Species guide
How to catch Arctic lamprey
Lethenteron camtschaticum
The Arctic lamprey is an eel-like fish known for its unique parasitic feeding habit. It lives in various water types from fresh to saltwater across North America, Asia, and Europe. This species undergoes an anadromous lifecycle with spawning in streams and feeding in oceans or lakes.
Where they live
Found in shallow to moderately deep waters up to 50 meters, preferring stony or sandy bottoms shaded by vegetation. Spawns in gravel riffles in clear streams; juveniles inhabit muddy margins and backwaters of rivers and lakes. Also occurs in ocean and lake environments.
Typical size
Up to about 63 cm
What they eat
- detritus
- small fish such as herring and whitefish
- juvenile salmonids
- host fish in freshwater and marine environments
Best baits
- small fish bait
- fresh cut bait
Best lures
- soft plastic eel imitations
- jigs mimicking small fish
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- drift fishing in rivers
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