Crystal Lake and Higgins Lake, MI. Smelt naturally live in the Atlantic and spawn in rivers in spring. The best smelt fishing is in rivers on the Maine coast during April. read more
Best Spots to Find Smelt. The Great Lakes are among the best smelt fishing lakes in North America, and New Yorkers have access to Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, as well as numerous tributaries like the Niagara, Genesee and Salmon rivers. read more
Interestingly enough it is the introduction of rainbow smelt, along with overfishing, that led to a decline in the Lake Herring (Cisco) fishery on Lake Superior. Lake Herring are delicious,high in omega-3 fatty acids, and are low in mercury and PCBs (according to a study by the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission). read more