Learn about rainbow smelt

The rainbow smelt is a common sea-run (diadromous) fish along the northeastern coast of the United States, and is a popular fish for food. Read on to learn more about this fish.

Appearance

• Rainbow smelt are rather small fish, generally growing to between 6 and 10 inches in length. They weigh between 1 and 6 ounces. 
• They are slender fish and have a pointed head with a relatively large mouth and teeth. Rainbow smelt are mostly silver, but have a pretty iridescence shine when fresh and smell like cucumbers (hence the name).

Rainbow smelt facts

• Species name: Osmerus mordax
• Female rainbow smelt lay roughly between 20,000 and 80,000 eggs depending on their size.
• Smelt are spring spawners; mainly from early March to early May.
• Rainbow smelt spawn in fresh water, and only at night. The eggs survive best in fast moving water and on aquatic vegetation.
• Young smelt eat zooplankton and adult smelt eat mostly small crustaceans and fish.
• Rainbow smelt are favorite among predators; with estimates of up to 72% of adult smelt dying each year. Predators include:
  • Striped bass
  • Bluefish
  • Birds
  • Marine mammals  
• Rainbow smelt are schooling fish and popular for anglers for chance to catch many in one day and their fine taste.
• You can use several kinds of fishing gear to catch rainbow smelt, including cane poles, ultra-light spinning outfits, and handlines, but nets during the spawning run are prohibited.
• Frying is one of the most popular methods for cooking smelt.

Additional Resources

Find Massachusetts saltwater game fish records

IGFA International All-Tackle World Record