Most people tend to look up to see the colors of autumn in Utah, but thanks to some introduced fish species, it is worth taking the time to look down as well.

Each September, Utah's population of kokanee salmon begin their runs up rivers from reservoirs to spawn. The fish turn bright red as they prepare to propagate the species, making it easy to spot them as they make their runs up streams and then lay and fertilize the eggs.

Sheep Creek, a tributary to Flaming Gorge Reservoir in northeastern Utah, looks like it may have the most fish with the easiest access this fall.

The Sheep Creek runs typically peak around Sept. 21, and biologists are expecting a "heavy run."

The fish in Sheep Creek traditionally start showing up in mid-August and peak around middle September. There is also a late run, albeit very unpredictable, on Sheep Creek. That run usually peaks by the third or fourth week of October.

Ryan Mosley, Flaming Gorge Project leader for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), reminds people not to fish for or harass the kokanee.

"People want to get as close as they can to see them, but there are good places to see them from a good distance," Mosley said. "Keep your distance and allow the fish to do what they are there to do."

Wildlife officials close Sheep Creek on Aug. 15 through the last Saturday of November to protect both runs of the salmon.

The kokanee run at Strawberry is not shaping up to be a big one, but people should still be able to see the salmon in the Strawberry River if they make the trip.

Alan Ward, Strawberry Project leader for the DWR, is hoping the low numbers of kokanee in the Strawberry River already this year will be joined by a late rush, but he is doubtful.

Tributaries to Strawberry are closed to fishing Sept. 1 through the second Saturday of October. Tributaries on Causey and Porcupine reservoirs have similar closures.

Porcupine and Causey reservoirs in northern Utah also have kokanee and offer good viewing opportunities, but access is a little more difficult. Those looking for a high-country kokanee viewing adventure should consider a trip to Stateline Reservoir on the North Slope of the Uinta Mountains. The fish from Stateline have been running up the Smiths Fork into China Meadows the past few years and can be seen from the China Meadows bridge.

brettp@sltrib.com —

Kokanee Salmon Viewing Day — Sept. 18

P Utah wildlife officials will be at two locations to help the public learn about and view kokanee salmon as the fish prepare to spawn in Utah rivers. Bring your cameras for the photo album and binoculars for better viewing.

Sheep Creek • This tributary to Flaming Gorge Reservoir in northeastern Utah has turns red each fall as kokanee come up from the lake to spawn. The viewing event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Highway 44 south of Manila at a Scenic Byway Interpretive pullover site.

Strawberry River • The Strawberry Reservoir Visitors Center sits next to the Strawberry River on Forest Road 131, just off Highway 40 near the northwest corner of the reservoir. Officials will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. —

Preparing for the spawn

O See a video of kokanee salmon preparing for the spawn in Utah's Sheep Creek at www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXOmNPdbQdE