Smelt are running in Thunder Bay rivers

Nothing says spring has arrived on Lake Superior's north-shore quite like the arrival of the annual smelt run. 

Dip netting the migratory fish as they run up creeks and rivers to spawn is a tradition around Thunder Bay. 

South Gillies resident Mark Deans recently went to the mouth of the Current River, on the city's north side and found the run in full swing.

"We got there about 11:30 pm. and were there for about 15 minutes," said Dean. "We had no problems filling our pails."

Dean said the smelting tradition seems to be alive and well in Thunder Bay. 

"There was a lot of people there, but everyone was being very courteous," said Dean. "And that's the thickest I'd ever seen (the smelt)." 

Deans said he likes to fry up the smelt he catches until they are crispy.

He said the rest of them are put in the fridge in zip lock bag with vinegar and garlic cloves for later enjoyment.

Smelt are not native to Lake Superior, but have been naturalized for decades.

Popular smelt fishing streams in the Thunder Bay area  include the mouths of McVicar Creek, the Current River and the MacKenzie River. 

People who net smelt require an Ontario fishing licence.