Nicknamed the "French fry of the lake," smelt are a bite-sized, mild-flavored fish that are best served lightly dredged and deep-fried. On average, they grow to about five inches in length ...

Since smelts are seasonal -- often only legally available come springtime -- there's a celebratory tradition to consuming the fish. After all, enjoying piles of whole smelt with a beverage in hand ...

The Department of Fish and Wildlife said Friday that no one caught any fish and no one received any license-related citations during the season, which ran from Feb. 5 to March 22. “Smelt are ...