The best leader length for kokanee salmon is 8–16 inches, depending on fish activity. Use 8–12 inches when fish are actively feeding, and 12–16 inches when they're pressured or finicky. When in doubt, start short — then lengthen by 2–3 inches until you find the bite.

This guide, which is part of our series on the Best Kokanee Trolling Setup, will walk you through everything: how to find kokanee depth, how to read your fish finder, and the three best methods for getting your lure exactly where the fish are.

Kokanee salmon are one of the most gear-sensitive fish you can target. Small changes in your trolling setup, from leader length to trolling speed can mean the difference between getting skunked and limiting out. This guide breaks down the best trolling setup for Kokanee so you can get dialed in faster.