Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Idaho
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Kokanee is one of the most important recreational species in western North America and it is also an important prey species for other species of recreational or conservation importance. Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Wyoming-Utah, receives a significant portion of Wyoming's hatchery production of kokanee. Unfortunately, little is known about the extent to which hatchery fish contribute to the population and fishery. We are working closely with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to better understand the role of hatchery kokanee in the system. Results of this research will provide managers with information that can be used to efficiently allocate hatchery resources. We also hope to provide insight on factors related to the survival, growth, and ultimate recruitment of hatchery and wild kokanee to the population in Flaming Gorge Reservoir.