2023 Herring Spawn Report
Welcome back to another year of herring hunting. It’s December and it means it time to get started paying attention the Pacific Herring as they make their way into the San Francisco bay and other estuaries.
This exciting event is a great opportunity to learn about this fishery for families, kids and local herring hunters. This annual community tradition has become a fun ritual for the passionate herring hunting regulars and families alike.
It is the first rains of December and that means it is time to start looking out for the Pacific herring to make their way back into the bay. Any direct intel and photos can be email to me directly at [email protected]
Pacific Herring Regulations
28.80. Dip Nets and Hawaiian Type Throw Nets. Dip nets of any size and baited hoop nets not greater than 36 inches in diameter may be used to take herring, Pacific staghorn sculpin, shiner surfperch, surf smelt, topsmelt, anchovies, shrimp and squid. Hawaiian type throw nets may be used north of Point Conception to take such species
TLA Answer: Hawaiian throw nets is what we commonly refer to as cast nets, and is what is recommended on this blog. There is no upper limit on the size of cast nets per the section 28.80; however, I recommend 4 ft fo beginners, 6 ft for intermediate and 8+ for expert levels.
28.60. Herring Eggs.
(a) Limit: Twenty-five pounds (including plants) wet weight of Pacific herring eggs may be taken per day for recreational purposes.
28.62. Pacific Herring Bag Limit. Limit: Ten (10) gallons of Pacific herring may be taken per day for recreational purposes.
Reference: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Sport-Fishing/General-Ocean-Fishing-Regs
Herring Hunting Essentials
Here are some essential herring hunting equipment that you will need to have a successful hunt. I recommend at least the following: Cast net, Sabiki, Waders, and a five gallon bucket (Required per regulations). I recommend a minimum 5 ft net and 3/8 inch mesh cast net as it helps with sinking.
TLA Proprop tip: To keep you herring fresh with ice immediately after the catch by having a cooler filled with ice on hand. If you are using it for bait or food.
2023 Herring Spawn Report
Update December 8, 2022
I’m just getting this thread started for when the herring start to show up. Last year there was an early spawn at the Alameda Rock Wall around December 20th. There has already been early spotting of some schools outside the gate but those could just be rumors at this point. Let’s keep an eye and i’ll provide confirmed reports as it comes in. I recommend following my instagram “Lost_Anchovy” as sometimes i post there first.
Update December 12, 2022
These are exciting times! The first signs of herring are here. There have been some videos of the herring making their into the bay. There have been scattered rumors of herring along chrissy fields and around the Sausalito shoreline but no photos evidence until today. It’s not a spawn, as far as I know, but it’s confirmation they are here. Stay tuned and hopefully we can get on them soon. –TLA
Update December 23, 2022
Thanks Evan for this early scouting report. He was around Mission Rock and the chase area (A common area for spawning herring), and managed to pull in a few fish. I also got a scouting report of a large school outside the gate. The herring are here and we are hoping they push though the gate soon and get their spawn on! Thanks to all the contributing herring hunters. Let’s keep those reports coming in!
Update December 30, 2022
There has has been schools of birds working the Sausalito and Richardsons bay area. The herring hunters are out there exploring and keeping tabs in the bay, but for now the fish are laying low. Let’s continue to be patient. January-February are the main spawning months anyways. I’ll continue to updated the blog when i get some legitimate intel out there. Catching me on instagram is also a good idea since i post on both platforms. Good luck herring hunters — TLA
Update January 3, 2023
NOTICE!! HIGH WIND ADVISORY UNTIL FRIDAY. STAY SAFE THERE WILL PLENTY OF TIME.
I went and scouted in Sausalito on Sunday January 1, 2023, and can confirm the large schools of Herring congregating in the middle of channel from Sausalito to belvedere. The large schools are attracting large schools of pelicans and sea lions that are feasting on them. As of today they have not yet spawn on the rocks (I checked), but they are accessible via (boat or kayak). Look for birds and sea lions and cast net or sabiki around them if you have access to a boat. My friends were able to to land some herring via the boat. Good luck and let’s hope they get their SPAWN ON soon!
January 2023 Herring Hunters VLOG
Update January 9 ,2023
We are heading into Herring hunting prime time season. The bigger spawns usually occur between the second week of January into early February; however with the large storms rolling in this may delay the spawns or impact in ways we do not know. Let’s cross our fingers for a good spawn in January.
As most people have noted, the fish in Sausalito have moved on or have gone underground for now. I went and scouted a few days ago and the fish are gone. I also heard of a small spawn in Alameda as well but that is also done by now.
While We WAIT:
Come and join me and the CCK Fishing team as we hold our Winter Fishing Event this Saturday January 14, 2023 from 11 am.- 2 pm at CCK Brooklyn Basin. The event will be held in the store away from the rain. I will be holding a Herring Hunting Seminar an go over everything you need to get on the herring hunt. This will be a great seminar for beginners, intermediate and even advanced herring hunters. I will give away some of my most cherished TLA secrets about sex herring. Hope to see you guys there!
Update January 15, 2023
Do you guys know January 15? It’s a special day in herring hunting history and urban legend because it’s my friend Thuy (Fishing 24/7) wedding anniversary and a day the sex herring are most active. Is there a correlation… I think so!! I have been following this phenomena for awhile now, and i can confirm with they get active on this mans a wedding day. Let’s have a look.
Today there have been multiple reports coming in of Herring getting pushed back into Sausalito near Salitos and along the private docks. I have been chasing down the reports and can substantiate that something is going down that direction. They are not spawning (That i know of) but they were within range of boats and kayakers to get on them. For those waiting for a spawn to cast net on land let’s continue to be patient. Good luck herring hunters!! -TLA
Update January 18, 2023
We can confirm there have been pockets and schools of herring circling around Sausalito. The fish have yet to spawn but boaters and kayakers have been able to land them in from Salitos to Dunphy Park. There have also been herring hunters targeting the herring during the high tide in the evening with from the public boat ramp, spinnaker to the ferry building. I would recommend targeting the fish around the high tide as this seems to be when they have been most active. The fishing is sparse and not wide open by any means but the fish can be caught on land and via boat or kayak.
From many many years of herring hunting the pattern tends to be sparse fishing followed by a large spawn; so a spawn could be imminent. We are in the thick of herring hunting season now. Good luck herring hunters –TLA
Update January 22, 2023
These are exciting times! And like clockwork the fish have started spawning in Richardsons bay!! The large schools of herring have showed up and the SPAWN IS ON!! I think it will only get better from this point moving forward. We are in the thick of the herring hunting season. It’s best to follow both this thread and my instagram for the most up to date information.
If you are interested in getting a kayak for the spawn to fish or for fishing in the summer check out https://www.calkayak.com/, and we can help you get on one.
Sometimes these updates are a little later than I would like, only because I work hard to substantiate each spawn claim before giving it the coveted “THE SPAWN IS ON!” line. I know many of you travel from long distances to work a spawn so I try to provide the most reliable information I can.
The spawn started on Friday January 20, 2023 and is still going on strong since yesterday. Having a boat and or kayak will allow you to get to areas not accessible by land such as belvedere point (across the Richardson bay)where we got limits yesterday, but the fish have also been caught on spinnaker dr. and at elephant rock! Here is a video from David Kratville at the spawn. I’ll get a video out soon. Good luck herring hunters!– TLA
Update January 24, 2023
After a wide-open Herring Spawn on Friday the 20th thru Saturday, January 21 the Sex herring have gone underground again. This is the nature of sex herring hunting. To assume we know anything about fish, especially sex herring is to find out you know nothing. However, based on their spawning patterns from years past Chovy predicts (I take no accountability or responsibility for this), that the next spawn could happen around Chase center, Paradise or Ferry point in the next week or around the AFC/NFC Championship weekend. They will historically start to stage first before making the rush into spawn.
Until then… here is the video of me herring hunting. It’s not always rainbows, butterflies’ and full nets. In fact it’s mainly skunks and WTF moments; but let’s enjoy chovy’s misery while we await the next spawn. Good luck herring hunters –TLA
Update January 30, 2023
For all those who are anxiously awaiting the next spawn; there is good news. The herring have not left the bay yet on their migration north. Thanks Evan and his friends (OG HERRING HUNTERS) for this latest intel. The fish are starting to show up at Pier 50, near the chase center. Last year after the Sausalito spawn the chase center was next and the same pattern seems to be holding this year. They are starting to stage around the area and in the next week or two they may have a big spawn. This maybe your last chance to get on them this year so I would be keen to follow and get out there when the spawn is on! For now let’s continue to be patient until the fish get active. Full moon is around the corner (Sunday Feb 5th) so I would keep an eye out the days leading up to Sunday for some fish activity. Good luck herring hunters — TLA
Update Feb 2, 2023
There have been various second hand reports of fish in the South Bay from the Dumbarton bridge to the pier 50. We are just trying to locate the general part of the bay the fish are gathering but…they are sex herring and are very good at hiding until the spawn drives them out. Sometimes they come out in the evening. For me, I think the area’s to keep an eye on would be Pier 50, Auga Vista Park, candle stick pier, fisherman point and coyote point. These are the typical South Bay spawning areas. For now it’s just a waiting game until they decide it’s time to get their spawn on. Let’s continue to be patient until something pops up. I may go scout this weekend and give a report back, here and on my instagram–TLA
Update Feb 8th, 2023
There has not been a spawn but there is still herring to be caught in the bay. The two area are Dunphy park (Kayak or Boat), and Pier 50 (night). At Pier 50 the herring have not been showing up in the morning but in the evening. For both locations, since it’s not a spawn it’s going to be grind to get half buck to full bucket (If you are lucky). However, any day can bring a change in the circumstances. If you are willing to grind it out and meet fellow herring hunters this may an opportunity to give it shot. –TLA
Update February 15 ,2023
Ok, I’m going to state the obvious, but it’s been slow. I have not had any word that the crescent city spawn has started yet, so there is still hope the fish are lingering in the bay and will make a possible late season spawn. March will normally be the end of the season so we are definitely in the last quarter of the season. It would be disappointing if there was only one good spawn this year, but this has happened before. We will continue to keep our eyes and ears out until march and call it a season. Thanks for all the herring hunters for your hunting reports, tips and dedication to this thread. Let’s hope for one more good run before we call it a year. –TLA
Update February 22, 2023
As noted here in the comments the fish have started to show up in Crescent city, and the herring hunters up there are trying to get their fill. Typically the start of the herring spawn in Crescent City is the tail end of the herring spawns in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was a tough year for herring hunting but for those who were able to get on the few spawns that we had it was awesome. I highly recommend possibly getting a kayak or make friends with boaters, as sometimes these runs are getting out range for us shore anglers. I’ll keep this thread going on until the end of February and call it a year. I will contact those who have contributed tremendously to this thread and give you guys a sex herring goodie bag and some Merch. We go a few days before the end of the month so let’s cross our fingers for one more spawn.
Update March 2, 2023
I will leave this thread open for one more week per the request of a few hardcore herring hunters. They are hoping for one more spawn or mini spawn at candle stick or Pier 50 after this cold front snaps. Seems like there are still herring around pier 50 but nothing i would freeze myself over. Good luck hardcore herring hunters. I’m getting soft in my old chovy age –TLA
Update March 4, 2023
This is a pleasant surprise! We prayed for sex herring and folks we got it! Thanks for the hardcore herring hunters who kept the hope alive. I can say the SPAWN WAS ON! Today at McCovey Cove. The best time was early morning before the tide change. Many OG herring hunters were able to get their limits before the fish slowed down during slack. Be warned! This is a very snaggy area that has potential to rip nets. I was able to get a few herring that I gifted to friends. Good luck if you are going herring hunting. This could be the last spawn of the year! –TLA
March 19, 2023
Thanks for every one for joining in the fun this year. This a was a tough year for herring but we all made it the best we could. Hopefully some of you were able to get on some fish. I will reach out to a few dedicated herring hunters for a gift package for your dedication to this thread. See everyone next year at the 2024 herring spawn thread.
On 4 December 2023 I filmed this video from GGB. Sea lions and dolphins were clearly fishing https://youtu.be/EMvkGtZ7kLA?si=Dkym8PRPNoaggyBM Does this mean that herring is coming to the Bay?
It looks like we’re starting to see signs of the biomass sitting right outside of the Golden Gate on this high tide this morning. Looks like a week and a half to two weeks early.
Going back into some Pacific hearing management data there has been spawns as early as the end of November Balina Bay
im not sure if this is a sign of hope for more spawning or not but…
i have been eating the herring i netted at mccovy cove, 12 noon saturday, right before they seemed to go away. every single fish ive opened up has either had milt or eggs in them. meaning, none of them had spawned when i caught them. usually, i dont have this experience, and its much more a mix of already spawned and yet to be sexy herring. maybe they were still expecting to spawn at that moment? but maybe they were/are waiting for another opportunity.
anyway… they taste very good and i hope we can get some more!
Same finding from me
Any herring spawning??
maybe we arent completely done?
have people been checking richmond at all?
will the herring spirits bless us with another spawn over there?
When I left McCovey Cove on 3.5.2023 I saw a huge school of birds diving and bombing a big school of fish between candlestick and OP. Maybe they might be in that direction. It’s been a strange year for herring hunting for sure.
I am seeing birds making formation’ on the water in front of mission rock like last year before the agua vista spawn….I have not given up hope because of the funky weather.
Went out this morning with some friends on a boat 3.5.2023. We go there at 6 am and went all over until 9 am. with no signs of the herring. People were waiting on the shoreline starting at 8 a.m. so hopefully the fish came in after, but have not heard anything yet. Good luck
Was there around 9 to 11 am. Lots of people waiting but no action. McCovey and Pier 50 dead for sabiki as well.
Pacific Herring according to NOAA Fisherieshttps
Pacific Herring feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton in nutrient-rich waters associated with oceanic upwelling. Young feed mainly on crustaceans, but also eat decapod and mollusk larvae.
I hope the spawning is not over, the water is not warm enough for phytoplankton and zooplankton bloom that why spawning is not huge, keep getting cold front.
Thx Dax, great info .That make sense, it has been cold.🤞
I scooter and check every spot from (11am to 12pm)
1. Agua Vista (few people Sabiki and 1 person casting), nada
2. Pier 52 (Boat Launch), nada
3. Pier 50 (private parking lot) few people there waiting, nada
4. Pier 50 (inside the port), nada
5. Pier 48, mission rock (Tons of people waiting, 2 guys casting), 3 boats at least inside near rocks, nada
6. Embarcadero (Brannan Street Wharf Park), nada
7. Pier 30-32, nada
8. Candlestick (from a friend Jack), nada
no signs of any herring or sealions, must be staging somewhere, still have faith on Agua Vista!
Wow Evan, that is an exhausted list. feel like I got eliminate out of the Superbowl. Thanks So Much for all the update, super appreciate.
Wow…Thanks for that detailed report Evan! you da man! haha You should be the Herring King! You got my vote! hahah
Mission Rock was 🔥 today 3/4/2023 at 9am. I came later after getting the text from Midnightmemories. Thank you. Got 1/2 bucket.
Creek into mccovey cove lot of birds and a sea lion near houseboats
Heard about the spawning in SF today and a lot of ppl are out there. Heading out now.
Can anyone confirm?
why don’t you believe Kai? Yes there was a spawn starting late night, ended around 2 pm today. Looks like they are 1 month late this year…hope they stick around pier 50 then spawn at agua vista like last year.
Kai stated he “heard” and Michael was just trying to have confirmation. Take it easy bro. We’re all on the same team and we’re lucky the herring decided to spawn again so late in the season.
Yeah there was a spawn, i tried to post but the post didnt go through here. Started at 3:30am, slow town when it started to rain, was getting lots from the platform on pier 48 then slowly the fish moved to the rocks.
I was there around 5:oopm. No herrings, saw a lot of herry eggs on the sea weeds.
Saw a boat in the cove, nothing for it either.
https://youtu.be/fpeu5Y09zaY
It was the end of it.
Friend, any good lucky finding any herrings?
yes
i was at mccoy cove today around noon. i got lucky and filled one bucket. it’s a spawn for sure. eggs on the rocks everywhere as the tide went out. there were very few fish by 2pm. met some herring hunters from last year and years before. and some new friends too! i have been out of the country until recently but i believe the cold weather and the HUGE amount of fresh water has impacted the herring and delayed their sexy time.
maybe tomorrow morning high tide will be good again?
please be aware it’s a super easy place to get your cast net snagged on the rocks.
Found some between Mission Rock to Pier 50. Got 1/2 bucket so far 11pm 3/1/2023. Don’t give up.
I’ll leave the thread open for one more week per your request, and a few others. Let the herring rain! haha –TLA
A birder/ecologist in SF reports that there is a herring run happening at McCovy Cove this morning.
What time did you get out there? Thinking about trying tonight
Just spoke with a California Fisheries personal in Eureka for over 1/2 an hour….”Mark”…Great Guy!
Told me there are currently 30 Commercial Herring Permits issued for this year’s season, & out of a total of those 30 permits…ONLY a single commercial vessel is fishing!…
With very LITTLE results!….Queequeg
Thinking of trying tomorrow in the boat. when I look up mission rock it appears to be part of pier 50. can you confirm that?
Yes Pier 50 is right on top of Mission Rock. That’s why the pier is kinda trapezoidal at the bay side.
Informational:
Crescent City Harbor is having a banner year for Herring.
One of our better years. The Herring are coming into the
Docks and Ramp areas in larger numbers for an easy limit
for those that want it.
It just keeps getting better and better every day that passes.
The weather has been rough so not that many people want
to brave the snow and cold wind to get here.
The people that want Herring probably got theirs already
but we still have a few coming to just Sabiki fish for them as
it is a lot of fun. They fight really well. Especially those jumbo
sized ones. They are like little Tarpon. I cut my Sabiki rigs
down to 3 or 4 hooks and use a lighter weight.
I usually wait on hook-ups before I reel in to be able to catch
multiples but now that it’s for fun, I’ll set on the first hit and
the fight is on. My rig is an ultralight set up with 6 lb test line.
Good luck down there. Hope some more come in for you.
HI Yoshi,
Thank you so much for updates on Crescent City Harbor herring run! May I know the exact location of the docks and ramp area mentioned in your post.
Wasn’t there a spawn 1st week of March at Candlestick last year???
One more week!
One more week!
I highly suspect the business herring hunter took too much of Herring last year when the spawn happening at around pier 52 area. Several large boats took tons of fish. When I was cast netting there over the night, the boats were doing the job non-stop.
That could be part of the reason the large school of fish has dropped significantly.
This might be weird and no confirmation of a spawn but inside the Islais creek channel there are a lot of birds and seals near the bridge on Illinois. I’m stuck at work and cannot confirm if herring are around but if someone was scoping the chase center area it might be worth a quick look.
More information on Crescent City Harbor:
The shore net casting started getting better two days ago.
Cast net limits from shore for those that wanted.
I got my limit in under an hour yesterday right after high tide.
I am sharing my catch with two friends that couldn’t go.
Mixed bag of males and females of varying sizes.
Earlier shore Sabiki fishing produced mostly large females.
I am guessing the SPAWN will start soon.
Crescent city update:
I heard they slammed the fish early 2/28 when the roads were frozen with ice / snow.
Fished today with my throw net and filled a 5 gallon bucket in 5 hours, very slow.
Egg’s were on the kelp and i caught alot of male fish with a few night smelt mixed in . There were 4 or 5 schools of fish being chased by the sea lion’s in the harbor. Don’t think they will be there much longer, so come early (am) to get in on the hoo-rah of 2023 and dress for cooler weather. Good hunting to all.
Is it over? Haven’t heard anything from pier 50 side of the bay lately.are there still herring hunters looking?
I think the season is pretty much over. I’ll officially close the thread down tomorrow march 1.
Can you move thread to Facebook or Twitter. I believe when the cold weather it over the herring will be back. Let us know where to check for update if you close the thread down.
If I can can confirm anything after march 1, I’ll throw it on my instagram or I’ll post something on fb. I was really pulling for a final spawn but it doesn’t look to be. ☹️
What’s going on with Alameda? I didn’t check over there. The closest I checked was Yerba Buena n Treasure Island. I know there’s eel grass out in front of the rock wall.
Is pier 50 still producing one here and there or has that dried up too?
The Crescent City Run has been on for about a week and a half now mostly for boats. A few areas are producing for shore fishers. Nets and Sabiki’s for boaters have produced limits for most or as much as they wanted up to a limit. The Run is smaller than previous years and as such a lot more hunting around in the Harbor to find a place to anchor and Sabiki until the fish swim by and the throw a net. Got half a 5 gallon bucket casting Sabiki’s from the rocks on Friday for 3 hours. Too far to throw a net from shore. We’ve also had Sardines and Smelt in the mix when we have thrown a net. A few reports of net caught Herring from shore but that is the exception and not the rule. Maybe a few more days of Run. The Herring have not Spawned yet as there were no eggs on the Eel Grass, Kelp, or rocks. Keep hoping it lasts a few more days.
Good post Yoshi.
I was there yesterday and the school was in the main channel. The boats were doing good but no luck onshore 4 me.
Today was an off day for Herring catching at the Crescent City Harbor. They haven’t Spawned yet but the catch rate plummeted today. It has us worried about what the SF Bay area saw as far as catch rate and duration and how Humboldt Bay also had a low catch rate and duration this year. We’ll have to wait and see. A cold Arctic blast is supposed to make it harder to fish this next week. Snow is predicted mid week. We’re hoping the Run and Spawn will resume after the cold weather moves on.
Thanks. In sfbay, if this is the end, we hand a pretty bad year. Of course the OG herring hunters got their share but everyone else had a rough go. I’m also worried about the decline in spawns and hoping things are just cyclical and will rebound eventually. Only time will tell.
To use both a baseball & explosive methaphors…Not even close to being 2 outs in the 9th inning….
Herring spawns are like a ticking time bomb…
Never know how short the fuse is or when the BOMB goes BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!….
Due to NO commerical pressure for a number of years, the herring biomass should be quite substantial..
Could be the bulk of the herring biomass is currently offshore waiting for a salinity change more favorable to optimum spawning conditions…Queequeg
Nothing on pier 50 today. I missed every spawn by a few hours! But I was able to reunite a herring hunter with his back pack full of goodies. He got to happy about his bucket loads and left his entire world at elephant rock! 😆 ne ways I love merch and goodie bags! Are you herring what im saying!!!
Hi Scratechedbait, the Alameda spawn already happened with multiple verified accounts during the storms at the beginning of January. Eggs were laid and birds were pecking at them post storm. Unfortunate that we couldn’t get out there during that spawn due to heavy winds and rain. Hope that helps.
Oh wow, never heard a peep about that. Thanks for the update!
Looks like I’ll have to hunt down sardines and anchovies in Monterey to make up for the lack of bait.
What is up with lag on posts? Right now is 6:25 pm 2/17/2023.
I refresh this page twice a day. It has been at 320 posts for past two day.
Just now I refreshed to see tally up to 321 with two new posts, both dated 2/15/2023.
Hmmmmm
Just sayin that it would be nice to restructure the page so most recent posts go the top regardless of reply feature.
Don’t worry about it. Nothing happening. If it does it will be on the top with a “spawn is on!” Or on my instagram. Possibly it’s done for the year
Thanks for the reply!
AGREE 100% in regards to the CORRECT chronological order of posts.
As it is currently chronologicaly backwards ( sdrawkcab)….Queequeg
Pier 52 and McCovey cove was silent today…..
Herring as All creators that exsist in nature have a internal time clock that is unique to their specific species , All the seemingly correct paths that we imagine will lead us to a Herring Spawn, are at best…a Guess…& for some of the higher intellectual group…a “Calculated Guess”!..
Due to NO commerical Herring Fishery ( ie: pressure)in a number of years, the herring population should by all reasonable accessments be quite substancial….
If “Patience is Truly a Virtue”….then seemingly that is the most prudent of idealogies….Queequeg
all I did was report what happened…who said I was not patient? bizarre post lol.
Lucky the 1st time I went out this year I had limits at Sausalito but looking to filling up my bucket again…..thxs for the update but hope they spawn again….
Checked Sausalito today, nothing. Checked from pier 39 to pier 50, nothing.
Thank Kai, I live in Morgan Hill. It a long drive to the Piers, totally appropriate you and everyone here for the update. Hope to meet you all someday.
I’m in the same boat, Morgan Hill is a beast to get the boat up to the peninsula or to the piers. To bad there wasn’t a herring spawn in the Moss Landing estuary.
Checked Fisherman’s park and Coyote pt. Nothing. No signs no eggs no herring
Informational:
The Crescent City Harbor Herring RUN has started.
Larger schools have entered the Harbor.
Boats have caught Herring with nets and Sabiki’s consistently today.
Most of the activity is in the mid Harbor area.
Some success from the rock Coast Guard Breakwater at mid Harbor.
A lot of us in Del Norte and Humboldt County are gearing up to go
get some. Next calm day will be Wednesday.
The trend from past RUNS has them sticking around for at least 4 days
to eventually SPAWN once they come into the Harbor in larger numbers.
Looks like we are done in the bay?
Seems like it 🙁
Man, it feels like a shit year for herring, especially if you didn’t make it to the big 1.5 day spawn at Sausalito/Tiburon.
Yeah, those videos from Belvedere and Elephant Rock this year were amazing.
Bad news is that the Herring runs appear to be getting smaller.
Years ago it would happen all over the Bay Area.
I used to watch the commercial Herring fleet set their nets and catch them at the entrance to Richardson Bay. They worked all night and it looked like a small city out on the water.
Nope, you got one more month then you’re done.
Left oyster at 7:30, kayaks and a few boat’s looking for halibut out front. Ran down to San Mateo bridge. No seals and very little birds to speak of. Nothing showing in the channel on the fish finder. Heading up to Hunters Point and Chase. More to come
I really appreciate the update, thank so much.
Hunters Point had a few birds n seals but not hike like a few weeks ago. Herons head nada. Chase, pier 50-52 nada. One tiny bait ball 😒
Herring today was a bust. All of the locations south of pier 50 were dead, on the FF, cast net and using a sabiki. Good thing I brought a half tray of freshly frozen herring . We managed 3 strikes for 2 fish on 2 rods. One keeper one shaker.
Good thing has is so cheap 😳
Some birdage off brooks Island across from richmond this morn
Someone needs to check out san Mateo br all the birds are there and the sea lions
East side of the bridge or west?
Are you sure they’re not just sitting by the sewer pipe outlet on the west edge of the main channel?
Well ??? Did anyone check it out??
Going tomorrow out of oyster pt. I’ll give updates from the water.
Thanks scratchedbait , good looking out.
2/8 report from 8pm-2am. Went out to pier 50-52, lots of cars parked and even on the launch ramp. Tried a small Sabiki and nada. The tied was at the swing incoming from low. Didn’t see many people getting any. I managed to eke out 33 herring of various sizes for 6 hours (5.5 fish an hour). If those are your kind of numbers give it a try but it was a lot of work. I may launch the boat this weekend to better stalk them down.
You need help with gas? Want me to pack us a lunch? I am off mondays and tuesdays too. 😊
Sorry Tam full boat, maybe next time.
Someone reported last year that herring tend to spawn during neap (neep?) tides. A neap tide occurs 7 days after a spring tide. A spring tide occurs right after a full or new moon. It is when the difference between the high tide and the low tide is the LEAST. The next neap tide will occur on the 13th of Feb. I know I will be concentrating my efforts around this time, hopefully discovering one last spawning event for the season. Just my 2 cents. Happy Hunting!
That sounds about the right time the big spawn will take place. That’s my 2 cents as well.
We were out yesterday at Pier 50-52 in San Francisco. 1/4 full buckets from some. It started to slow down by midnight. It might go off any day now. Come early if you’re planning to go, hot spot fills up fast. Night time has been best time to go. In the day, herring are nowhere to be seen.
Nothing at point Richmond last night on
the 6th till 1am on the 7th, before the last couple years point Richmond would be going off around now late January -till early march sometime . Last time I got them there was close to or on February 6th a couple years back,, so hopefully this year they don’t forget to have their party there. I usually start checking there mid January, I’ll keep you guys informed about any signs , fingers crossed
For your information:
The Humboldt Bay RUN has started. It has been going off and on slowly for a few days now.
The first big school of Herring was spotted yesterday a mile North of the entrance and was followed North by the fleet towards the West Channel, catching with nets and Sabiki all the way. Limits for many after up to 3 hours of chasing the school.
Humboldt Bay is mostly a RUN based catch as the SPAWN areas are mostly in the North Bay
mud flats with can be hazardous to navigate.
The Crescent City Harbor RUN has not started.
There was a report of a small school near the entrance, but that was it.
8:00am Tuesday. No fish at agua vista or pier 50. Saw some birds fishing in islais creek when I drove over the Illinois bridge, but the action was pretty small.
Anyone scouting on a boat? On 1/30 when I went on a boat, casting the net around I ended up with a 1” crab with herring roe stuck to its shell… They have to be somewhere!
I went out Saturday (2/4) and today (2/6) on my boat. Both times was during high tide. Was hoping it would start when the tide shifted. No luck. Scouted from Bay Bridge south to about hunters point. Used sabiki and cast net, No herring. I also scooped up some grass I saw floating at one point and didn’t see any roe on it. Seal and bird activity was also minimal.
2/5 A friend and I went out of 52 and headed south to hunters point going in and out of every crack. There was only one seal and zero signs of anything. We saw 3 other boats looking but nothing out there we could see or hear of.
Today 2/6, casted many times, so did couple of other people. There is nothing at pier 52.
Only 1 today at 12:00 on the 5th of February, no action
Only 1 today at 12:00 on the 5th of February, no action
Dropped by Pier 50 and Agua Vista around 1 PM. Did not see any bird activity or seals. Talked with the fishermen at both places. Nobody had yet caught any fish.
I caught one on a sabiki there around 11.
2/5/23 11:30 pier 50
Caught one only
Feb 4th, checked coyote pt and Fisherman’s Park. No signs. Casted net, empty.
2/5@9:50, Scooped out piers 50-30, no signs of life. Anyone else have better news?
Thanks for the update, I live in San Jose and rely upon locals like you to alert me when I should head out. Thank you.
Hit me up when you go, I’m in sj also
Hit up the SF pier around 10pm, 2/3. Got to meet Jeff and Robert out there, really good dudes. Slow action, four hours for 14 herring. Gia and Jon showed up and helped everyone out flash freezing their catch. Thanks guys, I totally forgot ice! I’m gonna have to keep coming back up to hit the full on spawn. Curtis, AKA SctratchedBait
Feb 4, 15:00, Agua Vista Park, nothing.
I was at Pier 50/52 from 10:00pm to 1:00am and caught 1/4 a bucket. Seems like Pier 50 is heating up. I hope a big spawn happens in the China Basin area soon.
I saw that on your instagram. Glad they starting to trickle in. Any day now. Fingers crossed
I guess so, nothing at daytime. I was at low tide this afternoon with the Sabiky but no hit. Pier50 3:30pm.
Driving on San Mateo bridge west bound around 2pm today, I saw a lot of birds busy feeding themself on the north side of the bay near the arch of the bridge.
Looks like pier 50 will be a midnight catch again, . Like last year, I got the limit there from 2am to 4am.
Daytime was great for sabiki there last year. My hunch is that the spawn near agua vista will be a bit later this year based on bird activity…
Was this from a boat or on the pier?
Wanted to run the boat so gave it a try. Pier 50 to the pier past hunters point.
did not see any sign today.
Did the rounds today around 2 pm…No bird action around 50/52/McCovey. No hits on the sabiki. Does the rain affect the spawn? Wondering if the salinity matters…
I read in some scholarly paper that a decrease in salinity might actually be a spawning trigger.
Nothing today around 2-3 pm. 59/52/McCovey.
As of 9:00am this morning…nothing at pier 50. As of 9:15am, nothing at Heron Head Park. As of 9:45am, nothing at Fisherman’s Park. No birds or sealions at any of the three locations.
Hey Jaydog!
The docks on the ebb, always how it starts.
Ok, i was there at high tide. Thanks.
Pier 50 report. Feb 2 around 9pm. Two friends texted me. One had 80% of a bucket full using real lead sinker net, another had 40% of a bucket full using plastic coated sinker net. Sinker material weights matter.
A few others getting some as well.
did friends catch herring in a boat / shore ? today is feb 2 at 8:32 am not yet 9 pm / are u predicting the future?
Cast a sabiki at Pier 50, and a net at Agua Vista Park. Nothing. No sign activity, except a lonely seal lazily swimming about.
9am report, Weds, 2/1: Just spent two+ hours at Pier 50 with a sabiki. Nothing but a small walleye perch. Saw a dude casting a net at the Pier 52 boat launch but he didn’t seem to be bringing anything in.
Launched this morning from Oyster Point. Saw Nick Fish going for halibut. Scouted from there to Mc Covy Cove. Most promising location was out in front of Hunters Point. Huge bait ball holding deep in 50-90’. Every comorant in the bay was on the docks or in the water. Seals in the water too. 25 fat ones sitting on a beam, I’m assuming satisfied with their full stomachs.
Thank you for taking the time to report here!
Thank So Much for the update
Thanks for the info sounds like the stage is set! Now we’re just waiting for the Main act.
Great report
730am tuesday report
No fish action at mccovey cove, pier 50 or the agua vista pier
Was this just a visual? Did you try dropping any sabiki rig to see if anything bit?
Visual id on my Garmin 93SV. Rolled up into a line of comorants and they were thick below. Didn’t have a subiki handy… well one that was small enough. I’ve never seen 25 seals that far south of SF, so I’m assuming they are feasting on herring.
Where south of SF?
The furthest southern pier from Hunters Point. If you look at a map from the land to the pier makes a backwards R. Zoom in and you’ll see a submerged beam. All 25 were laying on it as the tide went out.
Heron’s Head, lotta birds
Agua Vista, nada
Oyster Point, nada
McCovey Cove, nada
6:30 am, 1/30: Eggs everywhere, birds and seals @ Heron’s Head park, San Francisco. Seems like they spawned yesterday and are gone by now. Threw the net for an hour and no luck.
Hey everyone has anyone heard or know anything about point Richmond this year I’ve been missing it the last couple years and it’s driving me crazy cuz I can’t get too far past that, just to know if they’ve already been there would help me thank you
The Ferry point spawn has been absent for two years now. The fish has been more concentrated around the chase center. However, we are hoping for an eventual spawn over there sometime. Hopefully this year.
Threw my net for the first time this morning in Sausalito and elephant rock w zero herring caught. Even though I’m learning to caste, I had a few good ones that if there were fish around I think I’d catch at least one.
Lots of birds sitting on the water west of elephant rock today in Belvedere bay also. Yesterday tons of seagulls eating eggs off the rocks be elephant rock. From What I understand, once they spawn, they don’t return to that same area until next year.
Sounds like central bay is the next best place to go to follow the spawn.
1pm Elephant Rock Tiburon seen lots of seagulls picking eggs off rocks at low tide from east of Elephant Rock and west toward almost the ferry landing. Water clear. Didn’t smell like it did yesterday. Looks like this is a post egg lay low tide thing? Eggs were barely exposed. But way way more birds than yesterday. No gulls in the Keil Cove area and hardly any in the Belvedere cove area. No one throwing too many fishing poles at Elephant Rock.
Also no marine mammals no cormorants.
Hello can you use Sabiki with 5-6 hooks at Elephant Rock. I google only 3 hooks in San Francisco Bay, I don’t believe Elephant Rock belongs in San Francisco Bay? How many hooks are people using at Elephant Rock???
If it’s east of the Golden Gate Bridge it’s considered inside San Francisco bay.
Lots of misinformation here…
“RICHARDJANUARY 30, 2023 AT 11:34 AM
If it’s east of the Golden Gate Bridge it’s considered inside San Francisco bay.”…
San Francisco Bay ENDS at the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge, where the bay then BECOMES….”San Pablo Bay”
In regards to how many hooks…
Here’s a clue…instead of relying on an internet reply…
PHONE the Fish & Wildlife!
so far i caught are all small and male in one limit. dont believe this is end oo session.
Where was this?
Any luck from anyone lately? Are we still have chance for this season?
It is early still for the rest of SF Bay.
Richardson Bay is usually one of the first areas to go on with a Run and then a Spawn.
McCovey Cove, Coyote Pt and Anza Fishermans Park went on in February last year.
Just have to keep looking for the birds, Harbor Seals and Sea Lions hitting the schools.
Remember the Herring first RUN by congregating in an area. Off shore birds congregating may be a sign.
Then the SPAWN begins with females laying eggs en mass and then the males milt the water en mass.
You can smell the Herring when they lay eggs. You can see the milt in the water as it turns the water very milky.
That is the best time to throw the nets; Between eeg laying and the milt.
After the milt, the run usually ends quickly.
If you go to a spot regularly go at low tide so you can see if the eggs are laid on the eel grass ,kelp or rocks. If the water is clear enough you can see the Herring working the eel grass or rocks looking for a spot to lay eggs. Again, you can usually smell them before you can see them.
I find it is hard to wait on the Herring.
Patience and persistence and this great web site help a lot,
Yoshi, great explanation for people new to this. TLA is the man. Thx.
Thank you so much for the detailed info, we will be patient and keep an eye on this website.
What is the “smell” like? Overly fishy?
Nothing at elephant rock as of 9:52
Agua Vista spawn was Feb 6 last year. Still time! 😊
01/27/23 5::00-6:20 Just hit pier 52 and Chase center with. No promising signs , I did nor get any eel Grass in the net do I cannot confirm pre spawn signs.
Friday the 27th: there were strong indications of a spawn having occured over night at Elephant Rock in Tiburon. Street location Mar West Street and Paradise Drive. Indications were seagulls picking eggs along shoreline east of the pier. There was also fresh iridiscenet scales on the pier suggesting some diligent angler hit the spawn over night.
No indication to the west of the rock. I threw around the rock for nothing around 12pm. Next high tide will be around 4:30pm so will go and check down there around then.
But it look like the spawn occured mainly eaast of Elephant Rock. There were gulls picking off eggs undereath the Caprice restaurant.
Anyone have any updates/luck lately?
I did not see anything at sf pier today
Just checked Sausalito and Elephant Rock. No action.
Checked richmond today around 2:30pm and no signs of herring
Spoke to the ranger at Paradise this morning and he said no action that he has witnessed. But he did receive a phone call asking about a person getting two herring yesterday on the outgoing tide. He didn’t know anything about it.
Threw the net at both Paradise and Elephant Rock-nothing.
Anyone been out near Agua Vista or Pier 50 with sabiki to see if they’re staging up there yet?
Noon-2pm Monday, nothing from Mcovey to Agua Vista. Net and sabiki. Not a single bird around anywhere either.
Thx for scouting for us, last year it was so much fun with sabikies. Looking forward to do it again.
Yes, last year was really fun with Sabiki, just make sure you are only using 3 hooks. Don’t want anyone getting caught with a ticket from DFG
It used to be three off a pier and two on the beach. I never new till recently that there was a perch season.
Yeah we’re aware and we either cut three hooks off or split the sabiki into two and add our own swivels to make two sets of three. Most others around us last year on Pier 50 used all 6 hooks!
I doubt the DFW will crack down on this……not even sure why they have this rule. Think about how many herring are caught with one throw of the net. Anyway last two years I haven’t seen anyone cut off their hooks.
Thanks Geoff. Last year it was the week of Jan 31 they started staging up. People with sabikis did well most of the week around the high tide on Pier 50. We did alright on Feb 5 there, the spawn hit AV pier on Feb 6, that Sunday. So maybe soon!
Do they ever spawn in bolinas lagoon?
Not that I know of
They Spawn in Tomales Bay I would bet they spawn in Bolinas Lagoon. Well, i don’t know how good the seaweed is there. Is there eel grass in the lagoon?
I saw this article saying no eel grass anymore in lagoon and lagoon NOT CONSIDERED HERRING SPAWNING GROUND. So probably no herring or very little to none.
Tons of eel grass in the Tomales Bay by the hog island last year I was there.
I’ve been checking Tomales now and then, but haven’t seen any sign yet. The maps in this pdf show areas with eel grass, which might help you find herring. It’s also helpful for knowing where not to troll during halibut season to avoid getting your rig fouled.
https://nmsfarallones.blob.core.windows.net/farallones-prod/media/archive/eco/tomales/pdf/seagrass_maps.pdf
Just before sunset, birds at Dunphy’s chomping away. Same at Elephant Rock. Looked like quite a bit of eggs at Elephant Rock. Birds hanging out in water at Richardson Bay near 101 Bridge.
Can you confirm if they were actively spawning?
Can you confirm if they were eating fish or eggs?
The birds were eating the roe. Couldn’t find a single herring. Three other boats out we’re experiencing the same results.
Thanks. Dennis,
Welll I missed it again this year. Confirmed
Spawn in what I call Desilva cove. All seaweed loaded with eggs . It happened today at the high today. Took pictures tonight.
In Richardson bay?
Yeah I seen eggs on some seaweed not the grass on 1/23.
Low tide at Dunphy’s. Some birds eating rather sparse seaweed and eggs.
Dunphy Park, Sausalito. Yeah I seen those eggs on the sparse seaweed there middle last week. Seems like they came and went there.
See any thing today out as for herring
Nothing at elephant rock or Sausalito. Doesn’t seem like the birds and seals know where they are either.
Got my limit at elephant rock, there Where no birds nor seals just gotta keep throwing to see if they there good look
Hey 1/21/23
At the harbor adjacent to the fort baker fishing pier yesterday afternoon. Pulled in my buddies crab snare and on the snare was a piece of eel grass with Herring eggs on the blade. That water is treacherous and full of snags but there are definite eggs in off that jetty.
What that tells me, is the spawn could be happening from Point Cavllo toward Yellow Bluff as it’s hard to imagine the herring choosing such a rough patch of water as the breakwater protecting the harbor at Horseshoe Bay. Worth a look.
Noon at Paradise, Nothing.
Nothing at Elephant Rock either in Tiburon. That’s Mar West/Paradise Dr.
Drove out to Elephant Rock at 9:00am and a lot of seals and birds but no spawn.
Paradise Park-nothing
Drove to Sausalito at Spinakers-nothing
Drove back to Elephant Rock at 10:15 and still no spawn.
I’m sure the herring are waiting until the 49er game today to spawn 😉
Sweet! Is the drone footage viewable somewhere? Would love to see if so.
Oops, sorry, that was supposed to be a reply to David. Anyone have any intel for today by chance?
Headed to Sausalito right now
Update: nothing at elephant rocks (I think that’s where I am, mar West and paradise drive, small pier). Lots of fisherpeople waiting. Lots of birds elsewhere but not there, so I’m looking around. There are some happy frolicking sea lions here though.
Nothing at Paradise Cove either
Word is they’ll be here in an hour. For what that’s worth.
Folks are getting discouraged. Minimal signs especially compared to yesterday. Word on the pier is no spawn today. Here at least.
TLA posted the video above.
I arrived at Sausalito 7 AM this morning however, I got nothing and I hide it to elephant rock. It is raining crazy at elephant rock today. they’re still there as of 1 PM. Everybody got their limit.
Limited out in two casts at Belvedere yesterday around 9am. It was over and done too quick. Barely got my drone up and GoPros turned on!
WFO between Elephant Rock and Railroad Museum in Tiburon on Paradise Drive. Parking extremely limited but spots turning over as folks limit out. Was down there 10-12. Water milky. Probably 50 or more nets being thrown. Sea lions, etc. There’s parking down by Beach Road and Tiburon Boulevard on the street which makes for a 1/2 mile walk to the spawn site.
Elephant still going right now, 1250 hrs
By 3pm it has pretty much died down. Lots of current along shoreline only saw sporadic catches. Maybe pick up when tide slows down or tonight?
Spawn is happening at Elephant Pier in Tiburon. 5 gallons caught in a dozen throws.
Hi do you know what to expect for tomorrow?
I am new to this and am very excited
I so appreciate any advice and help!
Happy fishing🐠🐟🐠
Thank you so very much! I really appreciate your help and care.
Warmest regards
jewels
Keep reading the updates here, go check out the places mentioned, look for birds and seals going crazy, look for people in waders carrying buckets, dragging coolers. Where are they going? Watch them: are they catching? Talk to them.
Thank you! Appreciate all your pointers and recommendations! Have a great day🐟🐠
Morning! Any reports from shore today? Couldn’t head over yesterday
A lot of bird action few here and there
10am nothing at Pt Richmond
Currently here at Spinakers. Very little action. Been here for about an hour. Only seen two herring come up.
we waited last night to see if they would come back in. All we caught last night was frostbite
it doesn’t look promising lots of people at spinnaker. Looks like Tiburon point right where it goes into the Straits on that cliff wall by boat is where it’s at.
Time to start scouting elephant rock and paradise.
Elephant went off late last night/early this morning while we were wasting time at Sausalito.
They were at elephant rock this morning. I left around 10:30 am with a bucketful.
I will so appreciate any pointers for a newcomer. I live in Marin and would love to hunt the herring here if possible and any time would work. I can always come to San Francisco or to another spot if need be or Recommended. How do I learn about the times to go check? Do they tend to be more active at high tide or low tide or does that not matter. I was lucky today I was out for a walk and saw a lot of harbor seals and birds and then I saw the fisherman. Anyway, appreciate any help and happy fishing.
Elephant rock wide open as of 1:45.
Filled two 5gal buckets in less than an hr.
Got to Spinnaker at 2:30 pm; spawn seemed pretty finished by then.
01/20, 0900-1200, 100 meters out of salito’s in a kayak. Herrings in almost every cast, from a couple to 10+.
Quick limits at 9 am at Belvedere Cove between Pt Tiburon and Sams. Shore and boat
Can confirm, got a limit from 9-9:30. Seems to be dying down now
Nice! Where’s a good spot from shore/parking?
Confirmed. 21 Jan. On water from Sausalito at 8 AM. Nothing till 10 at high tide at Belvedere point. Got a radio call saying full spawn and we turned the corner from Belvedere Cove into Richardson Bay, there was around 6 boats hugging the cliff of Belvedere point. Cast 5 feet from cliff and got full net. Limit in 5 throws from 4 foot net
(Im a cast net rookie)
Spawn still on at Spinnaker.
Nada at Fort Baker and Salito.
Lotsa birds waiting at Dunphy Park.
Got to Saus at 10:30am just after the peak high tide. Went to the Joinery first, ten guys casting saw one fish caught. Went to the Spinnaker saw less than ten guys casting everybody bringing in fish. Parked and took my cheapy 4′ net and a 5 gal bucket down the waterfront walkway about 150 yards from the Spinnaker’s front door. Got about 20 on the first throw and never had an empty net for two 5 gal buckets full. Had to make a trip to the car to empty the first bucket full and to get another net (the first net got a hole from the big submerged rocks in front of the walk). Some guys with wadders on walked out into the water and freed their nets and others simply tore their nest apart dragging them in. I carry a 15′ extender stick but even it would not work on those nets that the other fisherman had really tugged on. Outa there by Noon. Done for this season.
Again, outgoing “KING TIDE”. The birds where all on the Spinnaker’s roof loafing except for the occasionally diving pelican. There was no great action from either the gulls, cormorants, or seals but the fish were sure there. Thanks to the first guy to start throwing their net so the rest of us could follow. tomorrow should be the same or better.
duckklr
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Where you guys park at spinnaker area please? First time going there
All parking lots in front of the Spinnaker as you drive in are public paid for parking by slot numbers.
Any action this morning in sausilito? Rather get someone with eyes on it before i drive an hour out
If you don’t have to be at work, just go. It’s on now I heard.
Where exactly is the spawn happening? Do you need to have a boat to get to it?
Spinnaker in Sausalito
Richardson Bay Sausalito.
Spinnaker spawn is on! Filled my five gallon in about hour half. Shout out to isaac who helped me out
People were pulling up half limits in one cast
I was out late last night for about 4 hrs because it was when I could spend the time and go. I got about 2/3 of a bucket, but I certainly worked for it. Average 1-2 herring per couple of casts. They’d come in waves, and I had a few that were 3-4 per cast. I was at Saitos. Some guys at another spot (I could see them from where I was but never been there) showed me they got 40 in a single cast, but the tradeoff was snagging their nets and losing gear. I haven’t been back out this morning. It was a late night. Thanks for hosting this blog. It makes the scouting a whole lot easier. I appreciate the community!
I’m getting a dozen per throw at spinnaker right now
Everyone hitting limits in spinnaker from 10 am until now. Salitos is slower
go there i jdrop by at 11am they are killing it.
There was a good spawn this morning 8:10 AM during high tide behind the Salito. A few people got their limits.
Anyone plan to going there later tonight? If this continues, I will give it a try Friday night/Saturday morning.
In the last two years, it seems consistent that Sausalito starts first, then Chase center area follows. Somehow I never got much luck at Sausalito, but easily got limits at pier 50.
From a boat in Richardson Bay Thursday 1/19 11am-1pm – I went toward the middle easter side of the bay where the bird were working – first cast got 1 herring in the net, same with cast number 2 and 3. working that same area i got about 50 fish (my first time using a cast net, so my skills and small net are more of limiting factor than the abundance of fish). The eel grass in the net was all covered eggs every throw – i’m brand new to this particularly fishery so no expert on what a full spawn looks like – but the abundance of eggs would leave me to believe they are in spawn.
Just came back from the Spinnaker big ‘NADA’. The birds are on the roof falling asleep. 2pm
I was there too from 11:30am-1pm. No herring. I only found some seaweed with eggs.
Caught my first limit tonight behind spinnaker restaurant from 10pm to 1;30am
no sealion, no eel grass, just staging down there?, pouring wet, strong winds There were about 10 people there tonight. Was too tired to post an update here went straight to bed.
SHOUTOUT to those who came all the way from San Jose and to both Jasons tonight
that’s a lots of hard work, good job, you all deserve the catches you have,
There is some moderate herring action behind Salitos in Sausalito. Took me about 2.5hrs to fill one 5 gallon bucket. Casting from shore 9:30AM- 1;00PM.
Boaters we’re doing fairly well.
I wàs there on Tuesday 17 my buddy Jeff and I and only got one bucket in 5 hour from boat.we we’re there the day before on dock and we both got a bucket.
Checked out Islias Creek, Warm Water Cove and Chase Center around 3:30 PM. No activity.
Any news on Herring Spawn on the other side of the bay? I heard birds are working on Pier 14 yesterday and going crazy but i did not get confirmation.
We were at Paradise Beach park on the 18th. Cast netting and using sabiki rig .No Herring yet
There is a school moving around in Richardson and it’s only a matter of time before they hit the shore. Spent three hours chasing it/birds and coming up short until about 5pm and then threw one cast for 50 fish right outside Clipper. Lots of roe in the veggies all over.
Generally Pacific herring do not like to spawn on top of old spawn until the old spawn has hatched out (1-2 weeks.)
From my understanding, that’s only after the spawning event is over and all the herring that had gathered there have left. The spawn doesn’t have to be continuous. There can be a lull in between the egg laying before the remaining fish from the school come in to lay their eggs on top of the old spawn.
Spawning is happening in behind Salito restaurant now!
Are you fishing from shore or from a boat/kayak?
01/17, 12:00-15:00, casting net from a kayak around Sausalito boat launch. Many birds gathering. I can see them diving with herrings in mouth. Sea lions were also around. Following their guidance I managed to catch 2 herrings only. There are roes on some seaweed. but many are still empty.
Replying here with my report since I was out same day, same time! Also saw birds diving, did not see any actual herring in mouths and did not catch any. There was roe on the seaweed that I did pull up.
Also, I was out there in the inflatable with a motor, were you in a red kayak?
I was in a inflatable yellow kayak.
Dropped my car off at CostCo at 8:45 to get a puncture fixed. Took light rail past Ferry Building, Islais, and Aqua Vista. Back to CostCo and am waiting for my car.. Almost 8 hours.
Nothing at the 3 sites
Don’t shoot the messenger….
PSA: Out this morning at Salitos and guys were catching 1 herring per 20 casts.
Local boater was very agitated that all the guys throwing nets left all the seaweed on the dock and didn’t take the time to clean up their mess.
Suggest one brings a broom to sweep off the seaweed once done cast netting to be respectful to the locals utilizing the boat dock on a daily basis.
No seals, birds or spawning at Spinnaker, Elephant Rock and Paradise Park between 9:30-10:30 this morning.
Great post MN. Clean up after yourselves, folks. There are no netting/fishing signs in some places in Sausalito. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem, especially if you are not respecting the signs. Other people fish there year round and think about them if you can.
Seaweed should be going back into the water. Its a food source and mustn’t be thought of as waste.
During these storms, there was a huge amount of raw sewage discharged into the bay. I was a bit concerned, so I reached out to the good folk at baykeeper.org who work to fight pollution in the bay. This was their response:
I checked in with our science team, and their main concern right now is that fisherfolk may get exposed to contaminated waters while fishing. They’re recommending waiting a week after the storms and sewer overflows have stopped before making contact with the water.
Here are a few additional guidelines from our senior scientist for specific types of fish:
For herring, wait 3-4 weeks after the last sewage spill before consuming the fish. You can feel safe using them for bait as soon as long it’s safe to contact the water (~1 week after the last major sewage spill).
Halibut — If you’re concerned about contamination, I would skip fishing for them this year.
Salmon — Don’t eat when they get into the Bay (and not available to be caught right now).
Sturgeon — these repeated spills are another good reason to avoid eating sturgeon. Catch and release is fine as soon as it’s safe to be in contact with the Bay water (~1 week post major spill).
There’s more background at: https://baykeeper.org/articles/help-prevent-sewage-spills-bay
Great organization and cause, but it behooves them to be alarmist. Think about it, they want you to be affected by contamination as it causes you to take an interest in their interest. Your Herring is infected? Then we must clean the bay!!! Might as well have a Donate Here button in this reply.
Does anyone know if the launch ramp at salitos is open to the public. Is there parking for a small trailer. Hate to take my little boat across the bay.
thanks!
The launch ramp is open to the public and IS free to launch; not sure about the parking.
Good Luck trying to find a city enforced parking location. Years ago I called the Sausalito Parking Authority at (415) 289-4116 and got the run around to the extent that I gave up trying to use the public launch with a trailered boat. I ended up trucking over and launching my Zodiac that has a wheel set-up. Maybe others have better advice. They allow small RV’s, but city rules posted online have no length specification.
Certain areas of Sausalito prohibit boat/boat trailer parking at all times, all other areas are subject to City-wide regulations that restrict boat/boat trailer parking to certain hours of the day
No boat/boat trailer parking is allowed in the public streets and lots directly adjacent to the Turney Street Boat Ramp and boat/boat trailer parking is prohibited at all times along Bridgeway, between Ensign and Napa Streets
1 hour boat/boat trailer parking is available outside of this area between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. every day
Boat/boat trailer parking is prohibited on all City streets and lots between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. every day
Yeah, finding parking is really tough in Sausalito.
Best if you know someone that lives or works there.
It’s tough even with just a car.
Just keep looking there are a few.
Hate to say it but the best thing to do is launch somewhere
else and motor over if you have a trailered boat.
Even if you do find a legal parking area, be aware that the tides
can be high this time of year and a lot of roads near the Bay flood.
Got to sausalito ferry point at 6:30am 1/16/2023
Casted a few and got about 6 herring, bumped into my friend and went both went to Spinnaker, casted a few but only got like 1, saw 100s of birds flying to Salitos side (boat launch) we followed them there, between the both of us, we definitely got half a limit at the Salitos boat launch, lots of boats in the way so not a lot of space to cast. There were tons of seals and birds 20 ft away from where we casted. Some nets had 10 herring but thats all. had to go back to work at 9am so I left. lots of grass were pulled with tons of eggs. Shoutout to both Michaels and Jason
lets go!
I don’t remember for sure but is that area where the Herring egg farm used to be.
Way back when there was an Eel Grass bed that was used to commercially harvest
Herring eggs in that area.
With eggs on Eel Grass, the SPAWN is on. You should be able to smell the Herring.
They will work themselves into a frenzy now.
Good fishing to all. Yahoo !
Nice meeting you Evan. I left shortly after you too. We will catch more soon, the spawn is just getting started! High tide seemed to help a lot it seemed to be getting slower with the outgoing.
Nice meeting you Evan and Michael! Thanks for the tips on throwing my cast net, we’ll get even more next time they’re around!!!
Herring are still not in full spawn in Sausalito. I got like 12 herring for 2.5hrs of work(wind was tough to manage from my kayak). They are close to spawning. Most grass didn’t have eggs, I only found a few pieces of grass with eggs on em. My fish grader worked perfectly! Throw back the big ones so they can reproduce and keep the smaller bait sized ones for halibut and salmon 😁 . Good seeing TLA there too. He arrived when I was leaving at 12:30pm
Thanks for the update Hao2fish!
As an old commercial herring fisherman, here is my prediction.
Spawning will begin Tuesday morning January 17th, somewhere. Most likely from Mission Rock, continuing under the bridge along the SF wharves to Marina Green.
We really ought to start a pool, and put a couple of dollars at stake and make wait interesting.
I hope you are correct, because Tuesday is my day off! Currently they are just teasing us in Salsalito.
I am just hoping I can get some on weds or thurs. I swear they know when I have to work!
Is it true that a majority of the herring mass went to cat food? What did you power your trawler with? Thank you!
Nothing at Chase Center.
Nothing sighted at spinnaker, pelican harbor 8:30-9:50
Nothing at paradise either
Not thing at Bay front park at 11:30
There was bird activity just off the Sausalito between Clipper and Salitos just an hour ago 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. A few kayaks and a few boats. I was one of the boats. Pelicans were working actively, seals – no sea lions. I netted a few herring – just males – not a spawn but a school. Hard to get from land – kayak or boat needed – but getting very close to land.
I took a drive this morning checking around alameda, sausilto, and paradise. There does not appear to be any herring near shore. There are a lot of cormorants, seagulls and pelicans staging on docks in sausilto however they only appear to be taking a break. The only notable activity was diving birds about 400 yards outside of the ferry terminal near the channel in sausilto. It appears too deep to cast a net into but I bet a sabiki could pull some up from a watercraft.
Out at spinnaker no action. Some seals and a small amount of birds.
A friend got 16 herring at Spinnaker in Sausalito at late night through early morning.
Anybody catching them from casting from a boat? If yes then where? Thanks.
Anyone follow up?
Nothing at Ferry Building, Islais Creek, Aqua Vista, Candlestick Point, or Oyster Point
Went by Richmond this morning nothing there. Went to paradise and it looked promising as I pulled into the parking lot at 11am. There was a group of pelican sitting under the pier started walking down in they all flew away. I threw the net a dozen times for zero herring
I just saw a train of birds fly by low on the water like 3 miles long I’ve never seen so many ever.. between salitos and joinery in Sausalito all headed toward the bridge. 8:30 am
I’m watching daily I am right across the street from Joinery/Salitos and I just saw a train of birds fly by low on the water like 3 miles long I’ve never seen so many ever. All headed towards the Golden Gate Bridge!
Due to large amounts of fresh water from the rain, the herrings shore spawn has been postponed indefinitely. Lol lol lol
I’m hoping to give throw netting a try for the first time in NorCal (Humboldt Bay, Crescent City) this season. Any intel? Does the herring spawn further north typically happen sooner/later than the SF bay area spawn?
The Humboldt Tuna Club web site is usually on top of the Herring Run and Spawn in Humboldt Bay and in Crescent City Harbor. The runs usually start a week to two weeks after the SF Bay run.
Crescent City’s run and Spawn is usually anytime from the end of Jan. to the end of Feb.
Humboldt Bay is more like the SF Bay area as we have to see and find the Run and or Spawn happening. Granted it is a smaller bay and there are the usual places to look.
Most of the action is in the West or Middle Channels North of and by the Samoa Bridge.
Crescent city is like fishing in a barrel. It is the easiest Herring fishing. Most years they show up and it is on for a few weeks. Other years it is hit or miss for a few days. Just like this web site, best to check in as often as possible to see what’s happening where.
Took a ride to Spinnaker with no seal and bird activity with no spawning on rocks at low tide this morning. Nothing/same out at Paradise until 9:30 am.
Zero bird activity observed from Bridgeway between Dunphy Park all the way to Fort Baker.
Addition to previous comment: observations were made 12:30 today.
Birds flying around about 200 yards off Dunphy Park in Sausalito.
Nothing at Spinnaker or Salitos. Bunch of. Irds sitting around about 50 yards off Dunphy Park.
Lots of herring in Sausalito at Pelican Harbor / the boat launch in front of Salitos and Joinery. Bird activity has been ramping up since 7AM and they’ve been catching plenty in the last hour.
Thanks for the report. Are you catching any or just observing people?
Thanks for the report. I got another report and some eyes on the ground that the fish are back in Sausalito but they are moving around, and not a spawn. I’ll go tomorrow to get a first hand report out, but things look promising back in Sausalito.
who’s catching? birds or people?
thanks for the report! is anyone here concerned about raw sewage in the bay?
I was at Salito’s today around 10:30. No bird action, no fish sign, no one fishing, they must have moved on.
Thanks for checking it out Will.
The first quarter moon phase for January is on the 28th. I suspect we will begin to see spawning activity around this time. Stay safe everyone during this time of severe weather! Be aware that heavy runoff and flood waters often contain biohazards and contamination, as well as debris.
Checked out Alameda this afternoon, zero bird activity. Missed that one! Hoping they come ashore elsewhere soon!
Nothing at Spinnaker 12:45pm
Nothing at Fort Baker at 1:00pm
A few small groups of birds around Richardson Bay, on the water, but not actively working.
Nothing at Paradise at 10:30am.
Went out in Richardson by boat to look for activity just at high tide yesterday, a lot of gulls on the water and some flying but no pelicans and no sea lions. Birds were mostly picking at eel grass. No signs of herring on either side of the bay nor in the middle.
Kayaked from islais to chase center during the storm window right now, never seen the bay so desolate. Zero signs of herring.
Bad weather may be the reason that big school showing up later than last year.
Thinking the same thing. I went paddling in Richardsons bay yesterday and the water looked battered and nasty from runoff. If I were a herring, I wouldn’t want to be spawning now
Checked around last night/early this morning. No signs of eggs on the rocks or on seaweed in Sausalito at spinnaker or along Bridgeway. Threw a few casts at Chase center but no fish and no signs. I practiced my throws from the boat ramp for about 40 minutes and I got super excited when I hauled up a net of two dozen thrashing fish, but it turns out I landed on a school of jacksmelt. I did manage to pull in two super skinny finger-sized herring. There was a giant flock of a couple thousand seagulls circling way out towards Pier 50. It was too far out to tell if they were actively feeding or if they were over the pier or the water, but I don’t think I saw any diving. They could have been roosting en masse on the pier buildings. In either case, they were there for the herring. No signs of eggs on the rocks or on seaweed yet. Keep an eye out, they might hit here next.
Thank you everyone for reporting back. I know its still very early in the season. With. all the rain we are experiencing, there is a good chance for some major spawning events this year! Keep checking-I appreciate everyone’s watchful eyes! Have patience, it will happen soon!
Just checked the ferry in Sausalito, nothing. A lot of debris in the water.
Checked out coyote point fishermen’s point and the chase center and McCovey cove and alameda on Tuesday no signs of herring
Left home in Contra Costa County at about 11:30am and dropped down off 101 at the first Sausalito exit. Traveled all the back dock-roads until I got to the two-lane private (chained off) boat launch adjacent to the marine fuel dock. There, three Herring guys were about to set out in a big open outboard to map the spawn. Two were DFG biologists and the other guy was from some other agency (they all knew their business). They showed me their “tools” for harvesting submerged eggs from both eel grass and hard structures (rocks etc.). They said so far all of the spawn has taken place in sub-tidal locations (as in the middle of Richardson Bay).
As I traveled down the streets to the Barrel House Tavern (second floor restaurant) for lunch (superb by the way), my wife spotted a very long stretch of dark birds way out (1/4 mile at least) in the bay running parallel to the shore line. There were no gulls just cormorants, however they did seem to be working and moving (possibly) with a deep traveling school of fish? No one was working the area from boats.
I traveled the shore line all the way around to Paradise Park where there were a dozen cars and four fishermen on the pier itself lounging is deck chairs.
No Fish, No Action, will keep searching and reporting.
duckklr
Went to Elephant Rock in Tiburon with no signs of spawning at 2:30 pm and heading out to Paradise Park. Tossed out the net until 4:00 pm with no herring from the pier or spawning on shore.
Has anyone checked other areas of the bay recently, or is everyone putting all their EGGS in one castnet!?(Ha-Ha). Pt. Richmond? Alameda Rockwall? Paradise Pier? Oyster Point? Candlestick? Come on people, we all know the spots! Let’s hear some reports! Nothing at Coyote Pt. or Fisherman’s Park yet, I checked today……
No herring at Pt. Richmond this morning
Thanks for report seems like most peps don’t want others to know what’s going on
Checked Ferry Building, Islais Creek, Aqua Vista, Candlestick, Oyster Point, mo action.
No herring @ Torpedo or the Spinnaker this am.
Sorry for the noob questions, just getting started and really appreciate any help! I’m assuming once they’re on the spawn they come into shore with the high tide, right? Only high high or both highs? Also are there still fish hanging around shore between tides? If I can’t get out at the right tide is it a waste of time to show up with my net at other times through the day? (Assuming it’s all within the few days they’re spawning… not any random day 😉
Hey Eric,
It varies, you don’t necessarily need to get them at high tide. I’ve caught them at both high high, second high and low tides. Have your net and gear ready in your car. The sooner you get there once there’s a report, the higher the chance you’ll get herring. Spawns may last just a few hours and only the big spawns happen over multiple days. Hope that helps.-hao2fish
In Sausalito, heavy rain just started. No birds.
Did you throw your net at all? Last year when pulled them in at Sausalito, there wasn’t a single bird around.
No, I thought you needed birds. Next time I may try.
Birds and sea lions are a good indicator but not absolutely necessary. I have thrown a castnet in otherwise empty area to find them there.
Took a 3 hour tour looking for herring this afternoon. Started in Sausalito at Spinnakers…nada. Drove around the marinas and all those birds that had been holding in the anchor out area are completely GONE.
Thought I saw birds over in Belvedere but got over there and saw nothing at all. Stopped by Paradise. Zero. Final stop Richmond, zero but a very nice view of the bay which was ok too! Things seemed more poised to pop two weeks ago than they do now.
Be careful if you go out today with the winds. I would advise not to go out in a boat today. Be safe all.
Hey Moon are you the moon who sells crab snares?
Maybe Sausalito will hit from shore tomorrow.
It’s going to happen any minute now 😎
Came out to Saulsalito today only had about an hour before dusk. The herring are out there along with about 2 dozen boats anchored out there casting nets and hauling in herring. Eggs all
Over the eel grass and seals gorging and chasing the schools around like pit bulls.
Definitely reachable now by boat or kayak. I’m thinking rain or shine doesn’t matter.
Using a sabaki rig or learning to throw cast net sitting is the ticket! Happy hunting!
The spawn is definitely on in Richardson Bay. I stopped by Spinnaker and talked to a nice gentleman who hadn’t had any luck from the shore. I ended up launching my kayak at Salitos and chasing the birds in the middle of the bay. There is grass everywhere covered with herring eggs which the seagulls are chowing on. The sea lions are also out in masses. I ended up getting some herring, but am still learning to throw a cast net effectively from a kayak. My recommendation for kayakers would be to throw a smaller 4 foot net or fish with a sabiki rig. A couple boaters were cleaning up throwing cast nets from a standing position. They are definitely there. You just have to go out to the middle of the bay to get them.
Thanks for the update John! Yes the 4ft net is the way to go on the kayak. Do you have outriggers? If so, I’ve found those to be very helpful in allowing me to stand up and throw my net from my hobie kayak. See you out there at the next spawn ! Hao2fish
It is on now in Sausalito. Bring your kayak.
Are the fish at the rocks near the road yet or still in the anchorage?
You may want to try the Shrimpers cast net throwing method if you don’t want to stand up in a kayak. It may not open as well as the more standard methods but I can get it to open about 1/2 to 3/4 open most of the time.
It involves holding 1/4 in one hand and 1/4 in the other.
The other 1/2 is held near your body with your pinkies and the two hands are thrown out.
The net is thrown out and you hang on to the near 1/2 until it gets yanked outward.
It is easy to do from a sitting position. The net is opened close to your body not way out.
You can probably find it in an on line search.
Thanks for the update.
I was thinking about renting a kayak from Sausalito, one that u can stand up on is best?
I can confirm that birds are working a school about 200 yards off the ferry in Sausalito.
Happy New Year!! A lot of bird action in the middle of Richardson’s Bay at the moment. On the other hand, I just saw a notice from the Sanitary District posted along Bridgeway warning of a sewage overflow.
Thanks for the heads up!
I spent about 3 hours on Richardson’s Bay yesterday chasing diving birds from one end to the other. No luck. Spoke to 2 other boats and they said the same.
Went back to Sausalito this evening . Birds and seals are still out about two hundred yards ,just a matter of time ,good luck out there !
Down here at clipper harbor in the parking lot where the little park is.
Maybe a dozen see lions and tens of thousands of birds. Tide is way up looks like the spawn has started right outside the harbor. Fishable by kayak or paddleboard. This spot occurs every year. Let’s keep spinnaker on the radar
Thanks for the update!!
I’m so ready to mobilize.
More herring showing up at Sausalito also sea lions are around. My friend caught some today.
Saw a post of small spawn in Sausalito right now, 10:30pm 12-30-22.
Can you confirm?
I check Aqua vista today around 12 no signs
Nothing at Aqua Vista also.
There’s alot of birds a about 3 hundred yards off the rocks in sausalito..no seals
I hit spinnaker tonight just to see if there was any action outside waiting for the high tide. Nothing
Am high tides the next couple of days are going to be awesome somethings about to go off
Thanks for info !
Awesome. Thanks for taking the initiative on this. Let’s keep an eye out and see what general direction they are going. Thanks –TLA
I just left Sausalito , birds are on standby no seals yet !!
A huge flock of birds working the water in the middle of Richardson’s Bay around 8:30 this morning.
A huge flock of birds working the water in the middle of Richardson’s Bay around 8:30 this morning..
If there’s tons of birds on the water, they might be there. Start throwing a net or cast sabiki to see.
I work at Chase Center so I am here a few times a week. I didn’t see any birds today. However while driving in to work, I noticed a lot of birds gathering in Islias Creek. Have the herring historically spawn there?
I got into a crazy-good spawn @ Islay Creek a few years ago
There is a posting that say a spawn is on at chase center
Those are trolls trying to get others to do the scouting for them. Shame on them preying on innocent people.
I was at Aqua Vista this 26th and got one small herring in my net. That’s it tho. I see the school just out in front birds diving but no push in yet
My friend just sent me a video, he got 5 herring in the bucket so far. He is moving around trying to find the school. SF side.
Aqua Vista? Area or near the ball park?
I was there yesterday, no signs of them
Any reports from Richardson bay or point Richmond?
Checked out alameda rockwall today because it happened same day last year but there were no signs today.
We’re back in business
Great channel to get the latest information.
Some herring came into the bay according to some captains.
Thank you for doing this!
STOKED for 2023 Herring 🙌🙌🙌
Tossed the net at Sausalito ferry pier around 6:am this morning. Nothing here
Heard from my friend some herring making there way over to Pier 50.
Yeah let’s keep an eye on them. I think that is a good place to focus on and see what happens. If they start to stage we should be ready for a spawn but it’s sex herring. You never know! lol.