"Salmon imprint where they are stocked and return there when it's time to spawn. We found when we stock fish near streams and rivers we have better runs when those fish mature."

Most kokanee mature and return to spawn at age 3. These fish are referred to as two-plus. Some mature early, at age 2, and some at 4 years. The larger kokanee, said Ward, "are your 4-year-olds. About 75 percent of the fish mature at 3."

Eggs taken from Strawberry will be moved to the Midway Hatchery where they will incubate for a couple of weeks, then be transferred to the Mantua Hatchery where they will be cared for until next spring when they are about 2 inches long.

If survival numbers are close to 50 percent, then the 2 million eggs will translate into at least 400,000 fish being returned to Strawberry, another 300,000 will go to Flaming Gorge and 30,000 will be planted in Porcupine Reservoir.

After spending a lifetime, which is typically between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 years, as a silver-colored fish with evenly rounded features, the kokanee undergo an incredible metamorphosis going into the spawn. The male's changes are the most pronounced.

Their skin turns bright red, except the head, which turns black. In the case of the male kokanee, their bodies actually compress and form a large hump on their backs. Their jaws elongate and hook.

At this point they will return to the stream where they were released or hatched, and begin the life cycles all over again.

Annual Strawberry Festival

The annual Strawberry Festival will be held this Friday and Saturday at the visitors center at Strawberry Reservoir.

Interested individuals will have the opportunity to witness kokanee salmon make their annual spawning run in Strawberry River.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and U.S. Forest Service have built a viewing area along the river. There are interpretive signs and a boardwalk along the river to view spawning pairs of fish.

There will be a number of activities offered. There will also be DWR biologists on hand to answer questions.

Hours are noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

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E-mail: grass@desnews.com