Introduction
2024 Regulations
It is the responsibility of each angler to understand the local laws and regulations that governs the specific fishery. Find current regulations for the pacific herring fishery here
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. Rain gear is also a good item to keep around.
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.
Herring hunting 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]
This is a community driven thread. I work hard to filter through the abundance of information to provide the best and most reliable intel. I recommend using this tread and also following me on Instagram and youtube for the best trio of information.
2024 Herring Spawn Report
December 7th, 2023
I’m going to start the thread here and we will continue to update it as new reports come in. There has been some small reports of fish staging outside the gate. Around this time the south bay (ARW) is a good place to scout for them. These schools tend to be small so don’t expect full nets. The majority of the larger spawn still happen in Sausalito and the North bay. If you guys have information remember to send me an email and photos at [email protected]
December 19, 2023
I know many of you are anxious about where the fish are — I AM TOO! It is still early in the season but the first rains have come. I’ve been getting some scattered reports from Sausalito about the potential for fish in that direction. Remember, we just need to find the general area where they possibly could be moving into. If any of the locals can provide that information it goes a long way. Next we wait for them to stage before the run. Once they run we go! Let’s continue to keep our eyes and ears peeled. Happy holidays everyone!
December 21, 2023
First, I want to thank all those who continue to contribute to this fishery. The integrity of these reports are what makes this event possible every year for the hundreds of people who want experience this event — Thanks!!
So I’ve been getting a lot of scattered reports about Sausalito. As usual this is the typical cycle. The fish can or can not spawn there. They can be there one day and disappear the next. We are looking for them too “Stage” before pushing along the shore line. This is easier said than done. We just need to be patient.
I’m glad to say WE GOT THE FIRST CONFIRMATION! Of fish for the year. There has been schools of herring in Sausalito now. I’ll go scouting when I have the time but for those who are going. Please continue to send me info at [email protected] so
best of luck herring hunters!
THREAD IS CLOSED FOR 2024
Please see the 2025 report
Update March 3, 2024
I think that is it for the 2024 herring hunting season. It does seem like the fish have moved outside the bay and are migrating up north. Thanks again for another fun season. I look forward to seeing everyone again in 2025 for another fun season! — TLA
Update February 23, 2024
I want to thank all the herring hunters for all the hard work and keeping this community alive and working together this season. The crescent city herring run looks to be starting and heating up slowly. I wish all the herring hunters over there the best of luck! Last year we did have a small one day run around McCovy cove in March so there is still hope for a late small run but I’m keeping expectations tempered. I”ll be closing down his thread in early March.
I was a tough run this year for the herring. I hope this doesn’t continue to be the case in the future, but only time will tell. Until then – good luck herring hunters –TLA
Feb 4, 2024
The season is going on and I know some you maybe losing heart that the herring have been going underground – This is their normal behavior. We are still in February so there is still time for at least another run. The fish have been popping up in Sausalito, and to the dedicated herring hunters they have been able to get on some fish.
yesterday, feb 3, 2024 there was a run at spinnaker in the morning. I did hear of a boat and some guys on the pier that were able get on them. By the time the spawn go out the fish had moved on.
They have not moved on to crescent city yet and are still in the bay. Storm is coming in
So let’s be patient. They are starting to get active again. Hopefully soon.
Update January 24, 2024
If you haven’t heard from me on the Herring side, it is because the fish have went underground. There are plenty of people still scouting around but the fish have not shown up anywhere in significant numbers.
There has be trickles of information around that the fish have moved towards the San Francisco side of the bay. Pier 50 and 49. Basically around the chase center to Auga-vista park. The fish historically have shown up around here after the Saulsaito spawns. For now, we continue to sit tight until the fish pop up again. Good luck herring hunters.
Side Note: If you have entered a comment and it is your first time, and you don’t see it come up right away, I have to approve your first post; so just sit tight. I moderate this thread for fake news, bots and generally bad actors to keep up the integrity of this thread. I don’t like my time wasted and I definitely don’t want to waste yours. –TLA
January 18, 2024
There are a few key dates that I like to keep an eye on when herring hunting. Many of you who follow me know. 1) Thuy’s Anniversary on the 15, the second 2) is the AFC and NFC Divisional and/or NFC/AFC Championship round.
Do herring like football? Are they a Green Bay Packers Fan like Chovy!? Are they excited and Horny that the packers make it the divisional round and they ready to get it on?
YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!!! GO PACK GO!!
Ok, as many on this thread have commented below. The herring have are back in Sausalito; and the birds are chasing them around. There maybe two split schools 1) one in Sausalito and one around Ferry point (Brooks Island). I still think the Sausalito school has much more potential for the a run this upcoming play off weekend!
Thuy has a prediction for the January 21, 2024. Check out my instagram reels to see; but there is no denying they get excited around this time. Let’s hope GO PACK GO = GO HERRING GO. Good luck herring hunters. Images below of herring recently caught in Sausalito along the docks. (Not much but they are around)
January 15, 2024
There are certain dates in the Herring Hunting world that are important to note!
January 15! Is a day all herring hunters should consider holy because it marks the death and rise of of Thuy (Fishing247). On this day, Thuy left his wife on their Anniversary to go herring hunting. He was later crucified and paid the ultimate price for all herring hunters. A few days later he rose again and we all celebrate his revival!!
For his sacrifice. The Herring Gods declared “ALL SHALL HAVE HERRING” after January 15! On his Holy day of herring hunting we celebrate Thuy(Fishing247)sacrifice. ALL SHALL HAVE HERRING! haha -TLA
January 15, 2024
Please note: I am moving updates to the top so you guys don’t need to scroll all the way down.
Over the last few days I have been chasing the spawn at Ferry Point like many of you. Unfortunately with work I was unable to get to the spawn until Saturday January 13, 2024 by the afternoon. The fish have moved off the pier by then and went to the outside. I managed to net about 5 herring and meet many cool people. I’m sure many of those who follow this thread. I appreciate all those who follow this crazy Chovy and the fun you bring to me.
The next day, Sunday January 14, 2024 I went on the boat with Thuy(Fishing 247) and we scouted ferry point. By then the fish moved off and it was pretty much done. We scouted Ferry, Sausalito, Chase and McCoy Cove for no signs. I was able to mark them (I think) in the sausalito channel by belvedere point. They sure hide well when not spawning.
Good luck herring hunters. Today is Thuy’s anniversary so let’s wish him well and may the Herring gods bless us all for his sacrifice! –TLA
January 11, 2024
Over the last two days here has been reports of herring around Ferry Point in Richmond California. Without the herring hunters network it would be very difficult to track down the bay migration of these fish. I want to also give a shot out to Becky for being one of the first to share this information and for others to confirm the migration.
I went today to check out the scene to confirm the rumors. I can confirm the shoals are at Ferry Point now (January 11, 2023). The fish are hanging outside brickyard cove outside the breaker walls. There were about 5 boats and handful of kayakers out today hunting on the herring with success.
I spoke to the guys on the pier and they said in the morning the herring moved around the pier but never made a move to spawn there. Fingers crossed over the next few days or by Thuy’s Anniversary they will rush the shorelines to spawn.
Side Note: It seems the fish have been active at the start of the outgoing tide. The start of the outgoing today was at 11:30 am and the fish started to get netted around 12:30-1 pm. or so. Also make sure to bring a min 5ft net as you need the weight to descend fast enough to net the herring.
Good luck herring hunters –TLA
January 9, 2023
Recently there hasn’t been much going on. For seasoned herring hunters this a normal pattern for herring in the bay. They turn on and they turn off or disappear for while, before popping up again. For those who are new to the scene this maybe discouraging. I say have patience.
We are closely getting into the thick of herring hunting season. If you follow the different threads that I have posted over many years you will see the patterns.
Up until this point, for me, this has been the pre-season of herring hunting – A warm up. Many seasoned herring hunters know that I “officially” start my season after my friend Thuy (Fishing24/7) anniversary date on January 15, 2023. This man left his wife on their anniversary to go herring hunting with me; this is notable and deserves at least a footnote in Herring hunting history.
Let’s continue to be a patient. Wish Thuy a happy anniversary on January 15, 2023 and let’s get herring hunting soon! Stay tuned. Chovy got some dates in my mind when they go off. Of course I could be NUTS too! Haha — TLA
December 29, 2023
Yesterday, December 28. 2023 my friend, Thuy(Fishing247) and Arnold took his boat out to Sausalito to chase down the reports coming from there. The fish were around but not schooled up like they would during a spawn. If anything, it’s like a pre-spawn so I’m hopeful the shore anglers will have a shot pretty soon. The fish could also possibly be rushing the banks in the evening when there is less pressure from the fisherman, sea-lions and birds. I have heard of fisherman being able to pull limits from the the shore at night, but i’m not there to confirm. Here is a youtube short that I quickly together from the trip yesterday.
As you guys can see the birds, and sea life are going crazy at the turn on of the outgoing. The fish are in front of Dunphy park near the mooring boats. We were pulling 2-4 fish a cast and 7-10 on a good cast. It was a grind but we got 2.5 buckets. Once again the fish are not schooled up like during a spawn. That’s it Good luck herring hunters. –TLA
December 26, 2023
Happy Holidays herring hunters! I’m still following up with the reports from Sausalito. Holidays are always a hard time to herring hunt as family come in for the holidays… Do the herring know this and get frisky?? That is the big question!
We do know that there have been a steady stream of reports from Richardson’s bay and it does seem there is some action in that direction. These are coming from my dependable sources, but I have not been there to check myself – so take it as you may.
The herring tend to spawn from Salitos to the spinnaker restaurant. There is also good action in front of Dunphy park if you have a boat or kayak. My best advice is to follow the diving birds and seals that are working the schools. They are the best indication of where the large schools are.
Here are some photos that I have been receiving — Thanks herring hunters! Some of the herring hunters have been getting them at night and some in the morning. Good luck herring hunters — TLA
I am here at Pier50 mesmerizing the good old days. No sign of 🐟.
I feel you. It has been a disappointing year for us all. — TLA
Thanks for posting… keep the faith!
I have Great Hearing… I have not heard “The Fat Lady Sing”…
Nature is at times devoid of a time clock…Mark J
The Crescent City Herring Run is finally going at a good pace.
The catches are getting better with both Sabiki’s and nets.
You still have to catch the schools as they swim by but the
Sea Lions and birds chasing the schools helps locate them.
One guy has the best timing.
He threw a 12 foot net while the school was in front of him
off the rocks and he got his limit with one throw.
You can read the post and see the picture on the Del Norte fishing facebook site.
Not a full on spawn yet. They are building their Run.
The Herring are still schooling and building up their numbers.
Typically the schools build as they swim around the Harbor.
Once they reach their critical mass ( Whatever that means ) they spawn.
The trick is to get fishing on them as close to their Spawn as possible.
If you wait too long they will be gone.
I like to go a bit early and scope out the area and find a hot spot.
That way I don’t miss out.
It is a small Harbor so it can be like fishing in a barrel.
I heard that some guys from the Bay area are coming up this weekend.
There were a few that came last year.
Thanks for the update. It would seem like the end is near for the sf bay run. i’ll keep this thread open until the first week of March then close it down.
Google photos just popped up and reminded me that two years ago there was a span at candlestick on Feb 26. anyone check that area?
Not much down south. If there is something that pops up, i’ll update, but i think it is done for the year.
North State Herring is slow.
Humboldt Bay was very slow and we are growing pessimistic to any more action.
It was slow already but the weather has pretty much put a stop to the looking and hunting.
Maybe a few will venture out and check this next Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
It may be our last hope.
Crescent City has been slowly picking up. The numbers are getting better and better each day that the weather allows people to get out and fish. The best results were by kayakers paddling around until they find the schools. Shore based fishers get hits as the schools swim by their location. Nets have been a disappointment so far. Sabiki’s have been the method of choice. One shore fisher was able to get a few gallons the other day. The general consensis is that the action keeps getting better every day. The schools are getting bigger. We hope that in a few days after the weather gets better that the catch numbers will get better. The best thing about Crescent City Harbor is that the Herring come into the Harbor and keep swimming around in schools until they spawn. That can be a few days to a few weeks in duration. From a fishers perspective it is like catching fish in a barrel. Keeping our fingers crossed.
im sad.
Guess we’ll have to wait for the next herring spawn in December? Was hoping to see 1 last big spawn before its over…..
The latest Spawn the last few years was February 16th to the 18th.
So, there may still be time.
2021, Feb. 16 – 18 Anza Fishermans Park, Coyote Pt.
I picked up 1/2 a limit last year on March 4, 2023 near candlestick. There’s still hope for a shore spawn session.
😥
Just saw a huge group of birds working candlestick park… gonna go check it out after work
Swung by Islais and Pier 52 today at high tide. Nothing/nada.
As of 7am on Sunday, nothing at spinners or elephant rock. There are a few birds in Sausalito, but nothing too convincing there are any Herring around 🙁
We are still slowly picking away at the slow Herring Run in Humboldt Bay. This morning one boat got 5 gallons of Herring as the high boat. The Herring haven’t schooled up in big balls yet so it is a slow pick with nets. No Sabiki Herring yet as far as I know. The weather should be calm for a few more days so the hope is that the Herring will start getting with it soon.
I checked the SF waterfront at 11 AM from Pier 50 and Agua Vista down to Islais Creek. Dead-no birds or seals.
Thanks for sharing still hoping for a spawn in SF this year
Today’s is the 9th of Feb. Any updates more head to aqua Vista to check it out this weekend
Wow… At this point I’m starting to be concerned for the state of the herring fishery in the bay. I know the spawn has happened later in Feb and even into March some years but this year seems like it’s shaping up to be a very slow one.
Any fisheries folk out there care to comment on this years catch/monitoring data?
I have noticed that too. Over the last few years, it has been harder and harder to get on the fish. Even with the amount of intel on this board and other forums it does seem like there has been a decline. The fish are harder to get and it does seem like there are less of them too. Let’s wait out this year and see what the assessment is on the fishery.
Have you noticed a decline in the striper fishery as well? My grandfather raves about it 30 years ago, but I don’t know if that’s just nostalgia.
If I remember correctly, the Herring fishery was in a steady decline about 12 years ago.
They closed the commercial fishery about that time as the fishery was collapsing. Back in the day, I would look out my window at home and at work and see a huge fleet of commercial Herring fishing boats laying out their Lampara nets in Richardson Bay. At night it was like a city on the water as there were so many of them. The commercial Herring fishery in SF Bay has been closed ever since. It has never really recovered. I was told that Eel Grass is their substrate of choice to lay eggs on. I don’t know if the Eel Grass habitat is what it used to be. In my opinion the sport fishers do not get anywhere close to catching what the commercial boats did. I would guess that one commercial boat caught way more than the combined efforts of all the sport fishers out there in any one year. The Herring stocks go in cycles. That is much like the sardine stocks and the other bait fish stocks. We have the El Nino cycles and the other climate induced cycles that impact on the different fish stocks. Or they will be spawning in a few days and you can forget this post. Keep the faith ! Our Humboldt Bay Herring Run has been a bust so far this year. Only had one small short run.
When the herring orgy/spawn begins, the herring don’t care if they are at Motel 6 or the Presidental Suite at The Fairmont.
Meaning they are less interested in the “substrate” as in your example “eel grass’ & more concentrated on pro-creating.
Look at the areas the herring spawn primarialy…Rocky Shorelines.
The eggs are released and FLOAT to whatever /wherever surface the eggs find themselves attaching to.
I remember in years past going to the concrete pier piling at Hunters Point & using a sheetrock tapers knife and literally scaping sheets of eggs to use as sturgeon bait.
Made my then Famous “Herring Burrito Wrap”.
Took two herring fillets, placed the 8/0 J hooks between the herring fillets then took a sheet of herring eggs around the herring fillets…then used sewing thread to secure the sheet of herring eggs to the herring fillets….
Was like waving a Big piece of Chocolate cake in front of a hungry fat kid at a birthday party!!!…Mark J
its not so much that the fishery collapsed but its wasnt worth the commercial fisherman to come down and fish for them…the market fell out in japan.
The HUGE amount of freshwater runoff entering the main & upper bays & as a direct result dramatically reducing the salinity content of the Bay’s waters is my experience the main causation for the biomass of the herring population as of yet, not entering the bay….Mark J
Just checked Sausolito. Nothing happening. Why do I get the feeling it’s gonna happen during the Super Bowl?
I will take fish over the Super Bowl. Lol
Nothing this afternoon at pier 50 by sabiki. All quiet at Agua vista. Two years ago the spawn was around Feb 5…. Last year it was tiny and only at McCovey Cove. Fingers crossed.
Any report of the herring still around Sausalito? Hopefully they haven’t moved out far yet…
I was at elephant rock and sallitos yesterday only caught perch and a kelp greenling at elephant rock. No birds very slow this was around low tide
The Humboldt Bay Run has started. Don’t know if the Spawn has started.
A boat got about 4 gallons today on the West side of mid main channel
Southwest of the Small Boat Basin.
The sport boat fleet will probably be out in force for the next few days.
This timing is about the same as last years Run here on Humboldt Bay.
Well, I’m not gonna say the spawn is at Spinnaker. It is close, but it’s on the backside. It wouldn’t be bad to check out the high tide tonight.. I’m going back. Neap tides!!
I was just there. The fish moved off the pier and rocks but possible tonight at the end of the tide. Good luck!
It’s February. Where have they gone to? Has anyone been able to scout for herring lately?
Just a thought. Pulling at straws is my specialty.
Last year’s lunar new year was January 22nd.
This year’s lunar new year is February 10th.
Maybe the Herring are going to synchronize to the moon cycle.
Keep the faith and keep on believing and scouting.
Haven’t heard anything from crescent city yet so they are still around. I would pin my hopes on the next big tide swing. They went off at the king tide last month. I still think they are around.
I netted a few today—enough for dinner—just south of Seatrek in Sausalito. I rented an SUP from them. I brought a low camping stool to sit on while I paddled w a kayak paddle. I found it quite easy to stand and throw from my SUP. I repeatedly paddled upwind of where the pelicans were diving then let the wind push me over the school
3:00 no birds at Ferry Bldg
Hundreds of birds today in richardson bay, pelicans diving to. They are just outside schoonmaker marina.
I can confirm… Nothing today (Monday 1/29) ANYWHERE in Richardson Bay / Belvedere.. Also confirmed by another boater this morning who came all the way up from Alameda/ Enicnal.
Alameda Rockwall ALSO absolutely no activity – no boats, no birds. (I saw one lonely sea lion.)
No large pockets of birds in the Richardson Bay so possibly the herring have moved out. Paradise and elephant, Rock pretty quiet.
Keep the faith.
Richardson Bay chances are diminishing after January but you’ve had
McCovey Cove happening into the first week of February and
Anza Fishermans Park into the middle of February.
Keep looking as the potential is still there.
At the time of this post, nothing at Agua Vista park. No activity.
As of this morning, nothing at Paradise and nothing at Spinnaker, but I can only gauge where they are by the masses of birds that are still in the Anchorage area of Richardson back.
Happy to see somebody looking at Pier 50 and the Vista pier
We are now 14 days since the last shore spawn. Were do .
Launch jetsky at 50 at 8:00 . Nothing AT&T PARK.
check Sausalito and Spink at 9am nothing. Check elephants rock nothing. Check paraday park nothing
Been quiet for the past few days. Any update on the herring spawn? Hopefully I’m not too late getting in on the action. Would love to get some for my birthday this weekend 😁
No activity near Pier 50 or Agua Vista yesterday…
Any recent action on the SF side around Pier 50 or Agua Vista? Pier 50 was hot this time 2 years ago. Thanks!
Since we are all waiting patiently for the next spawn. Besides using as bait, what is your favorite recipe/preparation to eat herring?? I’ve pickled, smoked, fried, used in curry, etc.. Still trying to find my favorite. Hoping someone is willing to share Mom’s secret recipe:)
You can also deep fry herrings and then use pressure cooker with the spices you prefer. As a result., you can eat the fish with bones/calcium.
Fish jerky to your flavor!
I like to smoke them with applewood after fileting them. It’s a little bit of work but so worth it.
totally 100% in support of this. ive doen it many times and its the best. applewood!!! i save pruning sticks from my apple trees just for this purpose. the two flavors of apple smoke and herring have some kind of magic synergy going on!
Has it got to be applewood? Have you tried other wood like citrus?
hi liam
i dont think it has to be apple wood. other wood smokes are good too. maybe you should try the citrus wood smoking for herring and let us know? i just know from first hand experience that apple wood smoke and fish, like salmon and herring which i have smoked in the past, is a fantastic match!
I cought some end of Dec and I put them in a salt brain to make them “Matjes”. It took a few weeks and turning at least once a day, better twice. When they were ready I took the skin and bones off and I made them into a heavy cream/sour cream/ apple/ onion/ pickle herring salat after an old east German recipe. If you want details let me know.
I turn them in to halibut which are actually edible. Tried herring several ways and way too fishy for me. Be interested in smoking and canning some.
When caught fresh, I like to roast them whole (no cleaning) with fingerling potatoes. Finish with some salt, generous drizzle of good olive oil, wedge of lime, and avocado on the side.. the small ones can be eaten whole.
Smoked is my go-to. A little seasoning – maybe a lite sprits of soy. There’s also an awesome recipe online for grilling and topping with a sauce of orange, honey and basil, I think. I google for it from time to time and always manage to find it. Here’s an insider tip. We like the milt (sperm) more than the roe. I sauté on high with finely chopped scallions, then flame it with Fino sherry (must be Fino), then quickly run it under a really hot broiler. The trick here is to crisp it up a bit without cooking it to death – and it doesn’t want to crisp. My (former) Filipina gal could probably eat 2 pounds of herring sperm during a herring processing night.
Was at Sausalito today. Not much happening until around 3pm when thousands of cormorants started flying for towards GG Bridge. A little bit later they came streaming back following a large school of herring. It’s was amazing to watch….would have been better from a boat, while throwing a net.
Seems like they are close!
Oh so close !
It might go on given a good tide and good weather.
Thanks for the report BBB.
thinking of taking the boat tomorrow. Anybody got any other intel from the last two days?
thanks
Did go to Sausalito and got almost a bucket off the boat moorings
Seals were the key then pelicans started diving.
Best about 11-1 then shut down
Herring have been getting chased around today in Sausalito and are starting to make runs to the sea wall by Scomas and the Trident. Lots of bird activity following them right up to the shore line just now.
Took the boat out today and checked all the spots. Was thinking that the high tide might be the trigger but today it was not meant to be. There were tons of birds sitting on the water in the middle of Richardson bay and the Brooks Island Jetty. Saw some birds diving sporadically and lots of sea lions/porpoises around but everything was in deeper water. Didn’t break out the sabikis but saw some large bait balls off of the Tiburon shoreline. Clearly herring are still staging but got the vibe that we are close!
Tried at Richardson bay this morning. Launched out of dnfy out toward n
Belvedere then to spinaker. ….nada….birds and seals but no herring.
Troy
Just an FYI Paradise Beach Park no longer charges an entrance fee for automobiles or anything else. So it’s free to get in. The gate closes at 5pm this time of year. Not sure when they kick people out. Probably right around then.
Nothing at spinnakers yet but the seals and the birds are starting to make it look worth checking the tides.
1/21/2024 -Just watched video Fisherman on Boat over Richardson Bay.. Nets loaded with herring
Herring are still thick in Richardson Bay. Got a bunch today between Salito’s and Spinnaker drifting a sabiki rig 5-75 yards off of the marina break wall in 14-20 feet of water. Seems best in first 2-3 hours of incoming or outgoing tide. Nothing on the slack tide.
Make sure to trim your sabiki rigs down to 3 hooks per the regs. I had CDFW wardens roll up to me in my kayak and count the number of hooks on my rig after checking my license. They said they had been observing me from afar off.
The herring are still there. Seals and birds are till in full force. Go get em.
Herring are restagging in Richardson.
A few seals at Spinnaker. The last anchorage area closer to Spinnaker seems to hold the most bird mass. Dunphy and the ramp doesn’t show a spawn .
took a boat ride from the sausalito harbor all along west and east shoreline around the corner and up to paradise. tons of birds in richardsons bay with no active signs of spawning going on this morning. I few boats out with very very minimal success. we didn’t net any. it seems like it could happen any day now.
Nothing at Paradise, Kelley Cove , elephant rock or in Richardson Bay. I did see something kind of interesting today where all the birds that were in Richardson Bay flew out of the bay and start to head over to an area near Southampton Berkeley pier.. about the only negative thing that we should have in this blog are that there are no herring where you hunted. I’ve got my money on Paradise this Sunday.
Gulls were gorging on eggs around Richmond and Brooks Island this morning.
I just saw pelicans diving off Dunphy Park in Sausalito. Rain starting soon, though.
Birds were going off at the anchored boats near Sausalito today. Herring were moving around getting pounded by pelicans but not really a spawn. Saw tons of gulls eating herring eggs around Richmond and other parts of the Bay but looks like they’re staging near Sausalito. Good luck, I managed enough for the year until anchovies are available. Gorgeous day on the Bay!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2RBgb3rJsu/?igsh=ZWI2YzEzYmMxYg==
My uncle an unreliable source says birds are diving in Sausalito right now. Mentioned no one was out there no boats or nada
AGREE 100%!!
The newest reports SHOULD be FIRST!
As it is currently configerated it’s as though a person in diapers wrote the program!
Your negative comment/opinion isn’t needed or appreciated by your peers. Maybe you should offer to help w/improving the blog instead of complaining about it.
i agree, this is a very positive site, helping the herring guys. i was at ferry pt., richmond at 1pm on 1/18 and saw no activity, birds, seals, or netters. curious if anyone has tried a live herring for a off season halibut, or bass etc.
The newest posts ARE first…replies go under the post that is being replied to…pretty simple.
Nothing happening in Sausalito. Bird sign near shore. No boats or kayaks and I’m the only one throwing from shore.
Anyone score in Sausalito this season?
Sunday, 1pm
Keep looking and trying guys.
If I had to guess, later this week looks promising for Richardson Bay.
There are probably over a dozen people looking every day
so I don’t think it will happen without the word getting out.
It is so rewarding when you can get into it on a full on spawn.
Hope it happens for you guys. Full nets and loaded Sabiki’s.
Yahoo !
Stopped by Pier 50 this morning…..a few birds and a seal but no other activity. Sabikis were quiet. Saw a group near the boat launch casting but predictably they got nothing. Pier 50 was hot for sabiki two years ago….was good for about a week before the spawn near Agua Vista pier. Last year there was only a small spawn across from the ball park and little sabiki action. Hopefully this year will be more like two years ago….usually Agua vista lags behind Sausalito which has yet to go off. Will keep checking!
Yes, that’s fun. Hopefully they will come back. By comparison I like the Sabikies caught fish somehow they have a better flavor. Finger crossed.!
be care when using Sabikies. only 3 hooks are allowed
Thanks for the reminder Bill. I forgot.
Those of us that fish outside of SF Bay forget that part of the Regs.
Yeah, make sure you cut those 6 hook rigs in half in all of SF Bay.
That includes all of the inlets, coves and bays inside of SF Bay.
I like the roe….and they expend a lot of energy spawning.. plus it is really fun to catch them on a rod! The three hook rule is ridiculous when you think about it, but you don’t want to get fined…..fish and game also check licenses. No action on Monday anywhere near Agua Vista/oracle park.
It is still early enough to plan for a more successful Herring hunt.
If you haven’t done so already, please view the tutorial posted above.
If you watch it a few times you will learn something new each time.
I still watch it every year as it’s a good review.
I think one of the best things to make for a more successful Herring hunt
is to get a cast net , to get a good cast net and to practice throwing a cast net.
I have found that the better quality cast nets throw better and more
consistently than the cheap ones. Too many bananas and half moons throws
for my liking.
How do I know ? I used to have a cheap one and it was not a pretty sight or
a good experience. After I threw it away after about 5 years, I bought a new one.
It cost about twice as much as a cheap net but it was way better built.
More lead weight per foot, better reinforced construction and stronger netting.
The down side is it is way heavier and works you out more.
The up side is it opens more easily and more consistently, and it sinks faster.
I went from 1 out of 4 throws 3/4 open or better to 1 out of 2 open net throws of 3/4
open or better. Very few banana throws now.
Some might say it’s from all the practice but the difference after I got the new net
was like night and day.
Oh yeah, practice throwing from different positions. Things like over a high railing or
out past some net eater rocks, or from a kayak while sitting.
On that note, you may want to try the shrimpers cast net method from a sitting position
on a kayak. You grab one third in one hand and one third in the other hand and then grab
the closest part of the lead perimeter with the pinkies. You throw out the two handfulls of
net away from the kayak at 10 and 2 oclock and hold the perimeter lines until the net is
open and then let go with the pinkies.
On a kayak or boat you can drop the net straight down by the side of the kayak on to the Herring below. No need to throw way out.
Hope this helps. If not, just keep practicing.
Be safe. Be mindful of others. GO GET EM !
Got notified that richmond point pier was hot today and was out there for about 2 hours. Sea lions were destroying a lot of peoples nets and I myself had multiple holes torn in mine. Bring extra nets if you have them
The spawn is still happening in Richmond at Ferry Point. Got there at 10:30 and the place was packed and got more and more crowded. Was not a thick spawn but consistent. Not sure how much longer it will last. Left around 2pm with less then a half bucket. Had to wait to cast because it was so crowded.
7am nothing at point Richmond ferry pier
I drove by on my way home from work about 4:30 and saw it was happening so I went home to pick up my daughter and nets and got back around 5:30 pm. It was still happening but slowed down. It started picking up again after 8pm and slowed again. We left sometime between 9 and 9:30 with one and maybe a 1/4 of a bucket between the two of us. My daughter getting the bulk of them. Hope it goes off again.
Where?
Any spawning at Richmond pier now?
It sounds like Brooks Island has a spawn going currently. I also think the biomass has broken apart and is now in multiple schools. Maybe Ferry point will go off soon. That would be a treat. I hope some people can start checking there.
It was good yesterday right off the break wall at Richmond from 1100 am on. Took me five hours but I made about two buckets. Lots of eggs on the eel grass at the end of my day at three. I think today is the day but I can’t make it, weather looks iffy Saturday so hope it is still there for Sunday/Monday. Further reports would be appreciated.
Congratulations.
I think that’s the first full Herring limit report.
It will only get better around the Bay.
Bring it ON !
On my way w/ kayak to check it out today at high tide. Will report back.
Not much sign in Richardson Bay or Raccoon Strait area. Saw some pelicans headed east so maybe something happening to the east part of the bay. Tiburon has a good webcam showing Raccoon Strait at their town page: townoftiburon.org and scroll down to webcam feed.
Hey, so awesome to hear that you got buckets. Did your hearing that you caught have roe or was everything spawned out??
FB ppl are posting they are catching off Richmond Miller Knox shoreline ! You’ve got to have a boat though. So I passed
I went to candlestick park today. No birds and no fish. It was rough and rainy.
no fish, no bird around richardson bay last sunday.
Went out today for herring(1/6/23)in the area of the anchor-out boats and Sausalito. Conditions were really rough and windy. Found lots of pelicans diving from the air and huge schools of cormorants. Tried throwing nets in those areas but no luck. Tide was ripping so might of been an issue too? Ended up with 4 herring and a large smelt. Will try again next week in better conditions.
Thanks for the update!
Can’t you do anything to fix the date order in which the reports appear? The 2023 report was not all discombobulated like this report is 😡.
Alameda! Just left alameda Rockwell and there was tons of bird action and seals everywhere. A buddy of mine also found eggs on seaweed and actually saw a bird with a herring in its mouth. They seem to be a bit offshore and I am not sure if it is a full on spawn. I will be back out tomorrow.
I am posting this to try and help make Herring catching a bit easier and less messy.
I know some of you already do some of this but this is for those that might want to start.
The first thing is the bucket for the initial Herring dump from the net would be easier if the bucket was larger than the standard 5 gallon bucket. I’ve seen a few 10 gallon buckets, laundry baskets and a few storage boxes used. The net drops down easier into the larger bucket or box and it empties quicker without spilling Herring all over.
You still want a 5 gallon bucket so you can guage your limit easier. 10 gallons being the limit.
The second thing is a big plastic dust pan. It helps scoop the Herring off the deck easier.
A bunch at a time VS one at a time with your hands. It also keeps scale loss down.
The last one is to quick chill the Herring. I do it for a few reasons. One is they don’t thrash around as much if quick chilled. This helps keep the scales on the Herring. The other is to keep them as fresh as possible longer before you package them up. I add a lot of salt to sea water and add a lot of ice. Besides the quick chill it also starts the brining process for long term preservation and toughens the Herring meat so it is firmer when used as bait. I usually soak the Herring overnight and process/package them the next day. Some that I know soak for 48 hours or longer.
Happy Herring hunting to all and I can smell them coming in towards shore from here.
(In my dreams)
Just checked back and I’m not sure why I don’t see my post. Basically I was at alameda and bird activity and seal activity was crazy. Pretty sure a spawn was on. I’ll check tomorrow.
Just checked back and I’m not sure why I don’t see my post. Basically I was at alameda and bird activity and seal activity was crazy. Pretty sure a spawn was on. I’ll check tomorrow.
Jack
great tips. Thank you!
Went to Richardson yester day launched at Dunfy…. over to the anchorage there then to Belvedere (birds were going nuts but by the time I got there nada) then to spinnakers with many throughs throughout. I got one 3″ herring at 10 and left with nada.
Lots of eggs in the eel grass that came up with my net but no fish….. yet
Troy
thanks for the update. Just waiting for some positive reports and I will be back out there. I was thinking tomorrow but I am going to wait some more.
REMINDER on how to post at this site (thank you TLA for this amazing service!)
there are two ways to add information to this site: “comment” or “reply”.
– if you want to ADD ADDITIONAL INFORMATION to a post that is already there, please hit the “reply” link that is to the bottom right of info you are reading.
– if you want to ADD SOMETHING NEW, please SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE and post a new “comment”.
– extra bonus if you can put the date and time for your experience.
it would help if people can follow this procedure so that the information is not so fragmented. e.g.: if you see a comment about a spawn at paradise and reply to that there is a new spawn at alameda rock wall. thats not so nice. its better to SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE and post a new “comment”.
Great clarification, thanks!!
Nice to see you on here =)
Very excited to hear that more eggs were found on Eel Grass in Richardson Bay recently.
That being said, Richardson Bay is huge. If you can, please give a specific location so others can better target those often times wily and elusive critters.
If I remember correctly, the best Eel Grass beds are off shore between the border of the
GGNRA on West past the Army Corp. That is a huge area.
There is an especially good one where the old Eel Grass/ Herring egg farm used to be near Dunphy’s.
I also believe the Herring will seek out other egg laying substrates once the Eel Grass starts
getting totally covered. Each female Herring lays a lot of eggs.
From Seth and Sturgytees reports, it sounds like the Female/Male , egg/milt SPAWN is close.
Dang, I wish I was down there. I still dream that I can smell them in my sleep.
Anyone have any info on the herring spawn? I was thinking about going over to Sausalito on a boat Thursday to try and net some. Is this a shot in the dark?
Wednesday morning update the spawn mid channel Richardson Bay is still occurring directly across from Dunphy Park in the main Anchorage area . This one has almost been going on a week straight. It’s fishable, but only by some form of a flotation device, boat, innertube water wings
The spawn is slowly moving southeast, but slowly
I saw a big flock of pelicans and probably cormorants working a school out in the middle of the closed area of the Bay between Strawberry and Tiburon. Can’t enter that part of the Bay this time of year due to migratory bird closure. This school probably responsible for the large amount of roped up egg-covered seaweed matting the shoreline over the holiday.
I tried new years day for not a fish.I was there from 830-100 pm. talked to a few others who also did not get a fish. sounded like the day before there was some caught. Give it a shot and let us know!
Thanks for letting us know. As others have have said we are getting them on the boat, but i also know of others who got them by shore (sporatic). At this time of the year it’s really a crap shoot. Eventually they will spawn on the rocks and i have some particular dates in my mind. I’m working on a quick video that i will post up later. Thanks for the report! – TLA
Tried my luck on January 1 with my kayak. Launched at Dunphy and paddled around. No fish activity could be seen. No fish on the sabiki or cast net. Talked to a few other boaters and no one else seemed to be catching anything either.
Saw a lot of egg-covered seaweed while walking along the water in Tiburon roped up and left there by the high tide no eggs on rocks so I believe this was just drifting along.
We rented a double kayak from Seatrek and netted a few a bit south of the launch—enough for dinner. It’s HARD to throw from a kayak! Maybe rent an SUP next time? There were maybe 6 power boats out netting near us—doing OK, not great
This shows how I did not pay attention to how things work on this site.
I thought I had to reply to a post to post.
I didn’t realize I could just go down to the post box and start there.
That’s what I did this time. I am guessing it posted this to the top.
Meanwhile, I dream I can smell the Herring from here. ( Not Really )
Hey all I was.out on a kayak in Richardson Bay on the 31st. Eel grass that I pulled up from the bottom was completely covered in eggs. They are spawning, off shore.
I guy I met there, thinks that due to the rainfall last winter, the eel grass on the bottom is plentiful enough to provide the herring with enough spawn surface as to be able to avoid spawning on the shoreline all together… That is, he said, until they run out of eel grass down there and then move on to the next spawn location (pt Richmond, Alameda rock wall, or in the sf spots).
Hello, is it possible to catch herring while it’s raining inside the San Francisco Bay?
Well, they love to spawn in eelgrass, and it doesn’t really make a difference. If the entire Richardson Bay was loaded with eelgrass, they would still hit the shore.. I believe we don’t have enough eelgrass still and that is still contributing to the decreased populations from 30+ years ago. I think TLA would agree they are coming to a shore soon. If you have some time, take a look under Pacific herring management and read about their findings I think 2000 18 19 and 20. I hope you got into that spawn mid channel across the way from Dunphy. It was huge on the 28th..
I can’t figure out this blog and how to create a new post. Anyways, checked out Sausalito and elephant again today and nothing going at all from shore. Fish are still getting pounded by birds in the middle of Richardson Bay, east of the General Anchorage area.
Is there anyway to have all the comments posted in order rather than random? TIA
If you posted a comment it should show up first on the list. If you respond to another persons comment it will go under the date that the person commented on. That is the best i can do with this software. I also clean up comments that are far past the current date so it keeps the thread manageable for the group. I may try something new for next year. Let me research. –TLA
Zero shore activity this morning from spinnaker down to Dunphys, and no scales either so theres a story in that. Insane bird activity 1/4 mile offshore from Dunphy. Be good from a boat. Nothing at elephant either
Makes sense. Thank you. And happy hunting!
Going to check point Richmond high coming in ,I’ll let you know if anything*.
Today looks like Dunphy Park directly across middle channel about a half mile wide. A Yakers paradise!! Small spawn at clipper harbor yesterday tons of eggs in that red kelp. Any day for the shores .
Good detailed scouting Sturgytees. Keep up the good work.
Just when I think I might get a handle on the Herring goings on
they start spawning.
OK. Thanks for more reports.
There is still stage time going on.
They are still only running.
You guys on the front lines are a definite help in getting everyone
else tuned into the Herring.
Today mid day in Sausalito I saw birds and seals and decided to throw the net. I got about half a bucket before it died off. Met a fellow named Aaron who let me use his big net (mine is only 4 feet). It was epic.
At 2pm today lots of birds diving at Tiburon Ferry.
But earlier at 1pm there were no birds there at all. Then at 4pm no birds at all.
Some had been flying North between Angel Island and Tiburon.
Thanks for the update. The fish are moving around then from time to time they ram the shorelines. Just gotta be patient if they are not close enough.
Very high numbers of cormorants around Alameda Rock Wall area. They all just appeared to be sitting and waiting. No active feeding which seems really odd. I threw a sabiki but didn’t catch anything..
Kayak trolling with sabiki caught 9
In Richardson bay on Christmas Day
Merry Christmas,
Went out yesterday. All eyes should be on Richardson Bay, From the markers into the bay to Clipper the birds and seal lions are active. If it’s not today or the next few days I would be shocked. It seemed like yesterday the majority of the seals were at Spinnaker as we counted 14 at shoreline. No eggs yet. prep your buckets
Might be a bit early yet but you never know.
I don’t know the tide/moon cycle so that may be a factor.
I do see a big tidal exchange period currently.
That may put the Herring off.
If I had to guess, I’d say closer to just after the New Year when
the tidal exchange calms down.
If it’s a nice day by all means get out there and scout them out.
Get that sonar working and stop on those schools.
Sabiki fishing is so much fun.
I like to use an ultra light set up with 6 lb line and a 5 foot rod.
I cut my Sabiki rigs down to 4 hooks for easier handling.
Not much happening up here. The calm before the storm.
Maybe 4 to 5 weeks more for us up here in way North Calif.
It’s always fun to anticipate the spawn! haha when they stage it’s always a nail bitter if they rush the banks. Thanks for the updates josh. Let’s keep an eye out.
Just went scouting around aqua vista nothing
Agua Vista usually goes off well after Richardson bay….
My brother got a 7 herring from casting net in Sausalito. Not a lot but it’s a start.
Caught a few from boat on the sabiki outside Spinnaker on the high outgoing tide this past Wednesday!
Thanks for the report. I’ve been hearing of a some diving birds that direction. Still early in the season but it seems like we should keep an eye out in that direction.
No action in Sausalito or outside the clipper harbor last year it New Year’s Eve.
Nothing along the Chase center yesterday
Anyone know why thousands of birds have been sitting in the water along Berkeley’s stretch of 80. Concentrated in area between the south sailing basin and emery point. A bit too far for a cast. Need small skiff to investigate.
A good rain that coincides with the Winter King tides often stimulates a herring spawn.
I look forward to this site every year.
Lots of good info and a very excited and excitable following.
I’ll keep you guys updated on the goings on up in the North State
from Humboldt Bay to Crescent City Harbor.
As a former resident of Sausalito and having my office on Richardson Bay
I remember the excitement every year when the spawn would start.
I could literally cast my net or throw a Sabiki a few yards from my office.
I used to watch the Commercial Herring Boats at night as they set their nets.
You could smell the Herring in the air,
I don’t miss the work but I do miss the Herring Runs.
Good luck to all and I hope it’s a good run this year.
Thanks so much yoshi. It’s a such a great and fun event. Just want to share the experience with the community. Thanks for contributing.
Lots of birds diving near Bayfarm and Main Alameda
Let’s hope this years spawn is a good one! Good luck everyone!
An epic fisherman told me he thinks it’s over for the year. He was at Richmond when it happened. He said herring are behaving this way “because of the tsunami”. He has a strong foreign accent, and I could not get clear on what tsunami he meant. There was one in Japan in 2022.