Kokanee

The kokanee salmon is actually a dwarf landlocked form of the sockeye salmon. It is, however, a true member of the salmon family. The kokanee salmon was brought to Utah from Washington in 1922.

Most of the year the fish have a blue or silver back, and silver sides. There are small dots on the back and tail. When the fish is 3 or 4 years of age, it goes through a metamorphosis where it turns a crimson red and begins its spawning ritual. The males get a humped back, a hooked jaw and a pronounced black head. The females also turn a reddish color.