Species guide
How to catch Pacific rainbow smelt
Osmerus dentex
The Pacific rainbow smelt is an elongated fish found in North American and Asian waters, including fresh, brackish, and saltwater. It is a predator that hunts small aquatic creatures and exhibits notable sensitivity to light and temperature. This species often shows high mortality after spawning.
Where they live
Found in freshwater, brackish, and saltwater from shallow areas to depths of nearly 300 meters in North America and Asia. Avoids flowing rivers except during spawning. Sensitive to light and temperature variations.
Typical size
Up to about 34 cm
What they eat
- small finfish
- amphipods
- harpacticoid copepods
- Crangon shrimp
- chironomid larvae
- mayfly larvae
Best baits
- small minnows
- worms
- insect larvae
- shrimp
Best lures
- small jigs
- spoons
- soft plastics mimicking small prey
How to fish for them
- jigging
- casting small lures
- bait fishing near bottom
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