Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Photo by Fyn Kynd on iNaturalist · CC BY-SA 4.0

FishActive now (September)

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

When
Jun–Sep — June, July, August, September. Earlier in the south, later in the north.
Where it holds
The great rivers of the Maritimes, Québec and Maine.
How to know it
Sparse X-shaped black spots above the lateral line, a slim wrist to the tail, and no spots on the tail.
What to know
Populations are fragile; most rivers are fly-only, catch-and-release, and often require a guide.
The tactic
A wet fly swung through a known pool — and a licence, a guide where required, and patience.
Caution
Heavily regulated and in places closed entirely. Check the river-by-river rules every season.

Seasons, size limits and catch limits change every year and differ by water body. Check the current regulations for your province or state before you fish.

Found in these regions

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Also active in September