Science Name: | Salmo salar |
Other Names: | They are called salmon, Ouananiche, or Sebago when landlocked |
Ideal Temp: | 50 to 60 |
World Record: | 79 lbs. 2 ounces, Maine |
Environment: | coastal, stream |
Techniques: | fly |
Range: | Northeastern North America |
The Atlantic salmon has a reputation for being the species' greatest aerialist. This makes them a very popular target species for northern fly fishermen. Although Atlantics stop feeding once they begin their spawning run into streams, they will hit a dry fly on reflex.
Habitat The sea-run Atlantic salmon is a coastal fish that moves to clear-water streams to spawn. The landlocked form inhabits clear lakes and moves into gravel-bottom streams to spawn.
Feeding Habits Once in the estuary Atlantic salmon smolts begin to feed voraciously on insects and crustaceans and, as they migrate further into the marine environment, on other species of fish. Initially, smolts eat zooplankton (euphasids, amphipods, decapods, etc.); however, the rapid growth of salmon at sea is due to a diet consisting primarily of sand lance, herring, capelin and shrimp.
Spawning Habits Spawn in the fall, often swimming far upstream and negotiating seemingly impassable falls. The female digs a very large redd in a gravel riffle. Spawning takes place at water temperatures from 42; to 50F. The female abandons the nest after spawning, and if she survives, usually returns to the sea. The male often winters in the river. Some Atlantics live to spawn two or three times. Landlocked salmon spawn in tributaries of lakes where they live.
Age and Growth Atlantics spend 2 to 3 years in their home stream, and up to 6 more years at sea or in the lake. Male Atlantics grow faster than females; sea-runs faster than landlocks.
Tips for Fishing