Atlantic Salmon

The Atlantic salmon is found on both sides of the North Atlantic as far north as the Arctic Circle. The adult is blue-black above with silvery sides. During the long journey to spawn, the male becomes dirty red on the sides and develops a hook-shaped lower jaw. The sides of the female become black. The adult fish ordinarily is 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) long and averages 8 to 12 pounds (3.6 to 5.4 kg).

At one time this fish was plentiful in North America as far south as the Hudson River, but the principal fisheries are now in Canada. Atlantic salmon are also found in a few freshwater lakes, where they remain throughout their lives. These fish are called landlocked salmon. They are caught as game fish in Maine, New York, New Hampshire, and the Maritime Provinces of Canada.