Where Do Smelt Go In Summer? Unveiling Their Seasonal Migration

When is the optimal time to catch smelt? Smelt fishing is most successful during the late spring, typically from mid to late April. This timing coincides with the period when the water temperature in the tributaries rises into the upper 40-degree Fahrenheit range. It’s important to note that smelt are highly sensitive to light and tend to swim in shallow waters, primarily during the night. Therefore, the prime smelting activities occur after dusk when these fish are actively migrating into the streams. To maximize your chances of a successful smelt catch, consider planning your fishing trips during these nighttime hours in late April when the conditions are most favorable for smelting.

Have you ever wondered about the fascinating life cycle of smelt? It all begins with the hatching of their eggs, which typically takes place in freshwater habitats. The duration of this incubation period ranges from 10 to 30 days, a timeframe influenced by the temperature of the water. Once they hatch, young rainbow smelt embark on an incredible journey. They instinctively migrate downstream to saltwater environments, where they spend the next two to six years maturing in the vast sea.

But the story doesn’t end there. When these smelt reach adulthood, they return to their freshwater birthplace to spawn, completing an essential part of their life cycle. Unfortunately, this journey marks the end for the majority of rainbow smelt, as they perish shortly after spawning. This remarkable life cycle demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of these remarkable fish.