European Smelt
Smelt (spiering in Dutch) is a small, schooling fish with deep roots in Dutch fishing culture. Once the backbone of a major commercial fishery on the IJsselmeer and Markermeer, populations have declined sharply since 1990.
Today it draws both recreational anglers and a modest coastal fleet targeting marine smelt in the Wadden Sea. Its distinctive cucumber-like smell makes it instantly recognizable.
Scientific Name: Osmerus eperlanus
Also known as Spiering, komkommervis
- Slim, elongated body with a pointed snout; olive-green back fading to a white belly, with a bright silver stripe running the length of each flank.
- Freshwater fish typically reach 10–14 cm; anadromous (sea-run) fish can grow to 25 cm or more, occasionally larger.
- Unmistakable fresh-cucumber smell — useful for confirming ID in hand even before you look closely.
- Small adipose fin behind the dorsal fin, a family trait shared with salmon and trout that distinguishes smelt from superficially similar species like bleak.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to the Netherlands in both anadromous (sea-run) and landlocked freshwater forms; the construction of the Afsluitdijk split what was once a single population into separate marine and inland stocks.
- Inland smelt live year-round in large, open freshwater bodies — the IJsselmeer and Markermeer are the core Dutch habitat for this form.
- Marine smelt move through the Wadden Sea and coastal North Sea waters, historically entering the former Zuiderzee to spawn before the closure dike blocked that route.
- Prefers open, pelagic water in large lakes and estuaries; tolerates a wide salinity range and can persist in moderately turbid conditions.
Key Locations
- IJsselmeer — historically the most important smelt water in the Netherlands; still holds an inland population, though numbers are well below historic levels.
- Markermeer — closely linked to the IJsselmeer fishery; smelt are present in open water throughout this large lake.
- Wadden Sea — the primary area for marine smelt, caught by the Dutch coastal fleet and available through commercial suppliers.
Specific Spots
- In the IJsselmeer and Markermeer, smelt school in open water away from shore — targeting mid-water and near-surface zones over deeper basins produces the most fish.
- Smelt favor lower-visibility water; in clearer conditions they drop deeper in the water column, so adjust depth accordingly when fishing open lake.
- During the spawning run, look for fish concentrating near sandy or gravelly shallows and the mouths of feeder streams where current slows.
- In the Wadden Sea, tidal channels and the edges of tidal flats concentrate marine smelt, especially during tidal movement.
European Smelt FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for European Smelt?
Sabiki rigs and small feather or tinsel dropper rigs are the go-to for smelt, multiple small hooks fished at mid-water cover the school effectively from a boat.
When is the best time to fish for European Smelt?
Late winter through early spring, smelt move into shallower water to spawn as temperatures rise after snowmelt; this is the most accessible time for shore anglers. Autumn and early winter, fish school up in open water on the IJsselmeer and Markermeer ahead of the cold season, making boat fishing productive.
How do you catch European Smelt?
Most smelt fishing in the Netherlands is done from boats on the IJsselmeer, Markermeer, or in the Wadden Sea, using sabiki-style dropper rigs or small lures fished at mid-water to intercept schooling fish. Shore fishing with light spinning gear near spawning areas in late winter and early spring can also be productive.
What do European Smelt eat?
Juveniles feed mainly on zooplankton, small crustaceans and water fleas. Small jigs, micro-spoons, or tiny soft plastics in the 2–4 cm range mimic this forage well. Adults add small fish to the menu, including young smelt, small herrings, and fry of other species.
Where do European Smelt live?
Native to the Netherlands in both anadromous (sea-run) and landlocked freshwater forms; the construction of the Afsluitdijk split what was once a single population into separate marine and inland stocks.
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