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Fish Species - Details
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ATLANTIC SALMON
(Salmo salar)
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Other Common Names
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Landlocked salmon, Sebago salmon
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Identifying Characteristics
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Back and sides are grayish brown, grading to olive on the sides.
Large dark spots resembling x's are scattered over the body, but are rarely on the tail.
Bears a strong resemblance to brown trout, to which they are related, but the upper jaw
extends only to the rear edge of the pupil, and there is only a single row of bottom teeth and
no teeth on the roof of the mouth.
Less than 13 rays in anal fin.
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Habits and Habitat
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Prefers cold, oxygen-rich waters.
One of the finest fighting sportfish in North America.
There are populations of Atlantic salmon that have been cut off from the ocean and thus spend
their entire lives in fresh water (landlocked salmon).
Starting in September they move into their natal streams, but they don't spawn until October
or November.
Unlike chinook or coho salmon, Atlantic salmon do not always die after spawning.
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Tackle and Techniques
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Use medium- to heavy-weight tackle and 14- to 25-pound-test line.
Spoons and spinners work very well, as do flatfish and J-Plugs. A change in color can often
make a big difference.
Caught off flatlines in the spring and fall, and off downriggers in the summer.
If water is too cold, try the warmest water available.
When the salmon are spawning in streams and rivers, egg sacs and yarn flies are very effective.
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Current State Record
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24 pounds, 15 ounces; caught by Mike Dandino on Lake Ontario on April 5, 1997.
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© Sander's Fishing Guides, Inc.
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