A file photo of kokanee salmon swim up the Little Bear River at the east end of Porcupine Reservoir in September. This year the water is two high to see the spawning fish..
AVON — Catching a glimpse of kokanee salmon along the Little Bear River at the east end of Porcupine Reservoir is more difficult than in past years and may be disappointing. The abundant snowfall has filled the reservoir and the water is quite deep at the east end of the reservoir.
Chances of seeing an orange colored kokanee are there but it isn’t near as prolific as when the water is lower and the time of year is right.
The spawning run is pretty much over for this year.
The salmon run is one of the highlights of living in Cache Valley. Taking the winding road at the north end of the reservoir and watching the kokanee salmon run up the east fork of the Little Bear River is a popular fall activity.
The Division of Wildlife Resources has a fact sheet that said the salmon run is in September and October. During the run is when kokanee salmon change from the shade of silver most of the year to a bright red before they travel up rivers and streams to spawn.
“This year the kokanee run is over for the Fall at Porcupine Reservoir,” said Mark Hadley the northern region outreach manager for the DWR. “Kokanee spawn at different times in different waters.”
In some waters the spawn might start in late September and extend until October.
“At other waters it might start early September and then end a week or two later,” Hadley said. “Every water is a bit different.”
Cinnamon Creek is the main source of water for Porcupine Reservoir and the kokanee flourish there. Parking is very limited. If you go to Porcupine Reservoir, officials advise that you park in the small parking lot and avoid parking on the road, if possible.
It’s still a pretty drive to take this time of year. The road up and back seems to have many UTV’s or side-by sides making their way up and down the county road next to the reservoir.
The fish can navigate and pass beaver dams that have sprung up over the past few years and the eggs they lay have a much better chance of surviving and the young they spawn typically fare better when there are beaver ponds. The dams keep the eggs and young fish from being flushed into the reservoir prematurely during high flows.
Officials also caution against trespassing on Cinnamon Creek Campground, which is located just upstream and is marked with a “no trespassing” sign and locked gate.