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Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon in Maine represent the last remaining wild populations in the United States, making them a federally endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. These anadromous fish are found in the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment (DPS).

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adult Atlantic Salmon average 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds after two years at sea, though they can reach up to 30 pounds.
  • They have silver-blue coloration with black X-shaped spots above the lateral line, a slightly forked tail, and small pointed heads.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Occurring in small numbers in rivers connected to the ocean.
  • Landlocked Atlantic Salmon can be found in over 300 lakes and 320 miles of rivers throughout Maine.

Key Locations

  • Wild sea-run populations found in Penobscot, Kennebec, Androscoggin, Dennys, East Machias, Machias, Pleasant, Narraguagus, Ducktrap, Sheepscot rivers, and Cove Brook.
  • The Penobscot River currently supports the largest population.
  • Popular landlocked salmon waters include Sebago Lake (Cumberland County), West Grand Lake (Washington County), Green Lake (Hancock County), and Sebec Lake (Piscataquis County).

Specific Spots

  • Upper watersheds with adequate cover from boulders, undercut banks, and overhanging vegetation.
  • Atlantic Salmon spawn in gravel or rubble areas of moving water.

Atlantic Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Spring and fall provide the best fishing when they're near the surface. Summer months (June-August) require deeper fishing at 30-60 feet depths. Winter ice fishing can be productive. Peak migration occurs in June. Juveniles migrate to ocean in spring (late April to mid-June).

How do you catch Atlantic Salmon in Maine?

For landlocked salmon: streamer flies and lures resembling smelt, fly fishing with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. Summer trolling with lead core line or downriggers. Ice fishing in winter.

What do Atlantic Salmon eat?

Their diet consists primarily of small fish, with juveniles feeding on plankton and invertebrates in freshwater before migrating to sea where they spend 2-3 years feeding on capelin off Greenland's coast.

Where do Atlantic Salmon live in Maine?

Occurring in small numbers in rivers connected to the ocean. Landlocked Atlantic Salmon can be found in over 300 lakes and 320 miles of rivers throughout Maine.

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