Top Rainbow Smelt Fishing Countries

The rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) is a small, silvery fish native to the North Atlantic and Arctic coastal waters, as well as freshwater lakes and rivers in North America and parts of northern Europe. Known for its delicate flavor and importance as both a commercial and recreational catch, the rainbow smelt is especially abundant in the United States and Canada, where it supports significant fisheries in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, and coastal New England. In the United States, states like Maine, Michigan, and Minnesota are prominent for smelt fishing, while in Canada, Quebec and Ontario lead in harvests. Additionally, some northern European countries, such as Russia and Norway, also harvest related smelt species. The rainbow smelt fishing industry provides food, bait for larger fish, and supports local economies, though it is managed carefully in many regions due to concerns about overfishing and habitat changes.

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