Atlantic Salmon Information

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Atlantic Salmon Information
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Thank you for visiting Atlantic Salmon Information. We try to provide you with the most complete information we can about fish and fishing. We update our sources constantly. Please scroll down to learn more.

American Atlantic Salmon (Alosa sapidissima)

History and Characteristics

Size
Atlantic Salmon are generally smaller than their Pacific cousins and generally range from smaller range from 12 to 25 pounds.

Color
Salmon can vary in color depending on the water they're in, their age, and sexual activity. In fact there are so many different physical looks in the life of a salmon that it can be confusing. What follows are some of the common colour characteristics.


  • Salmon in saltwater: blue, green or brown on the back and silvery on the sides and belly. On the upper body you can find several x-shaped black marks or spots.
  • Salmon in freshwater: bronze-purple in colour and sometimes with reddish spots on the head and body.
  • Spawning males: these fish develop a hooked lower jaw (kype)
  • Salmon finished spawning (kelts): very dark in colour
  • Young salmon (parr) in freshwater: 8-11 dark bars on the side with a red spot between each one
  • Young salmon leaving fresh water for the sea (smolts): silvery in colour and usually about 12-20 cm (5-8 in) long. Atlantic salmon can be easily confused with both brown trout and rainbow trout. However there are several characteristics that can help you distinguish the different species. Rainbow trout have rows of spots on the tail (caudal) fin that is not found in salmon and brown trout have a reddish colouring on the adipose fin (the small fin in front of the tail on top of the body).

    Habitat
    Habitat: Atlantic Salmon can be found in cooler water rivers, streams, lakes and estuarine systems in northeastern waters. Landlocked varieties are generally smaller in size than those liberated to sea. Farming (and subsequent feeding) of Atlantic Salmon in estuary waters has lead to escapee's of large size being introduced in nearby waters where they rapidly and establish themselves.

    Qualities
    The Atlantic Salmon is a true sports fish with excellent fighting ability. Once hooked exhibit aerobatics in an attempt to dislodge the hook.

    Baits
    Baits - Atlantic Salmon will bit on almost anything if they are hungry. Garden worm, Live minnow, Shrimp and White bait.

    Lures - Minnow Deep Diving, Minnow Shallow Running, Slice, Spinner Blade, Spoon, Tassie Devil style. Like trout, which are a sub-species, Salmon will bite on wet and dry flies, streamers, Nymph, spoon and other baits.

    Tackle


    • line: 6 lb. main lineHook: No.8 - 1/0
    • Size
      Rig: Light to medium spinning, baitcasting or fly gear