Atlantic Salmon
Salmo salar
Known as the 'king of fish' among fly anglers, the Atlantic salmon migrates from the ocean into eastern Canadian rivers to spawn, providing a legendary and highly regulated fishery. Its powerful runs and leaps make it one of the most sought-after game fish in the world.
Cold coastal rivers during spawning migration; open ocean otherwise.
How to Catch Atlantic Salmon
Whether you're new to targeting Atlantic Salmon or refining your approach, success starts with matching your tactics to where the fish lives. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) is typically found in river water and coastal water, so concentrate your effort where those conditions line up. Mature Atlantic Salmon average around 30 inches, which helps you choose the right line, lure size, and tackle for the fight.
Where to Find Atlantic Salmon in the USA & Canada
Atlantic Salmon is recorded across a range of North American waters, including spots in British Columbia, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New York, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. Browse the linked water guides below to see the specific lakes, rivers, and coastal waters where anglers report catching Atlantic Salmon, then plan a trip around the water closest to you.
Atlantic Salmon Fishing Regulations & Limits
Fishing rules for Atlantic Salmon vary by state and province. Before you head out, check the daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons that apply in your area. When FishFinder has matching records, the regulations link below takes you to the rules hub. Following local limits keeps Atlantic Salmon populations healthy for future seasons.
Related Water Guides for Atlantic Salmon
Explore these FishFinder water guides for places where Atlantic Salmon is recorded:
- Lake Ontario — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Fraser River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Restigouche River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Kedgwick River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Upsalquitch River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Patapedia River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Nepisiguit River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Jacquet River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Tetagouche River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Miramichi River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Northwest Miramichi River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Little Southwest Miramichi River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Cains River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Renous River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Bartholomew River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Morell River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Naufrage River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Bear River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Valleyfield River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Hillsborough River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- West River (Bonshaw) — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Dunk River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Mill River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Humber River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Exploits River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Gander River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Gambo River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Terra Nova River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Salmonier River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Rocky River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Conne River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Grey River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Lomond River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Torrent River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Portland Creek — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Codroy River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Harrys River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Serpentine River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Pinware River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Forteau Brook — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Eagle River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Paradise River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Sand Hill River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Lake Michigan (Indiana Waters) — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- St. Marys River (Michigan) — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Lake Superior (Minnesota) — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Lake Ontario (New York) — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Lower Niagara River — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Salmon River (New York) — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Lake Champlain — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Seneca Lake — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Cayuga Lake — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Keuka Lake — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Owasco Lake — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Skaneateles Lake — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Lake George (New York) — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Schroon Lake — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Neversink Reservoir — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Beach Pond — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
- Lake Superior (Wisconsin Waters) — Atlantic Salmon fishing water
Atlantic Salmon Regulations
Review current FishFinder regulation records before targeting Atlantic Salmon:
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water is best for catching Atlantic Salmon?
Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) is typically found in river water and coastal water. Focus your effort where those conditions line up to improve your chances.
How big does Atlantic Salmon get?
Mature Atlantic Salmon average around 30 inches, though individual fish can run larger. Matching your line, lure size, and tackle to that range makes for a better fight and landing rate.
Where can I catch Atlantic Salmon in the USA and Canada?
Atlantic Salmon is reported across North American waters, including spots in British Columbia, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New York, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. Check the locations listed on this page to find the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters closest to you.
Do I need a fishing license to catch Atlantic Salmon?
A valid fishing license is required in most US states and Canadian provinces. Daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons for Atlantic Salmon vary by region, so review the regulations on this page and with your local wildlife authority before heading out.