Top European Smelt Fishing Countries

The European smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) is a small, slender fish found in coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers across northern and western Europe. Known for its silvery body and distinctive cucumber-like scent, the smelt is prized both as a delicacy and as bait. The primary countries involved in commercial and recreational smelt fishing are Russia, the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, and Estonia, where the species is harvested from the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and their tributaries. In these regions, smelt fishing has a long tradition, especially in the spring during spawning runs, when the fish migrate upstream in large numbers. The catch is used fresh, smoked, or pickled, and local festivals often celebrate the smelt season, highlighting its cultural and economic importance. While the overall industry is relatively small compared to other fisheries, it remains significant for local communities and traditions in these northern European countries.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.