the kokanee

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The numbers of people who normally visit Taylor Creek for the fall spawning of the Kokanee salmon has prompted forest officials to close the popular area October 2 - November 2, 2020.

Due to continued public health safety concerns related to COVID-19, trail improvement work, the risk of bear-human encounters and in order to discourage large groups from gathering, the area is closed.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The annual Fall Fish Festival returns to the South Shore on Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Celebrate the annual fall migration of the Kokanee salmon at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center on SR-89.

The Fall Fish Festival focuses on a variety of fish species that live in Lake Tahoe and its rivers. In addition to the Kokanee, these species include the federally threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout and little-known smaller fish, such as speckled dace.

Celebrate the migration of the Kokanee salmon during the annual Fall Fish Fest at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center in South Lake Tahoe October 7-8.

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day walk the famous Rainbow Trail as nature is celebrated with the dramatic and colorful spawning behaviors of the salmon. Get a close-up look at this natural display is available in Taylor Creek and the Stream Profile Chamber.

Watch YouTube video of this event HERE.

The annual salmon run up South Lake Tahoe's Taylor Creek has seen far fewer numbers of kokanee than in years past, and not only have the crowds noticed, but so have the bears.

Speculation for the cause is the warmer water at the mouth of Taylor Creek.

"The spawn relies heavily on the presence of high water flow, which under normal conditions would be due to precipitation that comes with colder temperatures," said Lisa Heron, Public Affairs Specialist with the U.S. Forest Service.

With the drought of the last four years, its hard to know what "normal" is anymore.

Thousands flock to the Sierra Nevada every fall to watch the color changes of the aspen trees along with the annual upstream migration of the Kokanee Salmon in Taylor Creek to lay their eggs and complete their life cycle.

The bright yellows, oranges and reds of the aspen are emblematic of fall in Lake Tahoe, but this year that will not happen in the typical fashion that people have become accustomed to.

In a stroll through many of the aspen groves on the South Shore it looks like fall has already happened with dried leaves leaving the branches and making their way to the forest floor.

Last year, a government shut down caused the annual South Lake Tahoe festival that honors the Kokanee Salmon to be canceled, though nobody told the fish. Highway 89 was lined with cars since people had to walk in to view the fish spawning as well as enjoying fall foliage.

The closed gates haven't stopped the droves of people drawn to Taylor Creek and the Rainbow Trail to watch the annual fall upstream trek of the Kokanee Salmon.

Visitors to the creek were locals and visitors and they all arrived via a myriad of transportation options. The Trolley running along Highway 89 through the weekend, which brought many down the road as did bicycles, motorcycles, cars as well as those that preferred to walk.

The second Free Fishing Day in 2013 in California will be Saturday, Sept. 7. The first was way back on Saturday, July 6.

On Sept. 7 you will be able to fish wherever you like without the need for a fishing license. However remember that you will need to abide by the rules and regulations that govern whatever water(s) you will be fishing.

Be sure to obey those rules and regulations, and don’t do something illegal. If you do, and if you get caught, it could be a very expensive experience.

The Lake Tahoe Community College Writers’ Series is proudly hosting a celebration for the publication of the college’s literary journal, The Kokanee, Wednesday, May 15 at 8 p.m. at the LTCC library.

The event will feature short readings from student and faculty authors. Authors reading from their work will include Frank Riley, Cece Cummins, Harper Dial, Bonnie Turnbull, Marcela de Lira Astorga, Karen A. Terrey, Ryan Row, and Alec Holmes. The event is free and open to the public. The Kokanee will be available for purchase.

Here is this week's fall fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Oct. 4-10.

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Sept. 12-19.

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of August 29 to Sept. 4.

Here is this week's fishing report, through Nov. 23, for Nevada, the Sierra, Northern California and Southern Oregon:

Here is this week's fishing report through Oct. 19 for Nevada, the Sierra, Northern California and southern Oregon.

NEWS RELEASE — Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina, Lake Tahoe’s favorite family resort, is gearing down for an anticipated season of fall colors, crisp mountain air, special events, activities, dining with a view and lakefront lodging value.

Located on Tahoe’s south shore, Camp Richardson is an outdoor enthusiast’s mecca. The fall season offers warm days and sweater-wearing nights that allow guests to take in hiking, biking, live music and beach time without the larger summer crowds.

Here is this week's fishing report for Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra and southern Oregon. This report runs this weekend through Sept. 14.