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Atlantic Salmon


Photo © 1996-2003 Creative Publishing International.
from the book The Complete Guide to Freshwater Fishing

Overview

The landlocked Atlantic salmon is called landlocked salmon, Ouananiche, or Sebago salmon.

Atlantic salmon have silvery to yellowish brown sides with dark spots. Atlantics may resemble brown trout, but the tail is slightly forked rather than square, and there are no spots on the adipose fin.

Atlantic salmon are among the most acrobatic of all gamefish. They make long, powerful runs which can quickly empty a reel. They rise well to a dry fly, and many consider fly fishing the only sporting method of taking these magnificent fish.

Anadromous form spawns in clear, coldwater streams along the North Atlantic Coast, especially in Canada. Landlocked from inhabits clear, coldwater lakes, with gravelly inlet streams for spawning. Atlantic salmon prefer water from 53° to 59° F.

Eating Habits

Atlantics eat mainly crustaceans, insects, and small fish. They do not feed after they enter the streams; their willingness to take a fly is considered a reflex.

Table Quality

Excellent, although sea-run Atlantics are so rare and so valuable as sport fish that they always should be returned to the water. Landlocked salmon are plentiful enough in some areas to allow harvest for food.

Age & Growth

Atlantics spend 2 to 3 years in their home stream, and up to 6 more years at sea or in a lake. Male Atlantics grow faster than females; sea-runs faster than landlocks.

World Record

Sea-run: 1928 - 79 pounds, 2 ounces, caught in the Tana River, Norway.
Landlocked: 1982 - 22 pounds, 11 ounces, caught in Lobstick Lake, Newfoundland.


Atlantic Salmon Resorts

Labrador

Powell's Labrador Adventures

Newfoundland

Grey River Lodge
Atlantic Salmon Videos
Atlantic Salmon Fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon on the Kola Peninsula of Russia



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Last Update: February 6, 2010

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