2026 Dworshak Reservoir Kokanee Update

Last year was an excellent year for anglers seeking larger kokanee in Dworshak Reservoir. While the number of fish available was below average, the fish that were present were noticeably larger than normal.

Age-2 and age-3 kokanee are the primary adult age classes in the fishery and are the fish large enough to get targeted by anglers. In 2025, the abundance of adult kokanee was below the long-term average (Figure 1). Despite lower numbers, anglers still enjoyed good fishing opportunities. Reduced abundance resulted in less competition for food resources, allowing kokanee to grow faster and reach larger sizes. Over the past 20 years, the average size of kokanee in Dworshak Reservoir has been approximately 10 inches. In 2025, kokanee averaged nearly 12 inches. 

Looking ahead to 2026, anglers can expect more adult kokanee to be available than were present in 2025. However, fish will likely be somewhat smaller, averaging approximately 9–10 inches in length.

This forecast is based on the above-average abundance of age-1 kokanee observed during surveys in 2025 (Figure 2). Compared to the 20-year average, the age-1 population was substantially higher, suggesting that a strong cohort of fish should grow into the adult population this year. Assuming survival rates remain consistent with historical patterns, anglers should encounter greater numbers of kokanee throughout the reservoir.

The tradeoff is that increased abundance generally leads to greater competition for available food resources. As a result, growth rates are expected to be slower than they were in 2025, producing more fish overall but at a smaller average size.

Overall, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with improved kokanee abundance and catch rates, though anglers should expect fish to be somewhat smaller than the exceptional-sized kokanee encountered last season.