atlantic-salmon
Species Facts

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
Description

The Atlantic salmon is an anadromous fish, which means that it spends most of its adult life in the ocean but returns to freshwater to reproduce. Salmon return with great precision to the river where they were spawned and reared, although a few (about 1%) occasionally enter other rivers. Most adult salmon enter Maine rivers during the spring and early summer (May-July); however, fresh run or bright salmon may be found from April to November. Spawning takes place in Maine from mid-October through mid-November, and is triggered by photoperiod and water temperature.

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

You can use a wide variety of techniques and tackle to catch Atlantic salmon. During springtime, trolling or casting lures or flies that imitate preferred baitfish produce the best catches. After lakes stratify in the summer, downriggers or lead-core line are needed to place lures and bait at the correct depths where salmon occur. Fall fishing focuses on spawning fish moving near and into rivers and streams. Since spawning salmon greatly reduce their food intake, the fish must often be enticed to strike bait, lures, or flies. Patience and perseverance are often the key to hooking a big adult Atlantic salmon in the fall. Although salmon fishing is limited in the winter, ice fishing is permitted on a number of lakes, including Lake Champlain and Lake George. Tip-ups with live minnows work well.