Smelts are a family of small fish, the Osmeridae, found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans, as well as rivers, streams and lakes in Europe, North America and Northeast Asia.

Habitat: The Pacific smelt spends most of its life in the ocean, migrating up rivers, including the Columbia and its tributaries, to spawn. The eggs attach to gravelly, woody, or sandy substrate of the river bottoms, but upon hatching the juvenile smelt get swept downstream back to the ocean.

Smelt return annually to the Columbia River but only return to the Sandy River periodically. The eulachon returned in numbers high enough that ODFW opened a limited two-day fishery in 2015 and one-day fishery in 2023 in the Sandy River. ... Eulachon smelt spend most of their life in the ocean, migrating up rivers, including the Columbia and ...

Jan 9, 2025 · Smelt fish are prized for being one of the healthiest fish in the sea. The reason for this are for a few reasons but smelt have one of the lowest amounts of mercury of any fish. Smelt fish contains high amounts of protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and vitamin B12. SMELT FISH POPULARITY

Surf smelt occur abundantly throughout the nearshore marine waters of Washington, from the Columbia River to the Canadian border and into southernmost Puget Sound and Hood Canal. Genetic research suggests that, despite this broad distribution, surf smelt throughout Puget Sound represent a single stock. SPAWN TIMING:

Jan 1, 2024 · Smelts are small, shiny fish that live in rivers, lakes, and oceans. They are important for other animals to eat and are also enjoyed by humans as a tasty seafood delicacy. Smelts are sensitive to pollution and their presence can tell us if the water is healthy.

Mar 22, 2016 · The Pacific Smelt, also known as Eulachon is a small silver fish that migrates from the ocean to freshwater rivers to spawn between late winter and early spring.

Jan 10, 2012 · When and Where to Catch Surf Smelt. Smelt run from April through October, with the best action in June through August. Through surf smelt run somewhere just about every day in the summertime, the runs are very localized and, at times, inconsistent. So it is a good idea when planning a trip to the north coast to call ahead.

Aug 27, 2024 · Smelt fish are small, silvery fish that have captured the interest of anglers, chefs, and ecologists alike. Known for their distinctive aroma and delicate taste, these fish are a staple in many cuisines and play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems.

Mar 7, 2019 · there are two forms of smelt: lake and ocean. ocean smelt are anadromous, like wild salmon. meaning they travel from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. however, lake smelt can be found land locked in the great lakes and part of canada. typically smelt are 6 inches long and have lean, white flesh.