Kokanee spawning in record numbers in Okanagan Lake

It's a natural wonder to behold — thousands of red fish spawning along the rocky shores of Okanagan Lake.

Howie Wright, a fish biologist with the Okanagan Nation Alliance, says fish counters haven't seen this many shore spawning kokanee since the 1970's.

Biologists estimate there could be 300,000 of the smaller landlocked sockeye.

"It's good to see those type of returns. It just recognizes the natural variability of the population for kokanee, that they can surprise us in terms of returns," said Wright.

The fish are much like a smaller version of sockeye salmon, but instead of making their way to the oceans after hatching and then returning to freshwater to spawn, kokanee live their entire life in lakes.

Wright credits better management of lake levels over the past decade for helping revive the kokanee population.

"They are not drawing down the lake over the winter too soon before the kokanee emerge from the gravel. So then you get better survival."

There are a number of spots people can watch the spectacle from the shore or boat, he says.

"Paul's Tomb is an area that you can see them. Other areas overlooking, people have boats onto Rattle Snake Island and other types. You'll be able to see them shore spawning."

While the kokanee in the lake are doing well, Wrights says another variety of kokanee that spawn in streams are returning in lower numbers this year.

He hopes stream restoration work will help increase their population in the future.