Fishing trips are a cherished tradition, especially when they involve passing on the love of the sport to the next generation. This particular outing, however, held a deeper significance as it was the last fishing trip with my grandson, Gabe, before he embarked on a two-year journey to Germany. The anticipation of this trip was palpable, and my daughter's suggestion was a timely one, given the circumstances. As a seasoned fly fisherman myself, I wanted to ensure that Gabe had a memorable experience, despite my physical limitations. With a worn-out shoulder and the boat sold, we turned to my friend Mike for assistance. Mike, an experienced fisherman, agreed to take us to Ririe Reservoir, a spot he and I had been frequenting for the past few weeks. The reservoir was teeming with kokanee, a species of fish that presented a unique challenge compared to the trout we typically caught on the South Fork of the Snake River.
The boys quickly learned that kokanee fishing required a different approach. The fish were eager to bite, but their size made them elusive. Lincoln, the older grandson, took the lead, catching two large kokanee exceeding 16 inches. Gabe, not to be outdone, soon joined him, catching several fish in the 10- to 11-inch range. I shared a valuable lesson with Gabe, emphasizing that catching smaller fish demands more skill due to their smaller target. But his persistence paid off when he reeled in a substantial 17-inch kokanee.
As the trip progressed, the boys' enthusiasm grew. They teased each other playfully, and their fishing skills improved. The highlight of the trip came when Gabe hooked a magnificent kokanee. This fish made a dramatic entrance, tail-walking behind the boat before diving and leaping out of the water with a three-foot high jump. The boys' laughter filled the air as they celebrated their catch.
The kokanee population at Ririe Reservoir had been carefully managed. Fishermen had been targeting the 2025-stocked kokanee, which were late-spawning and had a washed-out orange meat color. In contrast, the larger kokanee planted in 2024 had bright red meat, indicating early-spawning varieties. Interestingly, about a fourth of the larger fish, now exceeding 17 inches, had deeper bodies and orange flesh, suggesting they were hold-overs from the 2023 late-spawning stocking.
The behavior of these kokanee was fascinating. In the early morning, the larger fish were highly aggressive, feeding from 10 to 25 feet below the surface. However, as the day progressed, they retreated to deeper waters, making them more challenging to catch. The smaller kokanee, on the other hand, became more aggressive in the late morning, but their smaller size made them harder to reach the boat.
Despite my age and physical limitations, the trip was a resounding success. My grandsons had a wonderful time, and I was grateful for Mike's guidance. I envisioned a future winter trip on the 'hard' water, where Gabe would continue his fishing journey, and I would be there to support him from afar. This fishing trip, filled with laughter, learning, and love, will forever hold a special place in my heart, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new adventure for my beloved grandson.
