Starvation Reservoir: A Failed Experiment

As I was preparing for and planning out my 2025 kokanee fishing trips, I reached out to a few different state biologists to learn about the state of kokanee in Utah. The most interesting news from those conversations was around kokanee experiments, some of which have been successful, but some have failed and are being abandoned. This article takes a closer look at the state of these experiments.

​In late 2022, I reported on a promising development at Starvation Reservoir: kokanee salmon were observed spawning in the Strawberry River inlet, suggesting the potential for a self-sustaining population. This was an exciting prospect for anglers and biologists alike. However, recent updates from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) indicate a shift in perspective regarding the viability of kokanee in Starvation.​

The Rise and Fall of Kokanee at Starvation Reservoir

Kokanee salmon were first introduced to Starvation Reservoir in 2016 as part of an experimental stocking program. Initial observations were encouraging; anglers reported catches, and spawning activity was noted in subsequent years. The reservoir’s depth and zooplankton abundance made it a suitable habitat for kokanee.​

Despite these positive signs, challenges emerged. The reservoir’s walleye population, known for preying on smaller fish, posed a significant threat to kokanee survival. Additionally, inconsistent stocking due to limited resources and prioritization of other fisheries hindered the establishment of a stable kokanee population. Biologists noted that stocking smaller kokanee (under 3 inches) resulted in low survival rates, primarily due to predation.​ This means that stocking has been harder, and Starvation was low on the pecking order. Other bodies of water, specifically Strawberry and Flaming Gorge are more popular and so their kokanee quotas were prioritized.

By 2025, the DWR concluded that kokanee efforts at Starvation were not yielding the desired outcomes. As a result, kokanee stocking was discontinued, and the reservoir is set to be removed from the Fish Planner as a kokanee water.​

Upper Enterprise Reservoir: Another Experiment Ends

Upper Enterprise Reservoir, located in Washington County, was another site where kokanee stocking was attempted. The state began stocking kokanee salmon in the spring of 2020, with the expectation that anglers might start catching them by 2022 or 2023, assuming successful adaptation to the lake. However, recent statements from state biologists indicate that no signs of kokanee survival were observed, either from netting surveys or angler reports. Consequently, the DWR decided to discontinue stocking kokanee in Upper Enterprise Reservoir and reallocate the quota to Mill Meadow Reservoir in 2025.

Exploring New Frontiers: Kokanee in Blind Lake

While Starvation’s kokanee program was phased out, the DWR initiated new experimental stockings in other locations, including Blind Lake in the Boulder Mountains. This remote, high-elevation lake presented a unique opportunity to establish a kokanee fishery in a less predator-rich environment, and also provide anglers an opportunity to target kokanee from shore.

In 2022, the DWR stocked approximately 4,000 kokanee into Blind Lake, transporting them via horseback due to the lake’s inaccessibility by vehicle. Subsequent stockings occurred in 2023 and 2024, with the latter year seeing the full quota of 8,000 fish introduced. Observations have been limited due to the lake’s remoteness. However, in December 2023, an angler reported catching ten kokanee exhibiting spawning colors, suggesting some level of natural reproduction. Additionally, a netting survey in July 2024 captured two kokanee measuring 8-9 inches, indicating survival and growth. That might sound small compared to Strawberry and Flaming Gorge, but those are normal and healthy sized kokanee compared to the average size throughout the country. While these findings are preliminary, they offer hope for the establishment of a sustainable kokanee population in Blind Lake.​

Mill Meadow Reservoir: The Next Kokanee Experiment

With the discontinuation of kokanee stocking in Upper Enterprise Reservoir, the DWR plans to redirect efforts to Mill Meadow Reservoir in 2025. Located north of Loa, Utah, at an elevation of nearly 7,700 feet, Mill Meadow is a 156-acre impoundment of the Fremont River and UM Creek. The reservoir has experienced wide variation in species composition, but the stocking of rainbow trout has been consistent for decades. The DWR’s decision to introduce kokanee here is based on the reservoir’s suitable habitat and the potential for successful establishment of a kokanee population. Time will tell if this will be a successful experiment or not, but I personally am excited to see more kokanee in the state.

The Broader Context: Kokanee Management in Utah

Utah’s kokanee management strategy has evolved over the years, with the DWR experimenting with various water bodies to identify suitable habitats for these landlocked salmon. While some efforts, like those at Starvation Reservoir and Upper Enterprise Reservoir, have been discontinued due to ecological challenges, others, such as the program at Blind Lake, show promise.​

The DWR continues to adapt its approach, focusing on locations where kokanee have a higher likelihood of survival and reproduction. This includes considering factors like predator presence, water temperature, and spawning habitat availability. By learning from past experiences and leveraging new opportunities, Utah aims to enhance its kokanee fisheries for the benefit of anglers and the ecosystem alike.​

Conclusion

The journey of kokanee salmon in Utah reflects the complexities of fisheries management. While the discontinuation of the kokanee programs at Starvation and Upper Enterprise Reservoirs marks the end of certain chapters, the ongoing efforts at Blind Lake and the upcoming experiment at Mill Meadow Reservoir signify a continued commitment to exploring viable habitats for these fish. Through adaptive management and community engagement, the future of kokanee in Utah holds potential for success.

Title image photo credit: Burnzz from flickr