| Remarks |
Found in middle and surface water of ponds, lakes and streams, over a variety of bottom types (Ref. 5723). Enters brackish water (Ref. 5723). The species is basically anadromous, ascending rivers to spawn in spring (Ref. 33312). Within a specific lake or pond, adults are generally found in inshore spawning areas in spring and early summer, later moving offshore (Ref. 27547). Feeds on zooplankton, insects and algae (Ref. 28680, 28681). Also consumes large quantities of benthos. Smelt diet changes with the season and diet varies with respect to current velocity, depth, temperature, salinity, sediment load, etc. (Ref. 9010). |