Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Ontario (Fertilized Egg)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
188 Area of Water Characteristic 103 101
Details
The nearshore waters of the entire lake are nursery habitat.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Erie (Fertilized Egg)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
81 Temperature Characteristic 5°15°C 70 -
Details
Incubation of eggs takes place 5°-15°C.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Huron (Fertilized Egg)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
172 Area of Water Prefer 90 88
Details
Nearshore areas off irregular coastlines are the most important nursery areas.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Michigan (Fertilized Egg)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
82 Temperature Example 2.9°5.9°C 59 -
Depth Example 27.4 m
Details
Smelt fertilized eggs in water 27.4 m deep and incubated at temperatures
from 2.9°-5.9°C hatched in 59 days.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Superior (Fertilized Egg)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
333 Temperature Example 368 109
Details
Incubation time was listed as 1920 days at 5°8°C.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Superior (Fertilized Egg)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
80 Temperature 44 -
Details
Eggs hatch in 23 weeks (depending upon temperature).
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
(Fertilized Egg)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
73 New Brunswick Temperature Characteristic 6°10°C 58 -
Details
New Brunswick stocks hatched between 19 and 29 days at temperatures
6°10°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
74 Temperature Optimum 14°C 106 -
Details
The optimum temperature for hatching is 14°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
75 Great Lakes Temperature Characteristic 22.5°C, 6°C 106 -
Details
Hatching occurs in 6 days at 22.5°C and in 35 days at 6°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
77 Great Lakes Phys. Assoc. Characteristic 55 -
63
Details
Eggs are ejected in clusters, then drop and adhere to the gravel substrate.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
78 Great Lakes General 55 -
Details
Eggs hatch in 2030 days, and measure 0.220.24 in.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
157 St. Clair River Area of Water Example 84 81
Water Motion Example
Temperature Example 9°13°C
Depth Example
Details
In 1974, eggs were collected from late May-early June at water temperatures
of 48°55°F. Peak spawning occurred earlier. Concentrations of eggs were
higher in the slower, shallower water near the Canadian shore than at
midriver or along the U.S. shore.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
159 St. Clair River Area of Water Example 85 81
84
Details
In 1978, eggs were collected from early April-early June, and were most
abundant on the Canadian shore on May 11.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
334 Temperature Example 359 109
Details
Incubation was listed as 10 days at 15°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
335 New Brunswick Temperature Example 58 109
Details
Incubation was listed as 29 days at 6°7°C, 19 days at 9°10°C, and 11 days
at 12°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
336 New Brunswick Water Level Lethal 332 109
Details
Spawning in flooded shores results in loss of eggs as waters recede, so
that smelt larval production in the Miramichi River is negatively correlated
with rainfall during the spawning period.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Ontario (Juvenile)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
65 Eastern Basin Pred/Prey Characteristic 9 -
Details
Spring yearling plantings in the eastern basin of lake Ontario became
piscivorous almost immediately. Progressively larger fish were ingested as
these plantings grew. Darters and smaller sculpins were taken first,
juvenile smelt and alewife next, and finally adult smelt and alewife were
ingested.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Erie (Juvenile)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
91 Movement Characteristic Offshore 54 -
Depth Characteristic Bottom
Details
YOY move offshore in early fall and congregate near the bottom.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
135 Central Basin Area of Water Example 73 -
Details
Abundant yearlings of smelt are found around the margin of the central basin.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
322 Temperature Limit 18.4°C 410 109
Details
In Lake Erie, growth of young smelt ends early in October at water
temperatures of 18.4°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
325 Depth Example 379 109
Temperature Example
Details
In Lake Erie, young were common in shallow water and in the epilimnion at
>21°C in the summer. However, adults were restricted to water <15.5°C and
were more abundant at temperatures <7°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
338 Pred/Prey Characteristic 379 109
Details
In Lake Erie, adult smelt fed primarily on Daphnia and Gammarus and some
fingernail clams and smelt young in August 196364.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
676 Pred/Prey Example 493 111
Details
YOY walleye at the extreme western end of Lake Erie displayed their size
preference by consuming alewives and gizzard shad during the summer. They
changed to rainbow smelt in the autumn, when alewives and shad became too
large.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
756 Pred/Prey Example 73 112
Oxygen Example
Details
In the central basin of Lake Erie, perch and smelt fry are probably protected
from walleye predation due to hypolimnial oxygen depletion which excludes
walleye from their foraging base.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Michigan (Juvenile)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
92 Movement Characteristic Offshore 64 -
Depth Characteristic Bottom
Details
YOY move offshore in early fall and congregate near the bottom.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
131 Movement Characteristic 67 -
Area of Water Characteristic
Details
YOY move offshore in early fall and congregate near the bottom.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
340 Pred/Prey Characteristic 358 109
Details
Shiners, young smelt, Hexagenia, midge larvae, Daphnia, and Pontoporeia were
the food of adult smelt in Lake Michigan.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Superior (Juvenile)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
90 Pred/Prey Characteristic 43 -
Details
For individuals <117 mm in western Lake Superior, diet consists almost
entirely of crustaceans (predominantly copepods and Mysis).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
127 Pred/Prey Characteristic 43 -
Details
For individuals >117 mm (some juveniles included) in western Lake Superior,
diet consists mostly of crustaceans, (predominantly Mysis and copepods) but
amphipods were also ingested.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
341 Pred/Prey Characteristic 368 109
Details
Mysis, Pontoporeia, and young smelt were the foods of smelt in Lake Superior.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
(Juvenile)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
86 Phys. Assoc. Characteristic 63 -
Details
By August, YOY can be 51 mm and can be found inshore along sand and gravel
beaches.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
87 Lake Champlain Depth Characteristic 50 -
Area of Water Characteristic
Details
Young smelt are found inshore in 3-4 ft of water until midJune when they
move to water 10 ft deep.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
88 Great Lakes Pred/Prey Characteristic 55 -
Details
Plankton, then insect larvae and crustacea are the main food of early YOY
smelt.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
621 Pred/Prey Optimum 111 -
Details
Lakes lacking suitable forage fishes usually maintain only low stocks of
walleye. Highest-standing stocks usually occur in lakes with abundant small
percids, cyprinids, osmerids, percopcids or coregonines.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
646 Pred/Prey Characteristic 111 -
Details
A number of fish species feed on walleye fry. These species include yellow
perch, white bass, yellow bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow smelt, saugers,
bullheads, burbot and (most importantly) northern pike.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
141 Great Lakes Pred/Prey Characteristic 74 8
Details
Smelt feed on invertebrates until they reach a length of ~15 cm. Other
fish (including smelt) are then added to the diet.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
318 Pred/Prey Characteristic 109 -
Details
Larger lake trout feed primarily upon fish in most lakes (including Cottus,
alewives, smelt, and sometimes Atlantic salmon).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
337 Pred/Prey Characteristic 358 109
343
Details
Young smelt fed primarily on copepods and cladocerans.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Ontario (Larva)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
188 Area of Water Characteristic 103 101
Details
The nearshore waters of the entire lake are nursery habitat.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Erie (Larva)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
647 Competitors Example 73 111
Details
Rainbow smelt are serious competitors with walleye fry for food items in
Lake Erie.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Huron (Larva)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
168 St. Marys River Movement Characteristic 428 87
Area of Water Characteristic 429
430
Details
Rainbow smelt spawn in tributaries and larvae drift downstream into the
St. Marys River where they are usually more abundant at offshore sites than
at inshore sites.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
171 Movement Characteristic 89 88
Details
After hatching the young disperse from nearshore areas.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
172 Area of Water Prefer 90 88
Details
Nearshore areas off irregular coastlines are the most important nursery areas.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
182 South Bay Movement Example 97 85
Area of Water Example
Details
During 196468, larvae were abundant in South Bay beginning in early May.
Larvae quickly moved away from the shoreline areas and within several days
were dispersed throughout the surface waters of the inner basin.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
184 Dunks Bay Depth Example 24 m 219 88
Details
Smelt larvae are common in Dunks Bay in spring and summer at depths of
713 ft.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Michigan (Larva)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
85 Depth Characteristic 13 m 64 -
Area of Water Characteristic
Details
Recently hatched larvae are found in depths 1-3 m. Older larvae are
generally scattered throughout the inshore water column between May and
early August.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Superior (Larva)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
90 Pred/Prey Characteristic 43 -
Details
For individuals <117 mm in western Lake Superior, diet consists almost
entirely of crustaceans (predominantly copepods and Mysis).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
127 Pred/Prey Characteristic 43 -
Details
For individuals >117 mm (some juveniles included) in western Lake Superior,
diet consists mostly of crustaceans (predominantly Mysis and copepods) but
amphipods were also ingested.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
341 Pred/Prey Characteristic 368 109
Details
Mysis, Pontoporeia, and young smelt were the foods of smelt in Lake Superior.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
(Larva)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
84 Movement Characteristic Drift 63 -
Details
Larvae drift downstream into the lake or estuary.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
130 Movement Characteristic 55 -
Details
- Larvae drift downstream into the lake or estuary.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
646 Pred/Prey Characteristic 111 -
Details
A number of fish species feed on walleye fry. These species include yellow
perch, white bass, yellow bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow smelt, saugers,
bullheads, burbot and (most importantly) northern pike.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Ontario (Non-spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
65 Eastern Basin Pred/Prey Characteristic 9 -
Hatchery
Details
Spring yearling plantings in the eastern basin of lake Ontario became
piscivorous almost immediately. Progressively larger fish were ingested as
these plantings grew. Darters and smaller sculpins were ingested first,
juvenile smelt and alewife next, and finally adult smelt and alewife were
ingested.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
150 Temperature Characteristic 80 9
Depth Characteristic
Details
Smelt live in the thermocline during the summer.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Erie (Non-spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
122 Depth Characteristic 379 109
Light Characteristic Daylight
Details
Most smelt are at or near the bottom in Lake Erie at depths of 80 ft or
more during daylight hours.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
123 Depth Characteristic 55 -
Details
Smelt are found in the deep waters of Lake Erie all year round.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
124 Temperature Characteristic 7.2°C 71 -
Temperature Limit 15.6°C
Details
Most of the population of Lake Erie may occupy water of ~7.2°C but may
enter 15.6°C water for brief periods.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
126 Temperature Avoid 15.5°C 72 -
Temperature Prefer 7.0°8.0°C
Details
Adults avoid water temperatures >15.5°C and prefer 7°8°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
136 Pred/Prey Characteristic 19 -
Details
Coho salmon feed extensively on emerald shiners and smelt.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
325 Depth Example 379 109
Temperature Example
Details
In Lake Erie, young were common in shallow water and in the epilimnion at
>21°C in the summer. However, adults were restricted to water <15.5°C and
were more abundant at temperatures <7°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
326 Light Example 379 109
Temperature Example
Movement Example
Pred/Prey Example
Details
Some adults may migrate upward or inshore into warmer water at night,
following Daphnia and Gammarus. Light is the factor controlling the
migration rather than the direct effect of feeding.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
338 Pred/Prey Characteristic 379 109
Details
In Lake Erie, adult smelt fed primarily on Daphnia and Gammarus and some
fingernail clams and smelt young in August 196364.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
339 Pred/Prey Characteristic 343 109
Details
In Lake Erie, adult smelt fed primarily on emerald shiners in May.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
647 Competitors Example 73 111
Details
Rainbow smelt are serious competitors with walleye fry for food items in
Lake Erie.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
740 Pollution Example 10 112
Details
The recent dominance of Lake Erie by perch and smelt may reflect pollution
resistance.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
756 Pred/Prey Example 73 112
Oxygen Example
Details
In the central basin of Lake Erie, perch and smelt fry are probably protected
from walleye predation due to hypolimnial oxygen depletion which excludes
walleye from their foraging base.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
793 Pred/Prey Lethal Overfishing 73 19
Pred/Prey Limit Benthos 426
Oxygen Limit
Siltation Limit Spawning area
Details
- Severe declines of walleye in Lake Erie was from overfishing and degradation
of the environment via siltation of spawning areas, destruction of oxygen
regimes in the western and central basins, and major changes in the benthos
in these basins.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
794 Competitors Example 73 19
Details
Pressure from the rapidly increasing smelt population placed significant additional stress
(especially in the central basin) on the walleye population, in addition to
exploitation and eutrophication.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
797 Pred/Prey Example 19 -
Details
Little information exists on the effects of coho salmon on resident fish
populations. However, it is known that they feed extensively on emerald
shiners and smelt.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Huron (Non-spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
142 General Lethal 75 42
Details
The abrupt decline of smelt production in Lake Michigan 1943-1944 was the
result of a mass mortality (apparently caused by disease) during the
winter of 194243.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
146 Competitors Limit 8 -
Details
Smelt may compete with lake whitefish and ciscoes for available food. As a
result, whitefish production in Lake Huron decreases and smelt production
increases.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
166 St. Mary's River Area of Water Example river 87 -
Details
Dietary studies of piscivorous fish suggest that low numbers of smelt
remain in St. Marys River throughout summer.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Michigan (Non-spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
128 Temperature Avoid >14°C 107 -
Temperature Avoid <6°C 108
Details
Adult smelt avoid water temperatures >14°C and <6°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
142 General Lethal 75 42
Details
- The abrupt decline of smelt production in Lake Michigan 1943-1944 was the
result of a mass mortality (apparently caused by disease) during the
winter of 194243.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
143 Competitors Limit 76 42
Details
Smelt-catch decline from 1959-1965 is thought to be related to the alewife
presence. Alewivesare believed to have less effect on smelt than on certain
other species. Other important factors may also have been involved in smelt-
catch decline .
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
144 Pred/Prey Characteristic Lake Trout 77 42
Details
Smelt have provided valuable forage for lake trout.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
151 Temperature Limit Winter 67 9
Depth Limit <63 m
Details
No smelt were taken <35 fathoms in winter.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
340 Pred/Prey Characteristic 358 109
Details
Shiners, young smelt, Hexagenia, midge larvae, Daphnia, and Pontoporeia
were the food of adult smelt in Lake Michigan.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
675 Pred/Prey Example 121 111
Details
Lake Michigan walleye fed mainly on alewives and rainbow smelt even though
yellow perch were abundant and available.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Superior (Non-spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
40 Area of Water Characteristic 20 -
Phys. Assoc. Characteristic
Pred/Prey Characteristic
Details
Lake trout distribution is now associated with smelt. Smelt are usually
found along the periphery of the lake and its islands. Lake herring used to
be a major food source for lake trout in Lake Superior. Lake trout and lake
herring were more pelagic.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
42 Pred/Prey Characteristic 11 -
Details
Smelt became the most important food fish in 1963, although whitefishes
(Coregonus spp.) remained seasonally important October-December.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
145 Competitors Limit 78 42
Details
The decline in lake herring in Lake Superior has been attributed to the
influence of smelt and (to a smaller degree) bloaters.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
147 Pred/Prey Characteristic 22 11
Details
Smelt have clearly supplanted the chubs as the principal food of Lake
Superior's lake trout population.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
341 Pred/Prey Characteristic 368 109
Details
Mysis, Pontoporeia, and young smelt were the foods of smelt in Lake Superior.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
(Non-spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
115 Depth Characteristic 55 -
Details
Smelt are found in depths of 1561 m but are most abundant at 1832 m.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
116 Movement Characteristic Schooling 63 -
Area of Water Characteristic
Water Motion Characteristic
Details
Smelt are schooling pelagic fishes inhabiting midwaters of lakes or
inshore coastal waters. They do not inhabit the flowing waters of
streams or rivers except at spawning time.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
117 Temperature Prefer <59°C 55 -
Details
Smelt prefer water temperatures 59°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
118 Pred/Prey Characteristic 63 -
Details
Smelt are carnivorous and sometimes piscivorous in their feeding habits.
Their food includes amphipods, ostracods, aquatic insect larvae, and
aquatic worms. Fish are not a major item in terms of incidence.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
119 Great Lakes Pred/Prey Characteristic 55 -
Details
When smelt are 6 in. long they begin to feed on other fish (principally
smelt). However, the major item in the diet is Mysis.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
120 Great Lakes Pred/Prey Characteristic 55 -
Details
There are seasonal changes in the diet.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
129 Great Lakes Pred/Prey Characteristic 63 -
Details
There are seasonal changes in the diet.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
139 Great Lakes Depth Characteristic 1464 m 74 8
Depth Characteristic 1836 m
Details
They inhabit waters 1464 m deep and are most abundant in water 1836 m zone.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
141 Great Lakes Pred/Prey Characteristic 74 8
Details
Smelt feed on invertebrates until they reach a length of ~15 cm. Other
fish (including smelt) are then added to the diet.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
318 Pred/Prey Characteristic 109 -
Details
Larger lake trout feed primarily upon fish in most lakes (including
Cottus, alewives, smelt, and Atlantic salmon.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
323 Temperature Lethal 21.5°28.5°C 369 109
Details
Lethal high temperatures ranged from 21.5°28.5°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
324 Cayuga Lake Area of Water Example Flat 208 109
Depth Example 3037 m
Temperature Example <13°C
Details
- In Cayuga Lake, New York, smelt are usually found on the flats at 3037 m
deep, <13°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
490 Massachusetts Pred/Prey Example 173 110
Details
Addition of smelt to Quabbin Reservoir, Massachusetts, increase the
largemouth bass population but not the average growth rate.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
621 Pred/Prey Optimum 111 -
Details
Lakes lacking suitable forage fishes usually maintain low stocks of walleye.
Highest-standing stocks usually occur in lakes with abundant small percids,
cyprinids, osmerids, percopsids or coregonines.
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646 Pred/Prey Characteristic 111 -
Details
A number of fish species feed on walleye fry. These species include yellow
perch, white bass, yellow bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow smelt, saugers,
bullheads, burbot and (most importantly) northern pike.
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674 Pred/Prey Example 111 -
Details
When yellow perch are not available or abundant, other species (emerald
shiners, troutperch, ninespine sticklebacks, suckers, cyprinids, white
perch, alewives, rainbow smelts, lake herring and centrarchids) exist.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Ontario (Spawning Adult)
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103 Ontario General 55 -
Stream
spawners
Details
Spawning occurs between late March and early May in southern Ontario
streams. Spawners are composed of two- and three-yearold fish 7-8 in.
long.
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104 Lennox Temperature Limit <6°C 69 68
Generating
Station
Details
Near the Lennox Generating Station, spawning occurs at temperatures <6°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
149 Prince Edward Phys. Assoc. Example 9 -
County Area of Water Example
Peninsula Movement Example
Details
Runs to the southern coast of the Prince Edward County peninsula replaced
the Bay of Quinte sport fisheries. Smelt are still taken in large numbers
on shelf limestone and sandy shores.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
185 Area of Water Characteristic 100 101
Movement Characteristic
Phys. Assoc. Characteristic
Details
Every tributary with a mouth not blocked by gravel or sand bars supports
a run, (usually in April). Spawning also occurs on rocky or sandy shoals
and points throughout the lake proper in late April.
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186 Temperature Characteristic 4°18°C 102 101
538
Details
Runs of smelt usually occur in water 40°65°F.
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187 Phys. Assoc. Characteristic * 101
Area of Water Characteristic
Movement Characteristic
Details
In years when the mouths of smaller tributaries are blocked by sand or
gravel, lake spawning may be important.
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189 Irondequoit Bay Area of Water Example 104 101
Details
Smelt spawn on the lake shores near Irondequoit Bay; in 1977, adults were
collected nearshore from midApril to midMay.
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190 Tibbets Point Temperature Example 7°C * 101
Movement Example
Area of Water Example
Details
Spawning runs begin at 44°F. Ripe and running adults are collected on
the shoals around the point.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
191 Ontario Ice Characteristic Breakup 105 101
Movement Characteristic
Area of Water Characteristic
Details
- In Canadian waters, rainbow smelt runs usually begin when the ice breaks up. In southern Ontario,
tributary runs occur in late Marchearly May; in more northern areas, runs
occur in April and continue for ~3 weeks. Spawning also occurs along the
lake shore.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Erie (Spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
106 Bass Islands Area of Water Example Shoal 55 -
Details
Spawning over shoals is suggested near the Bass Islands.
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107 Temperature Optimum 10°C 70 68
Details
The optimum temperature for spawning is 10°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
332 Temperature Example 410 109
Details
In Lake Erie, smelt spawn May 15 at 10°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
793 Pred/Prey Lethal Overfishing 73 19
Pred/Prey Limit Benthos 426
Oxygen Limit
Siltation Limit Spawning Area
Details
Severe declines of walleye in Lake Erie was from overfishing and degradation
of the environment via siltation of spawning areas, destruction of oxygen
regimes in the western and central basins, and major changes in the benthos
in these basins.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Huron (Spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
165 St. Marys River Movement Example 87 -
Temperature Example 4°5°C
Details
Smelt move into St. Marys River from Lake Huron in spring to spawn when
water temperatures are 4°5°C.
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167 St. Marys River Area of Water Characteristic 87 -
Phys. Assoc. Characteristic Rocky
Details
Smelt spawn in small tributaries or along rocky shorelines.
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169 Movement Characteristic 74 88
Area of Water Characteristic
Details
Spawning runs of smelt occur in most tributaries to Lake Huron. Runs
usually begin around the second week of April, peak in the third or
fourth weeks of April, and may continue through the first week of May.
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176 Rockport Area of Water Example 93 88
Phys. Assoc. Example
Details
Most adults collected in April and May were ripe and running. Shoreline
substrate in the area was boulders and rock with patches of sand, gravel,
and cobble, and it appeared suitable for spawning. No eggs were collected
and spawning was not observed.
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177 Whitney Drain Temperature Example 432 88
Area of Water Example 433
Phys. Assoc. Example 91
Details
Heavy runs occur usually in midtolate April. Spawning may have
occurred along the beaches in the area in 1979 when low temperatures
aborted runs into the river.
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178 Alabaster Phys. Assoc. Example 94 88
Details
In 1979, adults were most abundant in April, and in May some were ripe
and running. The gravel substrate appeared suitable for spawning, but
no eggs were collected and no spawning was observed.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
179 Point Au Gres Phys. Assoc. Example 95 88
to Wigwam Bay Area of Water Example
Ice Example
Depth Example
Details
Spawning occurred throughout this area in shallow water over a bottom of
mud and stone just after ice breakup.
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180 Harbor Beach Depth Example <13.8 m * 88
Phys. Assoc. Example
Details
Ripe and running adults and eggs were captured from the harbor north
for 5 miles to an unnamed location to depths of ~45 ft. The substrate
was boulders and large rocks.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
181 South Bay Area of Water Example 45 88
Cornell Creek Movement Example
McLennan's Water Motion Example
Creek Ice Example
Peltier
Freshet
- Trudeau Creek
- Pheasant Creek
School Freshet
South Bay
Details
In 1948, runs from South Bay entered Cornell Creek, McLennan's Creek,
Peltier Freshet, Trudeau Creek and School Freshet. The runs usually
stopped 1/4 mi. from the bay, at the first falls with a drop of more
than 1 ft. Heavy runs began on April 14 (the day after ice breakup on
the bay) but did not occur in one small stream until late April. The
runs were believed to be composed almost entirely of fish from a
resident stock in the bay.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Michigan (Spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
113 Area of Water Example Lake 64 -
Depth Example
Details
Some spawning takes place within the lake in deep and shallow water.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Lake Superior (Spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
112 Temperature Characteristic 70 68
Movement Characteristic
Details
Spawning takes place over from 2.2°-14.5° C. The spawning run occurs
from 3.9°5.6°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
331 Temperature Example 308 109
Details
In Lake Superior, smelt spawn April 1430 at 2.2°14.5°C.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
(Spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
95 Phys. Assoc. Characteristic Gravel 55 -
Aea of Water Characteristic Shoal
Details
Some spawning may occur on gravel shoals within the lake.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
96 New Brunswick Movement Characteristic 58 -
Details
There is an indication that the spawning run for a given stream occurs at
the same time each year.
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97 Great Lakes Light Characteristic Night 55 -
Stream Movement Characteristic Passive
spwners
Details
Spawning occurs mainly at night. Stream spawners return to the lake with
the current.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
99 Great Lakes Movement Characteristic 55 -
Stream Ice Characteristic
spawners
Details
Adults move inshore as the spawning season approaches and ascend streams
in large dense schools usually following the ice.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
100 Great Lakes Temperature Characteristic 8.9°18.9°C 63 -
Details
Water temperatures during spawning run are 8.9°18.9°C (earliest start
to latest end of run).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
102 Great Lakes General 55 -
Details
There may be a significant postspawning mortality in the Great Lakes,
especially Lake Erie.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
133 Phys. Assoc. Example Gravel 64 -
Area of Water Example Shoal 55
Details
Some spawning may occur on gravel shoals within the lake.
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140 Great Lakes Movement Characteristic 74 8
Area of Water Characteristic
Details
Adults move inshore and congregate in dense schools in April (prior to
spawning).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
155 St. Clair River Temperature Example 6°7°C 82 81
Details
If hatching required 23 weeks, spawning probably peaked during the
first two weeks of May when water temperatures were ~43°46°F.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
156 St. Clair River Ice Example 83 81
Temperature Limit <6°C
Details
Smelt spawn here soon after ice breakup, usually during late March-April
when water temperatures are <42°F.
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157 St. Clair River Area of Water Example 64 81
Water Motion Example
Temperature Example 9°13°C
Depth Example
Details
- In 1974, eggs were collected from late May-early June at water
temperatures of 48°55°F. Peak spawning occurred earlier. Concen-
trations of eggs were higher in the slower, shallower water near the
Canadian shore than midriver or along the U.S. shore.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
158 St. Clair River Temperature Example 9°C 84 81
Details
In 1974, peak spawning occurred before May before water temperatures
reached 48°F.
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327 Area of Water Characteristic 308 109
Depth Example 309
Light Characteristic night
Details
Smelt spawn in streams or in shallows in lakes mostly at night.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
328 Area of Water Example 303 109
Details
A population which normally spawned in streams spawned successfully
on the shore area when transplanted to a lake without tributary streams.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
329 Maine Temperature Characteristic 308 109
Ice Example 58
Details
Stream temperatures are usually 4.5°7°C but the major stimulus is
probably not temperature since runs may occur before the ice goes out.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
330 Ice Example 309 109
Details
Spawning may occur under the ice.