Match the Dodger To The Target Depth You Fish, Fish With Gary™ Tackle Company

The Fish With Gary™ System Approach to Kokanee Fishing uses very simple and compatible guidelines:

Start first with understanding that your target fish will undergo behavior changes as the season progresses.
Select tackle that fits that behavior
1. Generally, the deeper your target, the larger the dodger
2. Generally, the deeper the target, the faster the presentation speed
Present your tackle in a way that stimulates the biting response
1. Always match the dodger color scheme with the same color matching lure
2. Use short leaders (6-8") to keep the dodger and lure color scheme within the fish's ability to see color
If using downriggers, use the rule of 100: both numbers (depth and setback) add up to 100:
1. If target depth is 10 feet, setback is 90 feet
2. If target depth is 35 feet, setback is 65 feet
3. If target depth is 90 feet, setback is 10 feet
4. The deeper you are fishing the more likely the fish will "rocket" upwards when hooked, and you do not want to a lot of line out. That "rocket" behavior will put too much slack in your line if you have too much line out.

The following chart illustrates the changing behavior of kokanee as the season progresses and the recommended dodger choices to match that behavior. BUT PLEASE NOTE. Kokanee are so widely dispersed that it is not possible to make generalizations specific enough for each fishery. Some fishing even in late season never has to go below 35 feet. Even so, these generalizations are very helpful to point you in the right direction, and to get you thinking in the right direction. As it turns out, kokanee behavior is similar literally the world over - from British Columbia to New Mexico, from North Carolina to Oregon, from California to Idaho and Montana, and from Washington to Colorado and Utah.

All FWG tackle is fluorescent (UV reactive) or extended glow or both. The tackle color you see in your hands at the surface will be the same color at depth. Because of this, just about any FWG color may be the color of the day for you, even if it is not one of the colors in these generalizations.

Early Season Target Depth Range: to 20 feet
Water clarity varies greatly, depending on spring storms and run-off. Kokanee tend to be more selective, and are beginning of their maturing cycle. Colder water temperatures make for initially slow plankton growth, limiting the food supply. Very soft mouths make tandem hooks essential. Generally 1.2-1.4 MPH, give or take.	Dodger Choices All System 1 Dodgers Copper King Diamond Thunder Dodger Long line (without downrigger or in-line weight) using any System 1 Dodger or System 2 Dodgers in either green, pink, orange, or blue.
Mid Season Target Depth Range: 20 to 60 feet
Mid-season. Water clarity has improved and become more stable. However, the plankton bloom is now able to kick in, which will then start to reduce light as you fish deeper in the water column. Kokanee are now growing at a healthy one inch per month, and are becoming less selective and more reactive in their bite. The kokanee stomach is almost bursting with plankton. Effective trolling at 1.4 to 1.8 MPH. Look for bite to cycle. Early morning to about 8:30 a.m., then taper off for an hour or two, when it picks up again, often with a change of color and/or scent. Look for the mid-morning bite to taper off, until mid to late afternoon, again with a change of color and/or scent. (Note: apex type lures mandate a longer leader of 27-30 inches and increased precise trolling speeds).	Dodger Choices All System 2 Dodgers: All Nickel, Royal Gold and Copper King, and Ultra Series If your target fish are 20" or greater, you can use the System 3 Dodgers: Flaming Gorge, Wallowa Lake, Lake Roosevelt
Target Depth Range: 50 to 70 feet
Reactive bite. Kokanee are quickly maturing, and feeding is mostly over. Light at depth is less than 10%. Glows essential to provide vital contrast with color. Larger dodgers preferred and faster trolling speeds (up to 1.8 MPH) to get your setup noticed.	Dodger Choices All SYSTEM 3 Dodgers All SYSTEM 2 Ultra Dodgers SYSTEM 2 Darth Raider Dodger SYSTEM 2 Pink Stomper Dodger SYSTEM 2 Purple Rage Dodger COPPER KING Blue Dodger COPPER KING Emerald Green Dodger COPPER KING Diamond Thunder® Pink Dodger (due to shape and rattle)
Target Depth Range: Over 70 feet
Kokanee are fully pre-spawn and their stomach content will be empty. Little or no light present at depth. The bite is strictly reactive. Larger dodgers with increased vibration and quality glows are a must. Most effective speed may increase to 1.8 MPH+.	Dodger Choices All SYSTEM 3 Dodgers SYSTEM 2 Ultra Glow Dodger SYSTEM 2 Pink Stomper Dodger COPPER KING Diamond Thunder® Pink Dodger (due to shape and rattle)