Kokanee are a schooling fish that feed on zooplankton in the water. They tend to find where these plankton are at and then they congregate and feed all in that one area. These plankton, and the kokanee that feed on them, like to hang in water that is around 50-55 degrees, so these salmon are usually only able to survive in deep alpine lakes and reservoirs, and can be found from depths of 10 feet, all the way down to over 100 feet deep.