KOKANEE

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KOKANEE
Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum). Kokanee are landlocked sockeye salmon and are identical to the anadromous sockeye salmon except for their size. In Kathleen Lake they seldom exceed two pounds in weight or 20 inches in length. Kokanee are usually bright silver bluish colour and typically trout like in appearance. At spawning time, they take the appearance and coloration of spawning anadromous sockeye. Males become bright red on the back and sides with dirty white underparts. Their head becomes green in colour with a dusky elongated snout, and a light hump forms behind the head. Spawning females are similarly coloured, but the red is much darker. During most of the year, kokanee are in deep water. In early June they are found in shallow water in Kathleen Lake and are eagerly sought after by anglers for their tasty flesh.