Rainbow Smelt — Michigan Fishing
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Rainbow Smelt ⚠ Invasive

🔬 Osmerus mordax

A slender, silvery fish with a distinctive fresh-cucumber smell when handled. Native to Atlantic coast and some northern lakes. Introduced to Crystal Lake, Michigan in 1912 and quickly spread through the Great Lakes. Now a critical forage fish for lake trout, coho salmon, and other Great Lakes predators -- but also a major competitor with native cisco and young lake whitefish. Famously runs up tributary streams in massive spring schools for spawning.

Under 0.5 lb, 6-9 inches
Typical size
Winter, Spring
Best season
34
Listed lakes

🛡 Conservation Status

⚠ Invasive Introduced to Crystal Lake MI in 1912, spread to Lake Michigan by 1923, then throughout all Great Lakes. Competes with native cisco (lake herring) for zooplankton and eats larval fish, contributing to the decline of lake whitefish young. Now a foundational forage species for Great Lakes salmon and trout despite invasive origin.

🌿 Habitat & Behavior

Open Great Lakes water in summer; runs into tributary streams and rivers in April-May spring spawning runs. Also established in many inland Michigan lakes connected to the Great Lakes.

🎣 Best Techniques

Spring dip-netting in creek mouths and tributaries during spawning runs (check local regulations for net size/limits). Ice fishing with tiny teardrops and wax worms -- smelt move in massive schools un

🌊 Where to Catch in Michigan

Lake County Population Notes
Ankadosh Creek Chippewa Good
Anna River Alger Good
Beatons Lake Gogebic Good
Burt Lake
17,120 acres
Cheboygan Good Spring dip-netting in tributaries
Carp River Mackinac Good
Charlevoix Lake
17,260 acres
Charlevoix Good Spring dip-netting in tributaries
Crystal Lake
9,854 acres
Benzie Good Spring dip-netting in tributaries
Falls River Baraga Good
Glen Lake
4,944 acres
Leelanau Good Spring dip-netting in tributaries
Higgins Lake
9,600 acres
Roscommon Good Spring dip-netting in tributaries
Huron River Baraga Good
Imp Lake Gogebic Good
Indian Lake
8,689 acres
Schoolcraft Good Spring dip-netting in tributaries
Intermediate Lake
682 acres
Antrim Good Spring dip-netting in tributaries
Lac La Belle Keweenaw Good
Lac La Belle Keweenaw Good
Lake 15 Montmorency Good
Lake Gogebic
13,380 acres
Gogebic Good Spring dip-netting in tributaries
Lake Michigamme
4,149 acres
Marquette Good Spring dip-netting in tributaries
Lake St. Clair
260,000 acres
Macomb Good Spring dip-netting in tributaries

📦 DNR Stocking History

Total stocked: 2,272,609
Stocking events: 12
Peak year: 1993 (1,048,320)


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📋 Quick Facts