Teen Catches Rare Fish in Lake Erie

An 18-year-old fisherman from Pennsylvania, Colton Alex, made headlines after catching an Atlantic salmon during a walleye and steelhead tournament on Lake Erie. This species is rarely seen in the lake, making Alex's catch particularly noteworthy. According to GoErie.com, Alex has previously caught Atlantic salmon in other locations but had never encountered one in Erie, describing it as the largest he had ever heard of being caught in the area. The tournament took place from July 26 to July 28, 2024, organized by the Erie Pennsylvania Sport Fishing Association. Initially, Alex believed he had hooked a large steelhead due to the fish's vigorous fight. However, upon netting the catch, he quickly recognized its distinctive jaw and spotted body, confirming it was indeed an Atlantic salmon. "I was more excited about it after the tournament," Alex remarked. Captain Joe Nemet of Nemesis Sport Fishing, who accompanied Alex during the catch, emphasized the rarity of Atlantic salmon in both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. He noted that even in Ontario, where salmon are more prevalent, catching an Atlantic is a rare feat, with anglers typically landing one for every 150 to 200 salmon caught. Nemet described Alex's catch as a "very beautiful fish" and encouraged fellow anglers to explore deeper waters in the lake for a chance at similar rare catches.