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Fish Species - Details
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RAINBOW SMELT
(Osmerus mordax)
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Other Common Names
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Smelt
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Identifying Characteristics
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Body is greenish gray on back, grading to silvery gray on the sides.
Small and slender with forked tail.
The mouth is very large.
An adipose fin is located between the dorsal fin and tail.
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Habits and Habitat
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Inhabit cool, deep waters of large lakes.
Spawn in the spring, at which time they run up streams and rivers in great numbers.
Spawn primarily at night.
A schooling fish.
Often migrate inshore at night to feed.
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Tackle and Techniques
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The best time to catch smelt is during their spring spawning runs.
Fish at night in the lower ends of streams that feed into Lake Erie or Lake Ontario.
Usually caught, often in great numbers, with dip nets.
Can also be taken through the ice using a strip of perch belly or small pieces of worm.
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Current State Record
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Not available
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© Sander's Fishing Guides, Inc.
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