03-07-2022, 02:45 AM
It is not for the lack of spawning habitat or food, it is water quality/ temperature. Deer Creek stratifies faster and gets warmer than Jordanelle, East Canyon, Strawberry, or other lakes that have successful Kokanee populations. The surface temp at Deer Creek can get into the mid 80's during the heat of the summer. The lake's oxygen level in the deeper cooler water is not sufficient to support Kokanee. Rainbow and Browns are more temp tolerant and will be able to survive in the warmer water where there is sufficient oxygen. You also have algae blooms that affect water quality and lower Oxygen levels, etc. Just not good habitat for Kokanee. Reallly don't see the need to put them in DC anyway. With Rainbow, Browns, SMB, LMB, Walleye, Grn. Sunfish, bullheads, Crappie, and Yellow perch Oh and carp, the lake is pretty much pushed to its limit as far as available species. They also tried Lake Trout in DC and Utah Lake, so they have pretty much tried everything in the book !!