Once they spawn, the fish die. Eggs hatch between late march and early may. Alevin rely on the nourishment in their sacs. After a brief alevin stage, they work their way up through the gravel and are washed down to the lake. When reaching the lake, they group in schools to feed on the small aquatic organisms.
Growth is slow the first years, but increases toward the second and third season.
As they grow they feed on the larger zoo plankton. As young fish, Kokanee are brilliant silver on their sides and dark gray to blue on the back. As they reach maturity after three to four years, the color of both male and female changes to crimson. Male fish develop a long, hooked snout with large teeth. Also, they become humpbacked with a greenish head.