So that’s what’s been eating all the kokanee at Lake Koocanusa (May HAWG of the Month Contest entry)

by JD on May 26, 2010

Trolling for kokanee salmon on Montana’s Lake Koocanusa with an ultralight rod and 4-pound test, Jeff Gould hadn’t planned on nearly getting his ass handed to him…but that’s exactly what happened when this 10.6-pound bull trout came calling.

Gould said that the fish nearly spooled him and there was even some talk of backing the boat up and chasing it like a big blue marlin. Eventually, however, he was able to slip the net under the huge char. After a quick photo session, the fish was released…much to the dismay of the kokanee population of the lake! As the latest entry into our Hawg of the Month Contest, Jeff will have a chance to compete for a free fishing trip.

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

don brier May 30, 2010 at 3:44 pm

If you guys want to try something cool sometime try night fishing under the lights of the KooCanUSA {Libby} dam sometime. Use the biggest chrome spoon you can find. Pitch it out into the tailrace below the turbines and jig it a little while it drifts downstream. Big ‘Bows {6 pound plus } are relatively common and lay in wait for a Kokanee who took a ride through the turbines from the lake. While Montana game laws prohibit specifically targeting Bull Trout they sometimes grab the well presented ‘Bow offering. I believe the Montana State record ‘Bow and Bull came out of the tailwater.
Definitely worth the trip!

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kokekiller May 27, 2010 at 10:42 am

nice fish way too go bud.

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Bentley May 27, 2010 at 6:44 am

The fish looks Wall-eyed to me, as in wall bound (not species ) get it?
But thats cool, I’ve had a couple of trophies mounted myself in the past and plenty o’ dead fish picks! A fish that size, caught on4-lb is one to remember and admire for years!:-)

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