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Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon in Illinois are a non-native species introduced to Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes system.

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, they are classified as 'common, nonnative' with their range limited to permanent Lake Michigan waters in Cook County and Lake County.

They're more closely related to trout than Pacific salmon and are known for their aggressive strikes and strong fighting ability.

Scientific Name: Salmo salar

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish have black spots on their head and body, with two or three large spots on the gill cover, and X-shaped black spots are characteristic.
  • The caudal fin usually lacks spots, and the pelvic and anal fins don't have white edges.
  • Adults can reach up to 55 inches in length.
  • Atlantic Salmon in Illinois waters average 2.7-6.8 kg, with the record standing at 104 cm and 14.8 kg.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Range limited to permanent Lake Michigan waters in Cook County and Lake County.
  • Occasionally, some Atlantic Salmon migrate into Lake Michigan from Lake Huron, where the species does reproduce.

Key Locations

  • The best fishing locations include Chicago harbors such as Belmont, Burnham, Calumet, Diversey, Jackson, Monroe, Montrose, and Navy Pier, plus marinas like North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor and the Port of Waukegan.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on nearshore waters and around river mouths, areas with adequate depth and structure.

Atlantic Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Atlantic Salmon in Illinois?

Effective lures include plugs, spoons, spinner baits, and cut bait, plus freshwater live bait. Cured fish roe can be particularly effective.

What flies work for Atlantic Salmon in Illinois?

For fly fishing, effective patterns include streamers, spoons, and spinners, particularly in cooler water temperatures. Atlantic Salmon respond well to flies that match local terrestrial and aquatic insects - dry flies that float on the surface imitating mayflies, caddis flies, midges, grasshoppers, crickets and ants...

When is the best time to fish for Atlantic Salmon in Illinois?

Best targeted from late spring through early summer, typically May through June. From shore, cast lures from piers and harbors, particularly effective during spring months before they move to deeper, cooler water.

How do you catch Atlantic Salmon in Illinois?

Popular salmon fishing techniques include trolling with flashers and flies, spoons, or meat rigs when fishing offshore. From shore, cast lures from piers and harbors. Jigging, drift fishing, still fishing, and trolling are all productive methods.

What do Atlantic Salmon eat?

Their diet consists mainly of aquatic insects in streams, including larvae and nymphs of chironomids, mayflies, caddisflies, blackflies and stoneflies.

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