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Rainbow Smelt ⚠ Invasive

🔬 Osmerus mordax

A slender, silvery fish with a distinctive fresh-cucumber smell when handled. Native to Atlantic coast and some northern lakes. Introduced to Crystal Lake, Michigan in 1912 and quickly spread through the Great Lakes. Now a critical forage fish for lake trout, coho salmon, and other Great Lakes predators -- but also a major competitor with native cisco and young lake whitefish. Famously runs up tributary streams in massive spring schools for spawning.

Under 0.5 lb, 6-9 inches
Typical size
Winter, Spring
Best season
41
Listed lakes

Full stocking history & restocking forecasts with Fishing+

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📅 Best Times to Fish Rainbow Smelt

Jan
None
Feb
None
Mar
Excellent
Apr
Excellent
May
Fair
Jun
None
Jul
None
Aug
None
Sep
None
Oct
None
Nov
Fair
Dec
None

🛡 Rainbow Smelt Conservation Status

⚠ Invasive Rainbow Smelt is considered an invasive species in Michigan. Introduced to Crystal Lake MI in 1912, spread to Lake Michigan by 1923, then throughout all Great Lakes. Competes with native cisco (lake herring) for zooplankton and eats larval fish, contributing to the decline of lake whitefish young. Now a foundational forage species for Great Lakes salmon and trout despite invasive origin. The daily bag limit is No limit (dip netting).

🌿 Rainbow Smelt Habitat & Behavior

Open Great Lakes water in summer; runs into tributary streams and rivers in April-May spring spawning runs. Also established in many inland Michigan lakes connected to the Great Lakes. DNR records show Rainbow Smelt present in 41 Michigan water bodies. Highest stocking activity on record is in Kalamazoo, Marquette and Houghton counties. Bite activity rates Good or better in Mar and Apr.

🎣 Best Rainbow Smelt Techniques

Spring dip-netting in creek mouths and tributaries during spawning runs (check local regulations for net size/limits). Ice fishing with tiny teardrops and wax worms -- smelt move in massive schools un

🪱 Best Rainbow Smelt Baits

Dip nets during spring runs; not typically rod-and-reel targeted

📋 Rainbow Smelt Fishing Regulations in Michigan

No limit (dip netting)
Daily limit
No limit
Possession limit
Spring dip-netting runs: March–April
Season

Spring dip-netting runs in Lake Michigan tributaries are a Michigan tradition. Peak runs occur at night when water temps hit 40–45°F.

⚠️ Regulations shown are general statewide guidelines for 2025. Rules vary by water body and change annually. Always verify current regulations in the official Michigan DNR Fishing Guide before you fish.

🌊 Where to Catch Rainbow Smelt in Michigan

Lake County Population
Ankadosh Creek Chippewa Good
Anna River Alger Good
Beatons Lake Gogebic Good
Burt Lake
17,120 acres
 Cheboygan Good
Carp River Mackinac Good
Charlevoix Lake
17,260 acres
 Charlevoix Good
Clear Lake Schoolcraft Good
Clear Lake Houghton Good
Crystal Lake
9,854 acres
 Benzie Good
Falls River Baraga Good
Glen Lake
4,944 acres
 Leelanau Good
Golden Lake Iron Good
Gull Lake
2,030 acres
 Kalamazoo Good
Higgins Lake
9,600 acres
 Roscommon Good
Huron River Baraga Good
Imp Lake Gogebic Good
Indian Lake
8,689 acres
 Schoolcraft Good
Intermediate Lake
682 acres
 Antrim Good
Lac La Belle Keweenaw Good
Lac La Belle Keweenaw Good
Michigan Fishing DNR Stocking Record Verified Data
SpeciesRainbow Smelt
Quantity500,000 fish
StockedApr 17, 1992
Lake Gull Lake, Kalamazoo Co.

📋 Rainbow Smelt Stocking Events by Lake

Date Lake County Quantity Size
7 more recent stocking events available with Fishing+
See what's been stocked recently, including lake, quantity, and size.
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Apr 17, 1992 Gull Lake Kalamazoo 500,000 —
Apr 17, 1991 Gull Lake Kalamazoo 13,179 5.8"
Apr 28, 1989 Clear Lake Schoolcraft 2,500 6.0"
Apr 28, 1989 Clear Lake Houghton 2,500 6.0"
Apr 24, 1987 Golden Lake Iron 18,000 6.5"
Apr 23, 1987 Long Lake Grand Traverse 14,000 6.5"
Apr 23, 1987 Long Lake Alpena 14,000 6.5"
Most valuable for Rainbow Smelt anglers
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Full stocking history across all 7 lakes, plus a forecast of which waters are due for restocking this season.
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See which Michigan lakes are likely to be stocked with Rainbow Smelt next — view the stocking forecast →

📋 Quick Rainbow Smelt Facts

🔗 Resources

🐟 All Fish Species 🎣 MDNR Sport Fishing 🔬 MDNR Fish ID Guide 🪪 Buy a Michigan Fishing License 🎣 Log a catch

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