There Are Salmon Living at 10,000 Feet in Utah

I hiked into this lake on Utah's Boulder Mountain, about 10,250 feet up, hoping for brook trout on small nymphs. Instead I kept catching these little red-and-green fish I was sure were splake. They weren't. I sent a photo to the Utah DWR, and they confirmed it: kokanee salmon, landlocked sockeye living at 10,250 feet. All fish were caught from the bank on a 9' 5-weight with small nymphs and a chironomid, which is not how kokanee usually get caught. Most people troll for them from a boat with downriggers. Kokanee spawn in the fall, and in Utah they have to be released from Sep 10 – Nov 30, so every one of these went back in the water. 📖 Full write-up on the blog: https://bushwhackfishing.com/blog/kok... CHAPTERS 0:00 Cold Open 0:15 Hike In 0:31 Boulder Mountain Lake 1:00 First Kokanee Salmon 1:50 The Bite Turns On 6:23 The Reveal 6:54 Rain & Heading Out 🗺️ Follow along between videos: I log all my fishing trips - catches, conditions, and spots (hidden, of course) - at https://bushwhackfishing.com. Come track my trips and log your own with your fishing buddies! Watched this? You'll like:    • I Hiked 8 Miles to a Lake Nobody Fishes   Want more fly fishing - tips, trips, and fish on the line? Full playlist here:    • Utah Fly Fishing: Creeks, Lakes & Rivers   🎣 Gear I used: Orvis Recon 9' 5wt Fly Rod Orvis Helios Reel SA Fly Line: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DV4PY4F?... Cling Magnetic Fly Holder: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMDZ4MDN?... Oros Strike Indicators (6-Pack): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF46938F?... Chironomid Nymph Flies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH34GCDZ?... 📷 Camera: DJI Osmo Action 6: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNMPZ1RS?... 📍 Location: Utah 👍 A like and subscribe really helps a new channel out. Tight lines! More ways to follow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Instagram:   / bushwhackflyfishing   TikTok:   / bushwhack.fishing   Pinterest:   / bushwhackflyfishing   Threads: https://www.threads.com/@bushwhackfly... Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bushwhack-fi... Bushwhack Fly Fishing - small creeks, alpine lakes, large rivers, wild trout, and the miles it takes to reach them. Based in Utah, fishing everywhere I can. New videos every Friday. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Using these links supports the channel at no extra cost to you. #flyfishing #kokanee #utah #utahfishing #alpinelake #povfishing