Outdoors
The BDN outdoors section brings readers into the woods, waters and wild places of Maine. It features stories on hunting, fishing, wildlife, conservation and recreation, told by people who live these experiences. This section emphasizes hands-on knowledge, field reports, issues, trends and the traditions that define life outside in Maine. Read more Outdoors stories here.
There’s nothing quite like a night of smelting.
As many Mainers know, smelting is a long-standing tradition that may mean different things depending on where you live in the state. Some Mainers think of smelt shacks on the Kennebec River or even jigging for the tasty fish through the ice on their favorite lake.
But as April arrives and the world seems to come alive again, sea-run rainbow smelt return to the tidal streams here Down East to spawn.
This is when Downeasters go find them.
If you have ever driven along any of the coastal roads this time of year after dark, you may have noticed the glow of lights off into the woods. You probably caught a quick glimpse of a smelter armed with just a dip net, a flashlight and a bucket.
As the tide floods after sunset, smelt move into the shallows where smelters can easily dip them. The best spots are in the intertidal zone, right at the head of tide. As the water rises with the incoming tide, the smelt follow.
If the run is “thick” enough, the smelt will push into freshwater streams and can be in extremely shallow water. Smelt streams also vary in size, some so small you could step over them without jumping.
Here are a few tips if you find yourself on a tidal stream this spring looking for smelt.
First, keep your light off as much as possible. Smelt don’t like light. When the run is thick enough, it usually doesn’t matter, but it’s good practice to be patient and only shine your light periodically to surprise the little fish.
Second, wait until the spring peepers are in full swing. When the night lows are in the 50s and the peepers are singing, that’s when you know it’s time to check the smelt brook.
Lastly, check your net before putting a net full of smelt into your bucket. Many of the tidal streams along the Downeast coast are home to sea-run brook trout, and you’d be surprised how many show up in the same spots as smelt. If you find one, make sure to release it back into the stream.
There are three different zones along the coast of Maine with different regulations on dipping sea smelt. Here Downeast, east of Naskeag Point to the head of tide on the St. Croix River, you are allowed to keep 2 quarts of smelt per day from March 15 through June 30.
Smelt are one of my favorite fish to eat.
They are a treat, and since I usually only fish for them during the spring dipping season, they are a seasonal delicacy. Lightly roll them in flour with salt (or Old Bay seasoning), then fry them until golden brown.
My personal favorites are the small ones. You can eat the bones and all.