Ogden, Utah’s Kokanee Salmon Run

The Los Angeles Times highlighted the Ogden, Utah area as one of the top-four “leaf-peeping” spots in the United States. The glowing press coverage, in addition to an abundant winter snowfall, a wetter-than-normal spring, and a cooler-than-normal summer, means the area will see visitors driving, hiking and biking the nearby canyons to take in the eruption of every color in the rainbow.

However, before the first leaves start to change color around mid-September, another color show gets underway and lures paddlers and hikers to Causey Reservoir. The healthy population of Kokanee salmon that inhabits the cool, deep waters of Causey throughout the year begins its annual spawning run up the tributaries that flow into the reservoir.

When to See the Salmon Run:

Kokanee are silvery in color until they are ready to spawn, at which time they become a brilliant red before moving up the left-hand and right-hand forks of the South Fork of the Ogden River, which flows into Causey at the southeast portion of the reservoir. Peak color typically hits in early-to-mid September and wraps up at the end of the month.

During this period, the fish are seeking clean, oxygenated, gravel-bottomed streambeds with a balanced water flow, which is ideal for their reproduction. Once they begin to spawn, the Kokanee stop feeding and begin to devote all their energy to reproduction. After reproduction, both males and females die, leaving their bodies for birds and mammals. Causey Reservoir has become a popular place for viewing these striking red fish in their spawning runs.

How to Get There:

The left-hand fork is not accessible by land and requires interested viewers to use a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe to get there. The right-hand fork can be accessed by land and requires about a 2.5-mile hike from the Skullcrack Canyon parking area at the south end of the reservoir.

Construction is underway around Causey through 2027, so build in some extra travel time. Causey Reservoir and Weber Memorial Park remain open, but there are a few things to expect along the way. Causey Road is down to one lane with flaggers directing traffic, though at least one lane stays open at all times. The Beaver Creek Bridge will close completely for about three weeks in November. Wheatgrass Road is fully closed from July 17, 2026 through May 15, 2027. And Skull Crack Road may see limited parking lot closures; still TBD. Weekends tend to see the longest delays, so plan accordingly and check webercountyutah.gov for the latest updates before you head out

Know Before You Go:

As the beauty and magic of Causey’s Kokanee spawn has increased in notoriety and popularity, it has also increased in sensitivity. These landlocked salmon are working to get upstream and reproduce, and their success is imperative to future healthy populations. As a result, Utah law protects salmon populations during the fall. If you catch a Kokanee salmon anywhere in Utah — from September 10 to November 30— you must release it.

We’ve heard reports of people who pick up the fish for photo opportunities or who let their dogs loose to chase the fish in the streams. Please don't be that person. Be ethical and don't interrupt their journey. You'll still have plenty of great photo and video opportunities. Please stay out of the stream beds and keep dogs on leash.

Other Information:

Renting Gear

Human-powered watercraft rentals are available through the Weber State University Outdoor Recreation Program and at Detours in Huntsville.

Learn More

Make a Weekend of It

Sometimes the best weekend trips are the ones where you don't have much planned. If you're looking for a low-key weekend in nature, the Ogden Valley has you covered.

Learn More