here in southwest WA( columbia tribs) hatchery kelts are very common January through may.. Though hatchry fish come in sooner they spawn around the same time as the wild fish except the extremely late fish.. I see them spawning every year march through april..

When you catch a kelt take a loof at the fins they are usually in rough shape. also they are typically very skinny and may look unhealthy. Males are usually very well colored but females may look fairly bright but again they'll be skinny...