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This commercial species is of particular interest to many fishing enthusiasts. This anadromous fish inhabits the cold, northern waters of Russia and is easily caught on trophy fishing trips in the Putorana Plateau.
This seemingly inconspicuous fish can be caught not only in the Yenisei River (catfish), but also in the western and Far Eastern regions of the country. Thanks to its excellent taste and distinctive aroma, smelt has earned immense popularity among fishermen in St. Petersburg and other northwestern cities.
What does this fish look like?
The color of individuals may vary depending on the body of water they inhabit. Externally, smelt look like this:
· The body is long and torpedo-shaped.
· The upper parts of the body of individuals are colored in brownish-green shades, while the rest have a bluish-silver tint.
· Fins are grey-green.
· The length of the fish can vary from 10 to 35 cm.
· Weight up to 375 g.
· Life expectancy is 1-12 years, depending on conditions and food.
Smelt can be divided into several varieties. Their numbers reach ten, but in Russia, only the following are found:
· Capelin;
· Smallmouths;
· Smelts.
They can be divided into Asian and European. Despite their small size, this fish is a predator that hunts other aquatic life.
Habitat
This fish is an anadromous species and inhabits the Arctic Ocean. It lives in the northern Pacific Ocean and migrates to spawn in the seas, rivers, and lakes that feed it. Large numbers of smelt are found in Lake Onega, Lake Ladoga, the Gulf of Finland, the Baltic, and many nearby seas and rivers.
This fish is also abundant in the Neva, Narva, Northern Dvina, Amur, and Sakhalin rivers. Its presence has been noted in reservoirs such as the Rybinsk, Saratov, Kuibyshev, and Gorky reservoirs. In Western countries, the species' population is disappearing, as the environment is at its lowest ebb.
Smelt thrive in areas with abundant food. Therefore, large numbers of trophy fish can often be caught in coastal areas. However, catching these predators with conventional fishing tackle is quite difficult. These fish are primarily caught on an industrial scale, but anglers can also find success with spinning rods and float rods.
Conclusion
Looking at the popularity of smelt, it's easy to sum it up. This small fish, with its delicious meat, has been trending for years. Catching one is considered particularly lucky, especially when it reaches its maximum size.
Many of us have long been familiar with smoked fish, sold in stores and caught in the Baltic countries. Whether it's smelt or its cousin, capelin, it doesn't matter. The excellent taste and vibrant aroma of smoked smelt are probably familiar to most residents of Russia and the CIS.
