Ask Fish and Game

Q. Is it legal to snag kokanee anywhere in Idaho? A. It is illegal to snag any game fish in Idaho. This time of year, the many kokanee migrating up streams from lakes and reservoirs to spawn are obvious in the shallow streams with their red bodies and still greenish heads. Anglers may fish for them, but any kokanee not caught in the mouth or jaw must be released immediately back to the stream. Fish and Game conservation officers have been citing anglers who intentionally snag kokanee. The last legal snag-fishery for kokanee was more than 20 years ago.