American Eel
The American eel, Anguilla rostrata, is a unique fish species with a snake-like body and smooth, slimy skin. It is known for its remarkable migratory behavior, moving between freshwater and marine environments. This nocturnal predator is often found in rivers, streams, and coastal waters across North America.
Length~50 (max 150)
Weight~4 (max 8)
WaterFresh, salt, brackish
Water Temp4-25° F
Depth150-180 ft
- Other namesBlack eel, Bronze eel, Glass eel, Green eel, Yellow eel
- Length~50 (max 150)
- Weight~4 (max 8)
- WaterFresh, salt, brackish
- Water Temp4-25° F
- Depth150-180 ft
Popular lures for American Eel
Regulation for American Eel
- SeasonAlways open
- Bag limit25
- Vessel limit-
- Trophy limits-
- Max size-
- Min size9"
- MeasurementTotal Length
- Prohibited methods-
Living Conditions
🐟 Habitat preferences
- American eels inhabit a wide range of environments including rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters
- They prefer muddy or sandy bottoms where they can hide during the day
- These eels are nocturnal, coming out at night to feed on fish, crustaceans, and other small aquatic animals
- They are also capable of surviving in both freshwater and brackish water environments
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- American eels have a complex life cycle that includes stages in both freshwater and the ocean
- They spawn in the Sargasso Sea, where larvae drift with the currents towards North America
- As they grow, they move into freshwater rivers and streams, where they remain for most of their lives
- Mature eels migrate back to the Sargasso Sea to spawn and die, completing their lifecycle