Is There Salmon in Florida?

As a seafood lover living in the Sunshine State, I often get asked if we have salmon in our local waters. With Florida’s warm climate and lack of cold, fast-moving rivers, it may come as a surprise that there are actually several species of salmon that can be found here In this article, I’ll break down the unique situation of salmon in Florida and clear up some common misconceptions

A Misunderstood Fish

Many people assume salmon can’t survive in Florida’s warm waters. It’s true that salmon typically require cold habitats to spawn and thrive. However, one species has adapted to our conditions – the Atlantic salmon. Although not native to Florida, Atlantic salmon have been introduced and can now be found in certain rivers and coastal regions.

Atlantic salmon have a distinctive appearance with silvery scales and dark spots on their backs and fins. They are born in freshwater but spend most of their adult life at sea, returning to rivers to spawn in a unique cyclical journey. While not as abundant as up north, they’ve carved out a niche in Florida’s habitats.

There are also rare sightings of other salmon like Chinook and Coho in our waters. So while the popular image of salmon jumping up rushing rivers doesn’t match Florida, a few hardy species have found a home here.

Prime Fishing Spots

The center of salmon activity in Florida is the St Johns River. The area between Lake Monroe and Lake Harney, known as “Shad Alley,” is a prime spot to hook Atlantic salmon from January to March. Other hotspots include the mouth of the St Johns at Mayport and the upper chain of lakes near Melbourne.

On the Atlantic coast, the best areas are near Sebastian Inlet and the Haulover Canal. Anglers have success trolling near the surf line or casting into the inlet on an outgoing tide. The Suwannee River also holds Atlantic salmon in late winter.

So while our options are limited compared to salmon superstars like Alaska and the Pacific Northwest there are still a few hidden gem locations in Florida to catch these majestic fish.

Techniques and Tackle

Pursuing salmon in Florida requires lighter tackle than up north. Spinning rods with 8-12 lb test work well. For lures, small spoons, spinners, and jigs in silver or bright colors get results. Using light fluorocarbon leaders helps get more bites. Chumming with live bait like finger mullet or shrimp can also help draw salmon in.

Fly fishing the St. Johns produces nice salmon, especially where they school up in shallower waters. A 7-8 weight rod with a floating line and fluorocarbon tippet handles them well. Small clouser minnows and deceiver-style streamers are top fly choices.

On the Sebastian Inlet jetties, casting heavy jigs works when salmon are migrating along the coast. Mixing it up by trolling and casting from both jetties and the middle of the inlet allows covering the most water to find actively feeding fish.

Conservation Concerns

Salmon numbers in Florida face several challenges. Dams blocking access to spawning sites, pollution, overfishing, and climate change have all impacted populations. Strict fishing limits are now in place, and “catch and release” is critical to protect our remaining salmon.

Several conservation groups are working to restore Atlantic salmon habitats in Florida. Dam removal projects like one completed on the St. Johns River near Jacksonville in 2021 help reopen historical spawning areas. Continued pollution control and fisheries management will be key in securing Florida salmon’s future.

Unique Culinary Potential

While most anglers release their catch, those who keep salmon find them excellent eating. Grilled salmon tacos with mango salsa and blackened salmon with citrus remoulade are popular recipes in Florida. Hot smoking salmon filets also works very well with our milder tasting fish compared to those from up north.

Some remove the eggs for caviar, considered a delicacy, though keeping the limits of 10 per person. Our salmon generally weigh 2-4 lbs, yielding smaller but delicious portions of both roe and fish fillets. Responsible harvest and sustainable preparation showcase salmon’s culinary versatility.

Salmon in Florida may not be as abundant as in cooler regions, but resilient species like the Atlantic salmon have carved out a niche in our warmer waters. With care and conservation, Floridians can continue benefiting from their sporting challenge and culinary appeal. So while you may not see epic runs like on TV, a few hidden salmon spots exist for intrepid anglers. And when you catch one, be sure to respect both the fish and the resource by following best catch and release practices.

Wild salmon can be found in Alaska, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and New York. The Pacific Northwest, particularly Washington and Oregon, is renowned for salmon fishing. The Great Lakes region also offers good salmon fishing, particularly in Michigan and Wisconsin. Alaska’s Bristol Bay and Kenai River are famous for salmon fishing.