While official events are not happening this year due to the pandemic, plenty of locals are on their own taking the time to head up the mountain to spot the spawning of the Kokanee Salmon. This miracle of nature happens every fall when they change from their normal shades of silver to a bright red. Worth noting, the DWR urges all to “take note that any kokanee salmon caught anywhere in Utah from September 10th to November 30th are not allowed to be kept because it’s the spawning season. Visitors should also not disturb the spawning fish by wading into the water, allowing their dogs to chase the fish or by trying to pick the fish up.” Two places close to the Basin to watch the salmon are Strawberry Reservoir and Sheep Creek. Flaming Gorge is home to northeastern Utah’s largest kokanee population so Sheep Creek is a great place to watch the fish. Please note that Sheep Creek is closed to ALL fishing from August 15th to the last Saturday of November. The spawning in this area primarily occurs in September.
