 Landlocked Salmon: They've Got My Vote
Posted by keith (2990 reads)
Spring has finally sprung in New England, the days are warmer, the snow is almost gone, and the ice is out of the lakes. For anglers in Northern New England, ice-out is synonymous with Land-Locked Atlantic Salmon (LLS). Fly fishers’ stage at strategic locations to hunt this magnificent game fish. After recently connecting with the year’s first chrome bright spring salmon, I began thinking about this species. I realized that until I moved to Maine, I had never even heard of a LLS. I then realized that of all the freshwater salmonids I have pursued, I believe the LLS has become my most prized catch. Here is a “fish tale” which may spark some discussion. Freshwater fly anglers have a
longstanding debate as to which salmonid is the “BEST” to catch. In my mind, excluding any anadromous species transplanted to freshwater, there are 5 candidates for this title. Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and Landlocked Salmon. Is your favorite the wild and acrobatic rainbow, the strong and wary brown, or maybe the cutthroat or brookie as beautiful as the places they fin? Maybe it’s the Land-Locked Atlantic Salmon. We all have a favorite and it can often change. Let me tell you a bit about the LLS and try to spark your interest. Ages ago, after making the journey from the sea, some Atlantic Salmon decided to stay and live their lives in freshwater. In the U.S. the range of LLS is confined to Northern New England, with Maine having the strongest population. They require cool clean water and an abundant food supply. Typically they are found in large deep lakes and/or cold clear streams. LLS are members of the family Salmo, genetically identical to Atlantic salmon and relatives of the brown trout. They obviously come from a great line of game fish! Fish up to 10 lbs were not uncommon in NE years ago. Although larger fish are caught, today a 5lb LLS is a good fish and quite a handful. Once hooked the most frequent result is a salmon exploding from the water. Their display of aerial skill is legendary. Combine the jumping with long runs and stubborn bull dogging and you have a fun fish. Similar to browns and Atlantics the LLS can be extremely moody. Repeatedly refusing offers only to “turn-on” at the drop of a hat. Looking back, the LLS has many of the traits of the other salmonids on my list. They are smart, put up a great fight, and are found in beautiful waters. If you have hooked-up with a LLS in the past and never asked yourself this question, see what you think. Or if you have never caught a LLS, give it a shot. This fish just may get your vote.
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Re: Landlocked Salmon: They've Got My Vote
by jeremy http://www.fliesandfins.com | keith - i too love the LL salmon. my goal for this year is to catch a sizeable one (5-7 pounds) - i know they are out there and i know where. it just requires a little willingllness to drive, wait and fish for the big ones. Marshall turned me on to some spots last year that had some huge fish. i have a feeling that this might be the season for me to get the big land lock that has eluded me in previous years. - i am sure we will cross paths in our pursuit this season------i always seem to bump into you in the spots that i thought nobody knew about:)
ps - stripers were in last year may 10 - we should go take a few casts in the marshes pretty soon - give me a call. |
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Re: Landlocked Salmon: They've Got My Vote
by mike-c | Hi Keith,
Good story --LL's are great, for sure. I like it when I fish waters that have both Brook Trout and LLS - I prefer the Brookies for appearance, but when a LL hits, then crashes thru the surface, it's a whole different game!
Thanks for the read,
Mike |
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