Atlantic Salmon

Body Type & Identification: Silver with distinctive X-shaped black spots above the lateral line. Sea-run fish are bright silver; spawning fish turn reddish-brown. Distinguished from Brown Trout by X-shaped (not circular) spots and a smaller adipose fin. The "King of Freshwater Fish" — one of the most revered sport fish in the world, particularly for fly fishing.

Preferred Water Temperature: 55°F–65°F. A cold-water species that requires clean, cold rivers for spawning. Run rivers in fall (and sometimes spring in some rivers) when water temperatures are optimal. Hold in deep pools during warm summer months — not actively feeding in the river.

Habitat: Wild Atlantic Salmon are found in rivers of Maine, eastern Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec), Iceland, Norway, and the British Isles. In the US, significant runs now exist only in a few Maine rivers — the Penobscot is the most important. Landlocked Atlantic Salmon are found in several Maine lakes and some New England and Canadian lakes.

Best Lures: Traditional salmon flies (wet flies) are the definitive Atlantic Salmon technique — Green Highlander, Jock Scott, Blue Charm, and Silver Doctor are classics. Modern tube flies and single-hook flies are increasingly popular. Dry fly fishing in summer on low-water rivers is the pinnacle of the sport. Spinning lures (small Mepps spinners, Rapala minnow lures) work for landlocked salmon in lakes.

Best Baits: Live or fresh shrimp are used in some rivers. Sandworms produce landlocked salmon in some Maine lakes. Natural bait regulations are strict on many Atlantic Salmon rivers — check current regulations carefully as many rivers are fly-only.

Top 5 Destinations: Penobscot River ME, Restigouche River Canada, Miramichi River New Brunswick, Alta River Norway, Icelandic salmon rivers.