Atlantic salmon were once abundant along the Eastern seaboard from Connecticut to Maine. Overfishing, dam construction, pollution, and habitat loss decimated wild populations over the past two centuries. Today, Atlantic salmon fishing opportunities in the United States are extremely limited. However, a few rivers still offer the chance to hook one of these prized gamefish.
Maine
Maine remains the stronghold for Atlantic salmon in the lower 48 states. Several rivers in Downeast Maine host remnant populations of native salmon. The fish are listed as endangered in this region, so all wild salmon must be released. Hatchery-raised salmon can be kept on a few select rivers.
The Penobscot River offers the best opportunity to catch Atlantic salmon in Maine. People who fish the Penobscot River can keep one salmon raised in a hatchery that is 14 to 28 inches long each day. From May to September, the fish run, with the best months being June and July. Spinning gear with 8-12 lb test works well for Penobscot salmon.
The Pleasant and Narraguagus Rivers also have limited Atlantic salmon fishing These are strictly catch-and-release fisheries for endangered wild salmon Use light tackle to quickly release any incidentally hooked fish. The season runs from May 1 to October 15.
Lake Champlain
Atlantic salmon were native to Lake Champlain but disappeared in the early 1800s Restocking efforts began in the 1970s using fish from the Connecticut River Today, Atlantic salmon fishing is allowed on Lake Champlain and its tributaries from October 1 to October 31.
Salmon migrate upriver beginning in early September. Trolling streamer flies near river mouths produces the most consistent action. Casting heavy streamers, spoons, and spinners also accounts for some salmon. Watch out for fish that roll in the lake and near the mouths of rivers.
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario once supported large runs of Atlantic salmon. The native population vanished by the late 1800s. Beginning in the 1890s, hatchery salmon from the Rhine River in Germany were stocked in Lake Ontario. This non-native strain provided a popular sport fishery for many decades.
In the 1950s, salmon populations dropped sharply because of habitat loss and competition from alien species like alewife. The salmon fishery was closed in 1985. The NY Department of Environmental Conservation began putting salmon from Sebago Lake into Maine rivers that flow into Lake Ontario in 1995.
A limited Atlantic salmon season now exists in Lake Ontario tributaries from October 1 through November 30. Anglers can keep one fish per year between 21-35 inches. Fly fishing with streamers, egg patterns, and wet flies works well when the fish are on their spawning run.
Lake Superior
Atlantic salmon historically migrated up rivers flowing into Lake Superior to spawn. Dams, overfishing, and habitat degradation wiped out these native populations by the early 1900s.
Hatchery efforts to restore Atlantic salmon in Lake Superior began in the 1950s. For the past twenty years, all stocked fish have come from the Marquette State Fish Hatchery in Michigan, originally founded with St. John River salmon from Maine.
Anglers can now target Atlantic salmon in a few Lake Superior tributaries. The best opportunity is in Michigan’s St. Mary’s River in the eastern Upper Peninsula. Salmon ascend the river beginning in mid-September, with the run peaking in late October. Fly fishing with streamers and egg patterns is most productive.
Great Lakes
Beyond the major lakes, Atlantic salmon have been stocked in other Great Lakes watersheds since the late 1960s. Most planting focused on Lake Huron and Lake Michigan tributaries. Salmon are now present in limited numbers in dozens of streams across the region.
The Little Manistee River in Michigan offers a unique fishery for adult Atlantic salmon. Fish passage facilities at Tippy Dam allow the salmon to run upriver and anglers can target them in the 15 miles below the dam. Casting hardware like spinners and spoons accounts for most hooked salmon.
West Coast
Sporadic attempts have been made over the past century to introduce Atlantic salmon on the West Coast. The only place they seem to have gained a foothold is in Washington State.
A landlocked population of Atlantic salmon is present in Lake Washington near Seattle. On the Olympic Peninsula, a small run of sea-run salmon returns each year to Lake Crescent near Port Angeles. Anglers occasionally encounter these strays in both locations while fishing for other species.
New England
Southern New England rivers once saw huge migrations of Atlantic salmon before industrialization destroyed the fish’s habitat. Today, a handful of streams have seen returns as restoration efforts slowly take hold.
The Connecticut River has a small run of salmon thanks to an extensive stocking program. Fishways at the Holyoke and Turners Fall Dams allow the salmon to reach their historic spawning grounds. Catches are extremely rare, but possible for anglers fishing in the spring and fall.
Atlantic salmon have also returned to several smaller Connecticut and Rhode Island rivers like the Shetucket and Pawcatuck. Sightings are uncommon, but offer hope for restoring these native populations. With continued habitat improvements, southern New England could one day see Atlantic salmon runs rebound.
Ethics & Conservation
If you are fortunate enough to hook an Atlantic salmon, treat the fish with care. Use proper handling techniques when removing the hook and return the salmon to the water as quickly as possible. Take photos but keep the fish in the water when possible. Minimize air exposure when taking a quick picture.
Supporting habitat restoration and fish passage projects in your region will help bring back healthy Atlantic salmon populations. Follow all fishing regulations and only keep hatchery salmon where permitted. With care and stewardship from anglers, future generations may once again experience the thrill of catching the king of gamefish on the fly.
NORWAY: ATLANTIC SALMON DESTINATIONS
In 2020, 46 fishermen caught a total of 436 salmon in the Aaelva. This made it Norway’s most productive salmon river in terms of catch per rod day. A maximum of 8 guests at a time enjoy access to 17 kilometers of river. The Aaelva boasts appreciable numbers of very large salmon (20+ kg) as well as excellent catch rates.
This river flows freely and is Norway’s second-most productive salmon river. You can catch big salmon all season long. The Norwegian Fly Fishers Club, our partner in the area, lets us offer the best and widest range of salmon water on the Gaula.
The beautiful Orkla River is one of Norway’s productive rivers. Each year, fishermen catch an average of 5,500 salmon in rods. The Orkla is a very shallow, fast-moving river with great fly water that looks a lot like the Spey in Scotland.
In Norway, the Namsen is one of the rivers you should check out if you want to catch really big salmon. Every year salmon in the 40 lb range are caught. For now the Namsen record stands at 68 lbs.
The Alta, the Reisa’s sister river, is not far away and is also a great place to catch big salmon on the fly. Unlike many other salmon rivers around the world, the returns of very large salmon are always getting better.
This hidden gem of a river is just under 3 hours away from Trondheim by road. A maximum of 6 rods enjoy exclusive access to a total of 8 kilometer of fine salmon water. Guests stay at an excellent lodge.
ICELAND: ATLANTIC SALMON DESTINATIONS
Located on the west coast of Iceland, this small two rod river is a favorite of the locals. Fishing permits come with the use of a comfortable fully equipped self-service cabin.
Because it is well taken care of, this beautiful river is where many fly fishermen go to catch fish on the east coast of Iceland. The Breiddalsá River als has one of the best fishing lodges in the country.
This beautiful little two rod river is a sure bet during prime time for grilse. It also represents one of the best values you can find for salmon fishing in Iceland. At just 35 kilometers from Reykjavik, it is ideal for a short trip. Included with the fishing is a cozy little self-service lodge.
The Deildará is well kept secret among the local fishermen. With its location on the far northeast coast, this three-rod river doesn’t get many foreign anglers, but it does have a lot of big msw salmon. Its long slow pools are ideal for active fishermen who enjoy hitching or stripping flies to provoke strikes. An excellent self-service lodge is included with the fishing,.
The East Rangá is consitantly ranks as one of Iceland’s two most productive salmon river by far. An aggressive smolt release program and careful management have led to incredible catch numbers. This is a large river, ideal for 2 hand rods. During the latter part of the season worming and spinning are also allowed.
The Hitara is one of Iceland’s legendary rivers with a long history among British anglers. One of Iceland’s most famous full-service salmon lodges is on the Hitara. It is perched on a cliff above the river and has stunning views. It is difficult to imagine better salmon fishing in such beautiful surroundings. The upper section of the river has its own self-catering lodge.
The Jokla River starts on the eastern side of the Vatnajokull Glaciar and flows for 100 kilometers before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. It is located just north of Egilsstaðir on the east coast of Iceland. Good sized msw salmon make up a high percentage of the salmon caught here. An intensive smolt release program has helped this river to increase catch numbers tremendously.
A great grilse river with lots of beautiful fly water that’s great for fishing with one hand or switch rods. Every year it ends up as one of the top ten rivers in Iceland in salmon caught.
During an 80-day season, this great little river on the west coast of Iceland has a great average catch of about 1000 salmon on just 6 rods. Most of the fish caught are salmon that weigh between 5 and 12 pounds, but every year fish that weigh 20 pounds are caught as well.
People say that a fisherman who learns how to fish this river right can fish any river in Iceland and do well. The water there can be very rough and tricky, but it’s a great place to test your fishing skills with floating lines and flies as small as size 18. With an average of about 1,200 salmon caught each year, it is one of the top 10 rivers in Iceland in terms of catch.
The Laxá in Leirarsveit is a great seven-rod river on the west coast, only 50 kilometers from Reykjavik. Every year, it’s one of the twenty best rivers in Iceland for rod catch. Most of its pools are easy to get to by wading. Guests are accommodated in a full service lodge. It is also one of the better values for slamon fishing in Iceland.
This beautiful little two rod river is located just 20 minutes from Reykjavik. In the lower part of the river where it’s legal, it has both beautiful water for fly fishing and great pools for bait fishing by sight. It is a good choice for fishermen in Reykjavik who want to try one of Iceland’s beautiful salmon rivers.
The Midfjardará is Iceland’s most productive wild salmon fishery. It is on the north-west coast, about three hours north of Reykjavik, and there is neither a smolt release program nor any artificial reproduction of salmon. It also has some of the most beautiful fly water in Iceland. Only 10 rods are allowed to fish there, and each year they catch an average of 3,400 salmon.
The Nordura is one of the five salmon rivers in Iceland that catch the most salmon each year. Icelanders think it is the most beautiful river in the country. It has a lot of different and interesting water that is best fished with a light two-handed rod or a switch rod early in the season. Fishermen stay at a good full service lodge overlooking the river.
Known for it’s large msw salmon in surprising numbers, the Selá is one of Iceland’s greatest salmon rivers. Most prime dates are dead man’s shoes, so it’s hard to find rods. But every once in a while, a few rods become available.
The Sog or Sogid River is the largest clear water river in Iceland. This river is known to give very big salmon. It is best fished with a two hand rod. Tricky wading makes hiring a guide a must, but the rewards can be great. The river also hosts a sizeable run of char. Depedning on the section of river fished, guests may stay at on of three self service lodges.
The Stora Laxá i one of Iceland’s most beautiful rivers and also one of its most productive. It offers plenty of fabulous fly water ideally fished with a two hand rod. FIshermen on the lower section are accommodated in an excellent full service lodge. The upper section comes with afine self-service lodge.
This little gem of a river is tucked away in the northwestern fjords of Iceland. It a small two rod river ideal for single hand rod fishermen. There is no lodge for fishermen but there is a good hotel nearby. It is a great value if you are looking for salmon fishing in Iceland on a budget.
Along with its sister river to the east. overthe years the West Rangá has established itself as one of Iceland’s two most productive rivers. It’s also a big river that’s great for two-handed rods. Later in the season, you can also worm and spin.