Staff at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery in Gunnison County have already collected more than 1.3 million eggs from kokanee salmon spawning operations this year. Millions more are to be collected throughout the next month across Colorado’s Western Slope.
As part of the kokanee salmon program, giveaway days are scheduled each year for members of the public to receive fish if they hold a valid Colorado fishing license. However, the available kokanee for the scheduled giveaway days at each location can vary greatly. It is possible some days will be canceled in specific locations, while some may add additional days depending on the run at each location.
Because giveaways are dependent on available fish, it is always best to call ahead the day before scheduled giveaways to make sure fish will be available. The public can also follow Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) on social media channels from their area for the latest information.
“In some recent years, we’ve had issues with too many people showing up to receive a small number of kokanee,” said Jim White, Senior Aquatic Biologist for CPW in the Southwest Region. “There have been days where we had almost as many people show up as we had fish, so it’s best for people to call ahead so they don’t travel too far for a small amount of fish.”
Kokanee salmon were introduced to Colorado waters in 1951. They are the landlocked version of sockeye salmon. These fish grow quickly, typically live about three to four years and naturally die after spawning.
In 2024, CPW collected an estimated 10.1 million kokanee salmon eggs from nine spawning locations. Eggs were raised in hatcheries and stocked out across 29 bodies of water the following spring.
CPW conducts kokanee salmon giveaways to make sure the meat from spawned kokanee is not wasted. Each year, thousands of fish are given away, but availability at each location can vary depending on the size of the run.
“Recipients should always bear in mind that giveaways vary based on the natural run of the salmon, number of people that show up and size of the fish,” White said. “Lake Nighthorse fish are little ‘hot dogs’ compared to Blue Mesa’s much larger fish. Keep in mind, these fish are not going to taste like ocean-run salmon.”
To be eligible for the giveaway, a 2025 Colorado fishing license must be presented. Up to four youth may receive kokanee if accompanied by a license-holding adult. Those interested in receiving kokanee should bring their own small cooler or other container. Most of the kokanee are 10 to 13 inches in size.
Giveaways at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery north of Gunnison are scheduled for the following Fridays: Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Oct. 31 and Nov. 7. Attendees should be in line by 9 a.m. to receive fish.
“Kokanee numbers running up from Blue Mesa Reservoir appear to be rebounding this year after a number of low years,” said Giulio Del Piccolo, CPW aquatic biologist in the Gunnison area. “This year’s egg take has already surpassed the total number of eggs collected in 2024. However, the 2025 run is not anticipated to match historical highs. CPW is hopeful that numbers will continue to rebound in 2026 and beyond. Consistent moisture and good water levels in Blue Mesa Reservoir are vital for rebuilding a more robust kokanee fishery.”
The number of fish available on giveaway days will fluctuate depending on the number of fish spawned during the week. Participants should call Roaring Judy Hatchery at 970.641.0190 or 970.641.7070 prior to the giveaway day for more information.
(Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)
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