Spawning-Site Selection by Kokanee along the Shoreline of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Wyoming-Utah

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We assessed spawning-site selection by kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka (lacustrine sockeye salmon) in three shoreline areas of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Wyoming–Utah, where they were known to spawn, Kokanee selected shale particles 10 cm in length or less on slopes of 21–40° for spawning; there was no apparent selection for water depth, The three spawning areas were unique among 26 potential spawning sites in the reservoir due to their steep slopes and the abundance of small, loose shale particles present. Protecting these three spawning areas from alteration and minimizing water level drawdown during winter are suggested as management alternatives to maintain recruitment of kokanee from shoreline spawning areas in Flaming Gorge Reservoir.