2021 Herring Spawn Report
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Welcome back to another year of herring hunting. This annual community tradition has become a fun ritual for the passionate herring hunting regulars and families alike. The past few years have been slow for herring but i’m hoping for a better spawn in 2021!!
Please use this thread for reporting all herring spawn. Photos and direct intel can also be email to me at [email protected]Read these articles:
Updated Pacific Herring Regulations:
I’ve been fielding question regarding the herring spawn, and I’ll update the “How to fish the Herring article” to make it current soon but to answer some of the immediate questions see below:
Here are some key regulations to note regarding the herring spawn:
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
Make sure to get a Castnet for the herring spawn. Beginners should get a 4-5 ft net while more experienced hunters can get larger sizes. Help support this blog by purchasing items via our affiliate links. These funds go towards providing you the most update information, tutorials and reports.
I personally like the Mako nets. I think they are a good build and get the job done. Betts Old Salt Premium Cast Net for Bait Fish with Utility Box have good reviews on Amazon as well.
Covid-19 Caution: The annual herring spawn is great fun but it can also be battle fishing with people lined up to cast nets in between other anglers cast. COVID-19 is quickly spreading across all of the U.S so take precautions. Wear your mask. Stay 6 ft apart. Follow all state and county health department recommendations. If you are feeling unwell stay home.
Update December 10, 2020
There has been scattered reports of herring roaming in the South Bay from Oyster Point to the Alameda Rock Wall. I can not confirm any spawns yet. There usually are some spawn come January so let’s keep checking in.
Update January 4, 2020
Thanks to all the active herring hunters providing up to date details. There is a confirmed herring spawn in Sausalito yesterday evening January 3, 2020. I got multiple calls from multiple sources so i think this is legit. They were caught later in the evening around around 5pm. So maybe correlating with the high tide. I’ll probably show up tomorrow see if i can get on them. Get your SPAWN ON!
Note: I’ve rearranged the comments so that new comments are displayed on the top. This way you guys don’t need to scroll all the way down to get the latest Intel.
Update January 6, 2020
The annual herring spawn is underway. Yesterday I showed up at spinnaker Dr. With a few of my fishing buddies. Eddie “The sturgeon”, CCK fishing team member sou, and my buddy Carlos along with many other friends from the internet. The fish have been spawning in the late afternoon near the high tide. Just be patient when you get there and allow for a few hours for things to get going, if they get going. The herring spawns, at the end of the day, is still a crap shoot. That is just the nature of sex herring even with all the up-to-date information. Good luck, and GET YOUR SPAWN ON!
Update January 9,2020
Today there was a small spawn that materialized at Paradise county park. This is a Confirmed report from multiple sources as of January 9, 2020. Paradise park is a much smaller location so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be cautious and provide each other with social distancing space, and wear your mask. No herring is worth getting Covid-19 for and endangering your health and your family. Good luck. I’ll be there in the morning. —TLA
Update January 11,2021
The herring spawn was happening yesterday, but was sporadic and slow. By 8:30 a.m., all the parking spots in the park were taken. I continue to say the best park rangers in the Bay Area are the ones at paradise park. They are super courteous, and helpful to the fishing community. Kudos to them.
The morning saw some sporadic action before the fish disappeared at 8:00 am. They returned by 12:00 p.m. noon but the catching was spotty. Maybe there will be a bigger run during the week but you just need to go and find out yourself. Good luck and GET YOUR SPAWN ON!
Updated January 15, 2020
I got a confirmed report from multiple sources that paradise is going off right now. Friday 15, 2020 @ 1pm The park does close at 5 p.m so if you are the around the area it’s a good time to give it a try. From the videos and photos it looks like a thick spawn. Bottom two photos are from right now.
Update January 18, 2020
Fellow herring hunters. I know the frustration many of you guys are feeling. The herring runs this year has been abnormal. They have been more one shot wonders than multi day spawns. To say that I understand what makes them horny and get their sex on would be a lie. Like many of us, I speculate the best I can based on past spawns and historical data, but it’s fishing and when you think you got them figured out you quickly find out that you don’t. The best strategy that I can recommend is that when you hear a confirmed spawn make it out there as fast as you can — even then there is not guarantee.
To those that DM me, I don’t really know any more than what is on this blog. I try my best to filter through the information that I get to make sure it is not fake news before I post. Try to stay updated through the comments and post here – Good luck!! Hopefully there will be a few more good runs before the end of the season.
January 21, 2021
There is confirmed report of a herring spawn around McCovy Cove and Aqua Vista Pier today 1.21.2021. It seems like the fish are moving in but not a full blown spawn yet. It is anyones guess if they will go this weekend but there is a high probability they will based on pass history.
Herring have historically spawn on the NFC/AFC championship weekend for as long as I been keeping track of them. If the herring spawn over the weekend then Green Bay advances to the Super Bowl and wins the big game. Let’s go herring!!! GET YOUR SPAWN ON!
January 22, 2021
Today the SPAWN WAS ON!! Full on spawn. Aqua vista park look slow when Carlos and I arrived on scene so we headed a little north to pier 52 area. We just kept on walking and walking and walking…until we found the school of fish.
Look Look who decided to show up finally to the spawn!? MooMoo Outdoors himself with Pappa and Mamma moo. We got into a very good spawn and the word is that it got better later in the day. Moo, Carlos and I were finished by 1:45 pm. There are no guarantees for tomorrow but today the SPAWN WAS ON!!
This old man keep looking at Moo and I as we were were throwing for herring. He kinda creeped me out with his mitten and all. Was he undercover DFG or something? He didn’t even have a net! LOL.
Thanks once again for all the herring hunters who keep this thread going and providing great updates. This community is going strong. Let’s keep it going!
Good Luck herring hunters.— TLA
Update January 28, 2020
There has been some scattered reports of the Herring starting to spawn at crescent city in Northern California. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are done in the bay, but we are at the tail end of it. Let’s hope for at least one more large run before the fish move off.
Here is a fun video compilation of my herring hunting season. I was able to make all three runs, and it was a ton of fun. Good luck and tight lines –TLA
Update February 4, 2021
In the bay we are still hopeful for one last run; however, from my experience when the Crescent City spawn starts up we are on the tail end of the bay run. With that said, the Crescent City folks have started to report the fish showing up in the harbor. Since I’ve seen this from multiple sources I can confirm that something is happening up there. I can’t give a “THE SPAWN IS ON” title since I’m not in the area. If anyone In that direction can send me some photos to [email protected] I can post it on this thread. Thanks —TLA
Update February 9, 2021
Sorry for the late reporting, but i can confirm there is an active spawn in Crescent City. I’m not sure if it is still going on now but there has been activity. Thanks for those who provided photos — TLA
February 17,2021
Ok folks we are getting a special late season herring spawn. The have been multiple reports and i can confirm there is a spawn today at fisherman’s point and coyote park. The fish seem to be moving between the two spots. It is confirmed today at 3 p.m. so they “maybe” there today and possibly tomorrow. Get your spawn on folks!!
March 3, 2021
This damn herring thread won’t stop. Lol. I heard on the rumor mill there is something happening around candlestick and hunters point. I’m still gathering data and first hand reports so stay tuned.
(update): I just got a first hand report that the spawn is ON! 8:04 pm. now at candle stick point. People are able to catch them on every cast. Sorry it’s late but give it a shot if you have missed out on the season. It’s a far walk to the pier so make sure to bring a cooler with wheels. Good luck– TLA
Update March 14, 2021
I think it is time to CLOSE the herring spawn thread for the year. I think the probability of another spawn is pretty low at this point. I want to thank all those that participated and posted reports on this tread. It couldn’t have happened with out everyones participation. This event has grown to become a fun community affair with people from all races, ages and cultures partaking in the fun. It warms my Chovy heart to see such a passionate community form around this fish. With that said, I’m happy to see a small rebound in the spawn this year. Last year we had 1 spawn and this year we had 4. It still behoves us all to stay vigilant and protect this resource as passionately as we harvest it.
Herring Hunter of the Year Announcement:
As normal, I award the herring hunter of the year award to the person(s) I think has contributed the most through scouting, providing up to date reports, photos and being an overall bad ass herring hunter. This year I am awarding it to two herring hunters.
1)Hao2fish
2)Brian I.
Congrats guys. I will put together a small package goods for you, and will find away to deliver it —TLA
There was just a spawn near candlestick
Mar 5 9:47am,
I’m getting chatter from a few people that the herring are back at candlestick point this morning. Can’t say for sure. But if any of you are close it may be worth checking out again.
Report? They still there?
3 pm fish is gone.
10:00 3/4/21 spawn still going at Candlestick! FYI lock your car the homeless are thicker than the herring and the gates were locked this morning good luck.
I went there around 1pm and it was all done. I wonder if it ever turned back on?
Ha! Saw all you guys out there with your headlamps from across the bay. No wonder I wasn’t catching anything. Hope no one got the car broken into!
In past years I’ve seen candlestick spawn last weeks. But as we all know, past years is not an accurate indicator. Goodluck
It’s on now as of 10am, Friday morning.
Herring spawn at candlestick Park 3/3/21 4:00 PM confirmed report Don’t know about this morning, pretty late in the season.
Wow! I’m wondering if I should head out. Has anyone checked it today?
I’m here now 10:48. No action. Some birds hanging around. I’m told, there was some herring caught this morning at high tide.
Went at 7am-8:30am, spawn was on then. Every cast you’d get herring. Eggs on the rocks near the pier ( don’t be confused, the pier is all the way inside candlestick as pointed out by TLA, it’s not the one you see when you park outside the park. That one is closed.) I had half a bucket and gave the rest away. I noticed that about 70-80% no longer had milt or eggs in them FYI.
I was there from around 1 to 2pm, no action at all. Lots of people and birds and sea lions waiting.
rumors around candlestick spawn earlier this afternoon. unconfirmed. will check tmr
hi rich and jay
im starting a new comment here so that we can reply to the albany bulb spawn idea here.
can you update us? im right in berkeley very close to the albany bulb but it would be good to find out more. where on the bulb were/are they? does anyone know?
thanks!
Nick fish just posted a herring spawn video. Any idea where it is?
sorry to say that this was the spawn at fishermans point and is not a new spawn.. it was on wednesday the 17th, late afternoon.
I just heard there was a spawn yesterday or the day before at the end of Albany Bulb. Supposedly smaller herring though.
I heard about that too. They aren’t all gone yet.
Yes this was the old spawn from last week. It was a good run in the bay while it lasted
Candlestick park is on now 6pm
looks like the herring wont be coming to the east bay (richmond) this year? im sad today.
Feb 20 5pm
I figured I’d go check out fisherman’s park just in case there was some late late action. Nothing. It was super windy, no herring to report.
Feb 19 8:40am🕵️♂️🕵️♂️🕵️♂️
I did a scouting session at fisherman’s park and coyote point marina. Nothing at fisherman’s park, water was clear and no one was cast netting. I spoke with a fisherman and he said a guy got 4 herring in 2 hours this morning. I then moved on to coyote point marina and saw lots of birds and 3 seals. There was milt in the water and I put on my waders and checked the tall seaweed and it was full of eggs. I unfortunately snagged my cast net so I can’t say if there are herring still there. Im hoping to go back to coyote point marina this afternoon once I repair my net. Please note there is a $6.25 parking fee if you decide to try your luck at coyote point.
Thanks for all the recent updates and your observations. It’s been very helpful for us first timers. It’s our first season chasing the herring. Last outing we had, we were at McCovey Cove. Nice to hear that they are still around. I may head out there late afternoon with my kids.
Thanks for keeping this up to date!
Just went to coyote point marina, cast netted, nothing. Then I went to fisherman’s park , cast netted nothing. Got a chance to speak with a fisherman just now and he said there was a huge spawn off of fisherman’s park(not reachable from shore ) this morning at 10 am, birds diving, fish jumping.
Feb 18 6:15am
I just went to fisherman’s park, the water is NO longer milky, I cast netted a few times but no herring. However, I did see a seal nearby, after checking on fisherman’s park since January, this is the first time I’ve seen a seal here! There were about 5 ppl who were here but no one was cast netting, people were just checking it out and leaving after they saw the water was not milky. I’m hoping that the herring are still in the area because of the seal. I may go back again in the afternoon to check it out again. As always if you want to see video footage of these updates you can check my Instagram. Also a quick shout out to everyone who’s been posting updates and to TLA, we’re very close to beating the # of comments (370) from last year!
FWIW, there were no seals present yesterday anywhere near CP or Fisherman park. The water was not milty when i was there, and the fish were out far and appeared to be in the early stages of a spawn. There was no eggs on rocks, however there was some light spawn on the seaweeds. There was a small bird presence at CP (cormorant and pelican) but none at fisherman’s park. Most throws cane back empty, but when the school circled through there were full nets for those in the right spot at the right time. I got 6 herring in 2hrs of throwing, left came back with a longer rope and caught half a bucket in 5 throws. It pays off to be patient and persistent. There is no guarantee they will come in thick or a big spawn. However if i was a betting man I’d say today is the day.
I was here at around 8:15am, it is already close to low tide, shallow water around, you can see the bottom, no fish. The best bet is probably this afternoon when water come in.
The weather is really nice today.
30 herring hunters are here waiting at fisherman’s park, no signs yet.
Do you mind updating if herring spawn? @Lu
Whats the update?
Just checked fisherman’s park at 4:53pm. Spoke with some guys, they had nothing. Maybe about 10 ppl here using sabikis without luck. I tried cast netting a few times but no herring.🥲 hopefully they come in at night ?
I was there last night and after 30 mins of learning how to throw a net, I finally caught two fishes. Bottomline, night time is bad because of low tide.
Ranger at Coyote Point said the last two days they were running in the morning. Also he said they were right inside the harbor like near boat ramp yesterday morning
a few weeks ago the Mission Rock launch area was clear in the early morning and by noon it was fish on time.
I was there at 2:30-3pm to eat a sandwich and enjoy the scene. Didn’t see any action when I was there. Heard a rumor they showed up around 4-5 pm?? But not big. Not sure otherwise.–TLA
Yesterday (2/18) I saw lots of dolphins feeding in Pacifica
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ045TBnrkA
It appears they were feeding on a ball of fish.
Does it mean that herring is coming to the Bay?
Straight from Facebook group about an hour ago.
“Plenty herring at Burlingame if anyone wants to come over and get some”
I got a report that something was happening around coyote pt; maybe fisherman point. I did get a few photos so herring are around and haven’t full left the bay yet.
Can you pin a point on the map I don’t know where these two locations are at and would love my first shot at some herring
Is it still going on in Burlingame?
Confirmed, I’m here now herring available get here ASAP if you want some.
Location drop-pin?
Where exactly? Thank you.
Try the 2 places mentioned by Anchovy above and report back.
I am at work otherwise would try the places.
Fishermans park full blown spawn is on!
I just left and can confirm Fisherman’s park had herring.
Yep same. The herring are still there. I cast netted several spots near fisherman’s park and there is milt all along the shore. I went about 0.5mi north to kincaids and there was milt but didn’t net any fish. I took some videos on my Instagram story in case you guys want to see. The fish are mainly at fishermans. Be careful, it’s a minefield for nets at fisherman’s park! Lots of rocks to get caught on!
Someone on FB said Burlingame is on. Anyone around there to confirm?
Well there’s nothing happening today at the pier next to the yacht club. No bird activity at all. There’s some heavy bird action way offshore on the other side of the Spinnaker, in what might be the middle of Richardson Bay, on the far edge of where the sailboats are moored. It doesn’t look like they’re anywhere near shore though. I’m having a margarita at the Spinnaker to study the situation…
Thanks for the update and going out there to look for them. It’s a slim shot this time of the year but we can stay hopeful that something may emerge. Hopefully they move to ferry point and get their spawn on. Thanks again for sharing. –TLA
I was there’s on 2/15 at spinnaker as well and can confirm everything wry said. No action except outside of Richardson bay a big group of birds but way too far for shore angler to reach. Some boat were out there but were too far to see what they were doing ( at least without binoculars).
It’s dying down at spinnaker and Sausalito yacht club but it was definitely a spawn!
Does anyone have any thoughts about the chances of it happening again tomorrow? I’m dying to get enough to try smoking / kippering them.
I think it would be possible and definitely worth checking it out. Please let me know if the spawn is on.
Can anyone confirm if the spawn is on today? I am thinking to go over there this afternoon, it will be 1.5hrs drive for me though.
I don’t think anything so far, first time for me trying to get herring. But I’m standing here with binoculars and no large groups of birds.
It’s on at the spinnaker! Not red hot, coming in waves, but they’re here.
I can see people at Spinnaker on the Sausalito yacht club live cam and a couple of boats but can’t tell if they are catching. Sorry I haven’t been to active checking this year.
There are 2 boats casting but I don’t see them pulling anything out. The birds and sealions look busy. Maybe a small school.
Just saw a posting on Facebook and fishbrain regarding a spawn in Sausalito. Can anyone Confirm? Thank you.
https://youtu.be/utaG8IysWaI
I saw, too.
Herrings are coming back to Sausalito?
The YouTube poster said that the video was from Feb 13th 2021 in the comments section. This may be worth checking out around high tide today (1pm) and it looked like he was catching them around high tide from the video.
lots and lots of birds on the Spinnaker, at 7:18 on Sunday, I suspect a run is underway.
Only a couple of herring caught this morning between Spinaker and the sailboat docks No eggs on the rocks. Plenty of cormorants in the water no sea lions.
Just checked coyote point at 11am feb 12. Nothing. No eggs no birds.
We’re not done yet massive spawn located in Richardson Bay is occurring right now definitely fishable from boat or kayak more birds there then I saw in SF. It should get close to a few areas on seminary Drive what time you will be key.
They are currently sitting in the eelgrass that’s located in that channel right outside the houseboats.
From what place you saw them ?
Where is Seminary Drive?
Thanks.
Use Google map and enter “Seminary Drive, Mill Valley, CA”
I went there, and there was nothing!
Maybe false alarm just left there didn’t see any birds or eggs. With all the bird action looked to good. Even my brother thought it was on.
Cormorants and migratory ducks hang out in that section of Richardson Bay this time of year in large numbers. What you want to look for is surface diving cormorants moving in unison, they are following the school. Screaming gulls and dive bombing pelicans will do the same too.
The principal tell for Richardson Bay runs is the mix, number of and movements of birds on the roof of the Spinnaker, as seen from the Sausalito YC webcam. That day it was winter normal. If there is a run anywhere in Richardson you will see that roof jammed with resting seabirds.
Any news on Coyote Point?
For any of you Herring Hunters at Ferry Pt. Richmond. There was just a chevron oil spill at long wharf with the oil slick moving south all the way to Ferry Pt. (so far). Not sure if it will taint the Herring should they ever decide to spawn.
hi ken
yes. i just heard this on the radio and want to thank you for reporting. safety is important and many dont take the time to help the community out with good info.
thanks!
I just saw a post on the Fresh n Salty kayak FB group, saying there are herring near the Alameda Rock Wall (from about 2 hours ago). Can anyone confirm this (if you’re close by)? Thanks in advance!
gas and oil spill at the point Richmond Chevron refinery, long wharf, today 5 gallons a minute. .big sheen of petroleum product on the surface , live feed of the clean up effort on now…
https://abc7news.com/chevron-oil-spill-richmond-refinery-sf-bay-in-san-francisco/10324620/
no birds or seals feeding, keep waiting…
I was out at Alameda Rock wall at 12:30 pm today and saw no herring.
Any news on Coyote Point?
Confirmed! At the pier right next to the yacht club. Not red hot but slow and steady.
Just watched a fishermans life video, he definitely thinks he saw the herring spawning in Tomales whenever he shot his latest video…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsYpHq1zuDI doesn’t happen until the 19 minute mark.
I am a bird watcher living in Pt. Richmond and I’ve been waiting for a herring spawn in this area. On Sunday Feb 7 there was a huge raft of birds just offshore south of Chevron Long Wharf, actively hunting. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.
Thanks Anne. Keep us posted 😉
Folks might want to know that there has been an oil spill at the Chevron Long Wharf. The slick goes from the wharf to Keller Beach and along the park to Ferry Point. It looks pretty bad.
has anyone been checking ferry point richmond? my memory is that in past years superbowl weekend at neap tides is a common time for herring to visit richmond. that time is right now.
i hope theyre coming!
Went by there yesterday around 130 and found no sign
Any more action in the Bay? I finally have some time off tomorrow to at least go scouting.
Was wondering the same thing… We can’t know for sure.
Feb 4 2021 8:50 a.m. , I just went to Fisherman’s Park. No eggs. no signs. Nothing at Coyote Point either. I’ll keep checking. Gotta stay positive haha
First time for me, looking forward to try it out. Thanks for doing the scouting.
Nothing at Coyote Point, just left there.
Jan 31st 10am – Just went to fisherman’s near coyote point. Nothing new, no eggs no birds no sea lions. Water was clear which was cool because I could see the plentiful eelgrass in the area (check my Instagram story if you want videos of my reports, and of course I always post the written report on this awesome blog!) . FYI in case you didn’t know eelgrass is one of the primary spawning habitat for herring. A side thought : it’s good to note that the tide changes are intense this weekend, and historically herring are more likely to spawn during neap tides (as some of you have pointed out in this blog and that massive spawn in aqua vista last week happened during neap tides or “calmer” tidal changes). From what i see the next “calmer” tide changes are next weekend Feb 5-7 and then Feb 19-21. So hopefully we’ll all get another chance for some more herring🤞. Let me know your thoughts on this.
Personally i’m still confused about their spawning habits and tidal conditions, but it would be good to see if there is a direct correlation between the tidal coefficient and their spawning activity. I would say that the change of the tide does get them to go — right on the outgoing after the flood tide or at the end of the incoming before it goes to slack. Hopefully this community can find a definite pattern. However, like fishing, once you think you got them figured out, they throw you off. Lol. It is what it is. Thanks for sharing.– TLA
What is the deal with herring in Tomales Bay? Is that a thing?
I heard years ago there was a herring spawn in tbay. Not sure why it stopped? But there hasn’t really been a spawn that why that I know of. Lots of eel grass for them to do their business. Maybe there is and people keeping it it themselves??🤷🤷
There’s definitely a whole lotta herring in Tomales Bay, the schools whip the seals and sea lions into a big ol party that you can’t miss. You’ll see these parties outside the mouth, passing by the boathouse at Lawsons Landing, and heading up the bay. Must suck to be a herring. A couple of years ago a friend and I found the school in front of the Hog Island retail compound (not their farm in front of Walker Creek), and we threw a few nets at them, but I was herring clueless at the time so I don’t have much intel to offer other than that we got skunked. I didn’t know enough yet to look for eggs on seaweed or anything like that. And pathetically enough we didn’t even have a sabiki with us. My suspicion is they were there thick but hadn’t spawned yet.
I know a lot of fisherpeople on Tomales Bay and I haven’t heard any herring stories that aren’t decades old, but alas I don’t know why. But they sure were thick in front of Hog Island retail, and of course herring are creates of habit, so might be interesting to ask some of the people who work there?
I have a Boston Whaler that lives on the bay, if anyone has solid intel and wants to go chasing them, can always email me wrybread at gmail.
I just searched YouTube and someone posted this 13 hrs ago. Seals and sea lions hunt herring in tomales bay. https://youtu.be/C1dlmqFbI-Q
From the video I can’t tell the exact spot in Tomales bay, but seems there were very thick herring school coming in.
I couldn’t see any herring…is the dark clouds in the water herring? Or is that eelgrass beds? Obviously the title says they are hunting herring. Just could tell from the distance arial shots.
Herring spawning is taking place at Crescent city harbor now
The Herring are not actually Spawning at Crescent City Harbor yet.
A few small schools are Running around the Harbor right now.
The Sea Lions are chasing them around the Harbor and feeding on them.
The actual Spawn will probably happen in a week or two as more and
bigger schools come in.
You can watch some of the action on the Crescent City Harbor Sunset Cam.
It only shows the center of the Harbor so you will occasionally see some of the scattered action. When they are in thick the whole Harbor will light up with Sea Lions chasing and fishers catching with nets and Sabiki’s. Patience for now !
This afternoon at 3:00 PM people were catching with nets and Sabiki’s in Crescent City Harbor. Not wide open but a catching report from a verified source. So we are a go up here. We’ll wait and see if it lasts as long as last years month long Run and Spawn.
Caught about 7gallons per person for 2 people out at crescent city yesterday between 1100 and 1600. We had cast nets and were pulling in only 2-5 fish on most cast with a few casts with 15-30 fish. Those with sabikis weren’t catching much of anything.
Thank you for the info!
I noticed that there was no update.
The Herring are gone. They were mostly gone by Feb. 8th. It was pretty good and consistent from shore for about 4 days from Feb 3 to Feb 6.
Only a few stragglers were caught from boats and kayaks in the middle of the Harbor that day, Feb 8th.
This is one of the shortest and smallest runs in recent memory for Crescent City Harbor.
We have hopes that more will come in later but as of now it is done.
In past years there have been some smaller schools that come in after the main run.
That second run had stretched the run duration to over a month.
Those runs were when the total run was a month long and had a huge population.
You guys in SF were seeing the decline the last few years and so far for us that’s the same declining population pattern we are seeing in Crescent City Harbor now.
Nothing at Richmond Point/Brickyard cove area. Ton of birds as usual sitting on rock wall, but none working the rocks on shoreline.
Hopefully the rain will trigger the spawning!!! keep my finger cross
Point Richmond NOTHING
Checked Fisherman’s near Coyote Point at noon Jan 29 2021. Nothing, no eggs no birds. I threw my cast net a couple of times and came up empty.
Thanks for checking that out. I’m hoping for one more spawn for those that may have missed out.
Checked out fisherman point and coyote point Jan 30 at noon, high tide. No action, all quiet.
Went to Coyote point yesterday… no one home!
Checked out oyster point/ candlestick park/ peri 40 all the way down to Socoma… nada.! Anyone ever try treasure island?
Not much reporting on the website. Its either not begun, noting or over. Some how Moomoo get a call?
Im not necessarily looking for a huge spawn I just want to get out and catch some herring. It doesn’t have to be like 100 in each pull. Actually maybe just one or two with a pull. Does anyone know of a place where there still are herring.
The Herring Spawn has not really started in Crescent City Harbor.
There have been a few Herring caught from boats from the occasional small schools that have wandered into the Harbor. They are not there in large spawning numbers yet.
The Herring do Run way before the Spawn and can be all over the Harbor for weeks
before the Spawn. Last years run went on for about a month. They started to Spawn around the second to third week of the run.
Most of us got tired of catching Herring. With the 10 gallon limit this year we may have to
fish more often to get our fish for eating and our bait for the coming fishing seasons.
I typically divide my catch into 4 catagories: Food ( the largest Herring over 9 inches ), Small, Bait, Medium Bait and Large Bait.
They all get iced and brined as I catch them; A bucket of ice and salt to put the Herring into.
A large wide bucket to empty the net and a secondary bucket of ice and salt to put the Herring into to chill them and get them to stop thrashing to keep them from bruising and shedding scales. Nice clean whole Herring for bait.
It is typical for the Crescent City Herring Spawns to be two to four weeks behind
the SF Bay Spawns.
It is typical for Humboldt Bay Herring to Spawn one to two weeks after SF Bay.
The big advantage we have up here is that the Herring in Crescent City Harbor are
essentially fish in a barrel. They come in thick and fill up the barrel. Though some Spawning takes place outside the Harbor, most of it is inside the sea walls enclosing the Harbor.
Once all the netting is done, I will fish for them with a rod and reel. They are fun on light tackle; 3 lb test on a very light rod and reel. They fight, jump and run like Tarpon.
I will check the rockwall later. It is nasty out here so it’s not looking good.
Absolutely no sign of herring at the rock wall. Maybe they skipped it this year? No birds, no eggs, no white water, NO HERRING.
Late November/early December, see my post below
Just went to Fisherman’s near coyote point at noon just past high tide. No signs of eggs, no birds (I filmed it on my Instagram story in case you wanna see) . One person was cast netting but not getting anything. I asked him and he said he was getting anchovy but no herring by showing me his bucket 😂. So nothing yet from what I saw today. I’ll keep checking in the coming days!
Hello my fellow herring chasers, once again my yearly hopes for a fishy birthday has begun 😂 Feb 6 .lol. 🤞.. the fish usually have a party for me ( if I can make it or not ) down at point Richmond, ,around the first week of February. Having 3 young ones has made my chase game weak ,but i always TRY to take them to my 🐟 party🎉 lol.. I love The lost Anchovy and have started checking it almost hourly for the invite. ..thank you guys for being the best scouts and for any info about the horny party fish going to Richmond .. hope to see you guys soon.. keep up the chase!!!! …and THANKS AGAIN.
I was at point richmond this morning but still no invitation out…. everything is calm down there !
Any news for rockwall?
Checking it out later.
Brickyard cove today showed 0 signals
No birds no eggs nothing at all 🙁
Ya just got back from Richmond, nothing going on. Checked kelp n grass on shoreline for eggs. Nothing!! Maybe 20 birds scattered around with no seals insight. No water color change in close. It was top of the tide.
Not much reporting on the website. Its either not begun, noting or over.
Sorry for the newbie question: What is the legal mesh size for the cast net?
There is no legal mesh size specified by F&W as far as I know.
The suggested mesh size is to size it so the bait fish don’t get gilled and stuck in the net.
I use 3/8 inch mesh for Herring and Day Fish Smelt. 6 foot radius.
I use 1/4 inch mesh for Anchovies and Night Fish Smelt. 6 foot radius.
The smaller the mesh is the slower the net sinks.
The heavier the net is ( more lead ) the faster it sinks.
Where can you cast for the smelt in Bay Area?
Where are they spawning this weekend?
Hmmm what does that mean?? I thought I saw something going down around coyote but can’t confirm anything.
Is it over? Or are we still waiting? Alameda rock wall and coyote point have not had any action yet. Where are they headed next?
Alameda rockwall happens early in the season, in my humble opinion, so it won’t go off again this year. I personally found eggs while sabiki’ing for them on Dec 4, 2020 so the spawn happened before that. I could be wrong, and frankly hope I am, I live in alameda and have missed the spawn here for the past 4 years. It’s always over so early that no one is even looking in late November/early December so I think it goes mostly unnoticed.
Yes. Every Day. Coyote Point was “closed until further notice” after that super windy day last week-not sure if its back “open”-If you “know”, Coyote Point is never really “closed”. 🤫🤩😜🤔
Any action at the alameda Rockwell?
Has anyone been looking around coyote point area to see signs of a possible herring spawn
Hey Nick, I have been looking every few days since I live close by, there were no signs today.
I’m hoping that after the big rainfall and things clear up a bit, that the herring will emerge. I’ll keep you guys posted.
No spawn at coyote point today. Was there at high tide fished tell 3pm no fish. Should be here soon.
The “atmospheric river”, forecast for Tuesday night, is expected to bring significant rainfall. This will undoubtedly trigger more spawning events. No commercial pressure will allow for a more natural presentation of spawning events.. Keep watch on historical locations that have not received any action yet….
Typically, traditionally, and usually, the herring will only spawn once in a given location every season. If a spawning event occurred, and eggs were cast, it is likely that they will not spawn there again until next year. Still waiting patiently for Coyote Point area to go off……fingers crossed!
Hope so too! Finally got my net and they were gone from SF! Sabiki’d a few of them but getting 5 in an hour was not so efficient. Still fun though!
I tried for herring at Pier 38 in SF for awhile. It was epic yesterday (Sunday) but today was really slow. It was me and maybe 5 other people casting. Every now and again we’d pull up one or two herring, and a couple of times a 10 or 20, but mostly it was cast net practice. And the few times we’d get significant numbers a sea lion would steal them and rip the net, ugh.
Sunday was amazing though. Some vids:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKdTAqhhniE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
We just ate some super tasty grilled herring and I’d love to get another batch. Anyone have any theories about where they’ll be tomorrow (Tuesday)?
Well shoot, weather isn’t exactly ideal for fishing today. But if anyone happens to hear of a spawn today, please post.
I was at Agua Vista Park around 3 PM today. Lots of seagulls but no fish.
Ton of seagulls circling the Sausalito ferry terminal right now just before high tide. Sea lions thrashing too. There was a big floaty group of about 10-15 sea lions just drifting around yesterday morning, must have felt it coming!
Nothing at sausalito ferry building
Herring are at the Barrel House in Sausalito today. 3/4 bucket could have been more if I had a longer rope.
I was casting netting at barrel house around noon to 4pm i had to whip that cast net far out to get some fish
Spawn at elephant rock (by sausilito ferry terminal) earlier today. Looked like everyone was pulling good numbers from the fb post i saw from my moms friend about their bike ride which had herring netters in the background.
Got 4 buckets of 5gallons between my wife n I for 1 1/2 hours at 2:30pm to 4pm on Brannan Street wharf San Francisco bay. There was still heavy like 20 to 40 herring per cast pulled when we left. Go get them if you are still in need of herring.
Following up, a few people out here throwing nets, and picking up some herring. Not off the chain by any means but the tides coming in 🙂
Where in Sausalito?
Still on? Is this by the ferry?
South Bay .. should spawn by the San Francisco ferry building soon
Casted all over Sausalito for the last 1.5 hours. Caught 1 single herring around the eggs by the Sea Lion sculpture before I snagged and broke the net. Doesn’t seem like much going on. -Mark
Hey TLA,
Looks like even Bernie showed up to get some herring action!
Was he making sure the guys on the left had as many herrings as the guys on the right?
Hilarious!
haha FEEL THE BERN!
Spawn happen at Brannan street wharf at 2:30pm. Stay for 1 1/2 hours and got 4 buckets of 5gallons between my wife and I. There was still like 20 to 40 herring per casting when we left at 4pm. Go get them if you are still need herring!
I was at pier 53 (the area for monthly parking) earlier this morning around 11am, showed up on my scooter wasnt much fish then about 10 minutes later a small school of fish came in, an old an on the end manage to get his limit from his 12ft net, the school was ofcourse just chased in by a few sealion, def still herring but they are out there. this tla is good and all but it lacks alot of features like alerting you when someone post and attachments, letting users share photos. I scooter over to:
1. Agua Vista Park Pier, nothing
2. Boat launch, nothing
3. Pier 53, tons of people everyone was there
3. McCovy, there was nobody (i didnt cast my net and just left
Here are photos from this morning at around 11:30am to 12:pm
Photos were all taken from Pier 32
https://ibb.co/nngJsNc
https://ibb.co/VJZnHtt
https://ibb.co/tz9gWT1
Sporadic catches at Pier 50 on the Aqua Vista Park side. Folks are there elbow to elbow, casting and catching putting in work.
Big nets, close throws, and lady luck will put the bait in the bucket.
Just an fyi, over here in Sausalito and its looking like it will go off soon. Nothing confirmed, but a ton of sea lions prowling around
I’ll head over. Nothing at pier 52.
Nothing here at pier 52
Nothing at pier 50. 7:36am
Thanks for the update. Please keep us updated. Thanks
Nothing at Pier 52 at 8:00am
Are seagulls still there? thanks.
Nothing at Aqua Vista either
Any spawn sightings? I’m headed there this morning.
Here are my videos from 1/23/2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V45y7N-ziKc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrE-En_z-xU&t=2s
for those who are interested. i came late to the herring near pier 50 and started casting around 5:15. i got half a 5 gallon bucket by 6:45or so but the fish had thinned out by then. i didnt see anymore successful casts after that and left around 7:30. it was a fun time though and met some nice people. i hope maybe they come back though?
Hi Keith,
Have you tried casting from a boat? Is it legal to do so?
yes its legal to cast net from a boat.
Yes you can cast from a boat, there’s a few of us that do it. Just be careful of submerge piles and rocks. https://youtu.be/7ZWRlxQ9EZU
Hey everyone I wanna go out tomorrow on Sunday to get some herring anyplaces that I should be able to get herring trying to pop my herring cherry thanks
can someone please confirm if spawn is still happening at pier 52? at work right now and contemplating about leaving early to get some herring. any info is appreciated. thanks
Here’s a tip each night they will out towards along the shore the next day or to they should at the ferry building if there at 54 today
Seems Aqua vista isn’t very good today. I arrived Chase Center first at 9am, parked the car, and a guy told me it’s hot at pier 52/53.
I drove to Pier 53, https://goo.gl/maps/4mt3a7TLdWyTxTJT6
I believe this is the exact spot that TLA went to yesterday. Still millions of herring there. Got my 10gal cooler full in about 30min. Very excited this time, every throw came back with 10-20 fish.
Go get them ASAP!
It was not so bad. People were catching lots of fish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V45y7N-ziKc
@deck_rat was at Pier 52 and caught a 5 gallon bucket’s worth of herring in 15 min (12:30p-12:45p) today. Every cast came up with a couple dozen herring. Beautiful weather and a quick fun fishing trip. Thank you to everyone that helped scout and posted updates on the herring hunt!
We were at the Chase Center from about 10:30-11:27am. Filled two 5-gallon buckets in under an hour, even though the husband was casting badly. 😀
People need to get down hear now. Major spawn happening. People have probably caught 2000 pounds of herring in total. Probably going all day. Aqua vista park. Me and my friend caught 20 gallons in an hour. Lots of snags but there getting them all up the shore line and on the pier.
They’re out here right now just north of agua vista
Yep and at pier 52. Was Getting them every cast or so.
Do you think they’ll keep on spawning throughout the night. I might make a run to the pier at around 9 if they’re still spawning.
I would definitely try based on herring studies where they spawn mostly at night to avoid predators(no guarantees but worth a shot imo). Good luck!
Yes most definitely
Any evening action from Chase Center??? Is it still going? I didn’t see that much eggs yet.
I heard an interesting theory today, that because the commercial boats are MIA the herring are spawning deeper and more spread out. There is less pressure from the commercial fleet to push them closer to shore. Interesting idea not sure I agree but certainly plausible.
Yep! Still going strong when I left after midnight. Many thanks to Evan who showed me a waaaaay easier form of casting than I was using before.
Hey Ali, its Evan:) it was such an amazing night together, had lots fo fun casting 🙂 I’ll be there soon, heard theres an major spawn now in the morning time
Hi DK,
Thank you!
Yes, I got my cast net to Chase center. It is great!
Major spawn today at Chase center/agua vista. Was able to fill two buckets in 2 hours. Got most of them during 12-2pm.
Here’s my video from the same place at the same time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4SSrgnuXAg
Here is one more in a very slow motion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9TF0LaYQ5M
I think you have the date wrong in the title of the video!
Fixed. Thank you!
Since McCovey is just across the bay from ARW, I thought there might be some luck there. Dropped by the ARW/Encinal Beach during my lunch break and found nothing.
Jason, you are correct. I spotted herring eggs in the ARW area yesterday evening but haven’t found the precise spawn time yet. As far as I am aware of no one has been checking ARW thoroughly.
Filled 4 gallons in an hour! Chase Center NOW!
Done for the season!!! What an afternoon.
Shoulder to shoulder
Yup, it was on today & still going at 5:00 pm at Chase / Agua Vista. Plenty of fish & no seals.
Was at McCovey this morning, sporadic prespawn. Stayed a few hours didn’t get much. Hopefully it’ll continue to thicken ! Don’t give up guys they are there!
If you want herring get to the chase center in San Francisco ASAP
Update. Chase center is packed, but there is room. Looks like a major spawn, McCovey is closed cops kicking ppl out. Parking is limited. There is still very little eggs on the rocks, should continue and pick up. Get em!
Midnight, McCovey just picking up low tide herring in every throw.
Filled my bucket. No eggs at low tide this looks like the beginning of a major spawn. Spanning the entire shorline from ballpark to mission rock. In the past they have lasted for several days to a week plus we’ll see what hapoens this weekend huh
Any signs they are going further into South Bay?
Look like no parking spot, and there are homeless people. Any suggestions? I was thinking to go there after work today but it sounds like not very safe from other comments.
Want to get out there today! What tide/ time is best?!
Pre-spawn school at Mcovey during low tide. Able to get 2 buckets, all females were still full of eggs.
Confirmed at Aqua Vista but not full blown yet.
I’ve got some reports of something happening around McCovy cove to aquavista Park. No guarantees but give it a shot if you are near by —TLA
Spawn now in chase center (aquavista)
Confirmed, saw 3 boats there and 10 —15 people on the pier, not a lot of fish, maybe more fish as closer to high tide at 7:45pm
5:20 at aquavista park nothing but eggs and nets that i can see.no seals a bird or two no herring coming up .
Stayed at Aquavista till 8:30 cold and wet with net drippings i abandoned the post empty handed. Seals showed up and quietly patrolled the shoreline heading to McCovey Cove. They started barking around the boat launch area for a bit so i headed over to see if they were saying , over here ! No nothing i could reach just added a cup of water up each sleeve trying . one last stop at Mc Coveys but the rode no longer goes threw and dead ends with no place to park . so now we have to walk in from some place leaving your vehicle in a homeless no mans land while you walk in . If i can’t hear my door glass breaking then its to fare for me to leave my truck … Without seeing a bucket full of herring first . Then Id give the fake parking tenant homeless guy $20 to park it for me because my two empty buckets must be filled ! I need a fish friendly uber driver to take me around from spot to spot tomorrow . I never did get a visual of the cove . probably on all night to . ill head back first thing tomorrow morning and see . pleasant dreams everyone.
Bummer. I risked it (upsetting the homless parking tenant) and drove through the closed road and past the fences. Parked next to pier and luckily there was plenty of herring. Better than risk parking in no mans land with car out of sight. Paid off for me. I left shortly afterwards, with herring and no confrontations with security. Now i was the only one there, if 50 ppl do it I’m sure it will be a different outcome.
Also not as many seals. No spawn yet on rocks, or seaweed (confirming low tide pre-spawn same as reported earlier). I also got all of my herring deep off the end and at the bottom. I did see some herring shallow but they weren’t as thick.
To everyone else: some observations, i saw many ppl trying unsuccessfully at the boat ramp while there was clearly a lot of action there. I also saw some nets snagged by sealions. And lastly i noticed that some guys who joined me by MCCOVEY had some bad luck snagging some bicycles and making a lot of commotion. Between the bicycles and the headlights I’m not surprised the fish weren’t stacked up right under the pier and catchable at that moment. Some of them gave up shortly after because they thought it was “over”. (Literally Within minutes of catching 20-30 herring in previous casts including the cast that snagged a bicycle). I’m pretty confident it was not over, but perhaps the fish were scarred away at that moment from the commotion.
If you snag a bicycle its not your fault and it sucks, but its just a reminder that it pays to be a better fisherman and do the little things that increase your odds when you go at the end of day its still fishing (pay attention where the school of fish is at/moving about, don’t shine your headlights in the water non stop, choose the right size net, there is a time and place for a big net, and a time for the smaller nets, take your time setting up and getting a good “throw” etc the little things). Sure sometimes you get there when its so thick it doesn’t matter, but its not always like that. I was surprised how many ppl I saw who were unsuccessful last night. Hopefully they’ll get theirs as it seems it just started. /rant
Lastly thank you guys for posting all of the reports and hosting this message board. I largely owe my success to you guys, without these reports I wouldn’t have found out about these spawns until next week 🤣
Also, to anyone else out there who’s a net “rookie” like me dont feel bad i had some bloopers last night. I tossed my net off the rocks as far as i could going for the “deep”herring….but I forgot to tie off to my arm 😂😂😂
Threw my net straight in the water…luckily i had a 5oz sinker and a spool of line and my net rope floats. Don’t ask me why I did this three casts in a row before re-tying it to my arm better guess I’m hard headed.
Hey guys, I just came back from Fisherman’s / Coyote Point. No eggs no action. I casted my net a couple of times nothing. It was almost high tide. I’ll keep checking every few days.
I saw om fishbrain 1 hour ago that spawn is happening in SF off Embarcadero.
Any idea where on the Embarcadero?
Working close by. Going to check it out.
Don’t see any one netting at embarcadero. Could have happened earlier.
Going to check again after work.at incoming tide.
Here is my video from today
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhbK7fHyQ8A
It was around 3 pm. across of Chase Center.
I’ve wonder would it happening toward southbay this year?
Neap Tides? I can’t remember who or when but someone mentioned a possible correlation between herring spawns and neap tides. Does anyone know when is the next neap tide? Thank you.
Neap tides is when the difference between high tide and low tide are smallest, so the current is relatively stable and slow. If you follow moon phase, neap tides appear at half moon. Actually today and tomorrow can be considered as neap tides. Next neap tides is around Feb 2-4, then Feb 15-17.
Is the herring spawn really over for this year or still has hope? I would be too sad if it’s over…..
A bunch of gulls and seals showed up around Ft Baker and South Sausalito about an hour ago (4pm). Just took a look at the rocks around the Ft Baker pier and couldn’t see any eggs, but I’m gonna roll back through here tomorrow just before high tide for another look! Any body else seen signs around Ft Baker yet?
Any herring spawn update?
Any herring spawn update?
Eggs over here and bunch of seagulls by tiburon yacht club.
@Anthony can they allow public park and fishing or cast net there at tiburon yacht club?
There is public parking. No one here, throwing sabiki see if there are any fish around rn.
@Anthony any luck at Tiburon Yacht Club yesterday?
No luck and not for any of the other people there either
I kayaked out of coyote point today and can confirm no bird action from candlestick down to coyote point
Big spawn off Paradise Cay yesterday at the top of the tide…good netting late afternoon…quiet today, though still lot’s of bird and sea lions. 5:1 females to males…many females with immature egg sacks, so this may go on elsewhere for a while? Your thoughts?
Nothing at Paradise today
Richmond point. Nothing.
I left paradise and checked out the area near coyote point on the way back. Nothing there.
Paradise Update. There was absolutely no action and I left at 9 am. Never seen so much egg there before. I think it’s over but I could be wrong.
If you’re already there or heading there good luck, hope I’m wrong.
High tide is at 1:26 pm today. If it happens it will be about 12 ish at the end of the incoming. Then stop at the slack and start again at the out going. Just my Chovy prediction. Who knows what makes them horny? What does a Chovy know about a herring?? Lol 😂 🤷
Is there a preference for herring to spawn at high tide during the day or at night? I know it is easier for us during the day. But many fish spawn at night to avoid predators. Just curious.
At paradise now. No fish coming in, a few sea lions. Parking not viable, docks are packed
Yeh, you have been living the herring life since the get go!
I’m at Paradise now waiting in a long line of cars. If you are not here already you will most likely not get in.
I can hear the sea lions, but saw the birds north of the park.
Thanks for the update 😊.
Yeah I’m on the pier, nothing yet. Eggs every where from yesterday’s spawn. Sea lions and birds are about 0.2 mi out from the pier waiting.
It was/is on today at Paradise. Go get ’em!
Is there still spawning tomorrow morning? Went to work n missed out my chance…sad
There’s a good chance that it carries over. This was a major spawn event, the big one we’ve been waiting for, and I’ve seen it continue for several days a couple of years ago. Good luck!
Good luck! I hope it is happening.
Went to Spinnacker today. No birds or activity
paradise right now spawn
I’m on my way there now to check it out
Are you there yet and is it really happening?
Thanks.
Yes
Do you know if herring still spawn tomorrow morning?
^^TheLostAnchovy do you know if herring still spawn tomorrow?
Do they still open at 8am? Or earlier now?
Thursday 9:45 AM way too many birds in Richardson Bay passed all of the docs and houseboats closer to seminary Drive possibly wading small boat or kayak.
Hard to see fish but there’s way too much action. Looks like this area will go off.
Also tons of bird activity just outside the gate which is a usually a strong indication fish are coming in.
Thanks for the heads up. Based on past history these next upcoming weeks will be the bulk of the spawn. Let’s see if it will hold up. Looking forward to a few more spawns. –TLA
Can u pin point the location on Google map please? I am very new to all these location. I want to cast net at least once for some herring. Thank you
^^^STURGYTEES info mentioned above please?
@SEE, search seminary drive near richardson bay and you’ll see what STURGYTEES was talking about. Also, when the spawn is confirmed, TLA posts the google map location in the section above the comments. As you can see TLA posted Spinnaker and Paradise Park google locations.
@Noon, high tide-ish, Ferry Pt., no fish, no birds, no action,
I casted my net and looked along coyote point and fisherman’s , nothing. No signs of eggs and no birds either.
I forgot to mention, this was this morning Jan 12, around 8:00am.
No signs of herring in South Bay. Checked between HP and CP.
Nothing happening at Paradise today as of 2:00PM
Paradise: There was some action very early in the morning, then it died down, and after 11, about an hour after slack tide, herring started to show again in small schools. Intermittent action but those who stuck it out caught some. My hunch is that tomorrow or Tuesday is a big day at/in Paradise.
Beautiful location, beautiful fishery, beautiful people, beautiful blog – thanks, Mr. Chovy!
hi plankton and others
any reports today on the paradise pier situation? i was there sunday and just did some practice casting. would love to head back when its in full swing.
I was there 8-10am. we saw a spawn maybe 1 mile north of the park right at high tide by the private house piers. lots of birds, after 10 minutes they moved back out and then farther north. close but no cigar.
Thanks for the update guys! Hopefully it’ll pick up at paradise.
Rocwall Alameda nothing
Spawn at around noon. Sporadic but people are getting some. Managed to get a few. Third pillar (right side) at the pier seems to be the sweet spot. A lot of fishes are caught there.
Worked Paradise, Elephant rock and Spinnaker nothing at high tide. Two of us were throwing nets and my son drove the boat. Seen 4 fish caught at Paradise pier.
At paradise right now. Nothing. A lot of people here. I’ll be here until noon. Will keep everyone posted.
Nothing at coyote and fisherman’s park this morning ~7:30 am. Hopefully it shows up this year. I don’t think they showed up in South Bay for the past two years.
Paradise full of people, shoulder to shoulder. No herring yet.
My wife, daughter and I were on the jetty at Cavallo Point today snaring rock crabs since about 930am. The crab bite was hot (14 crabs snared today in only a few hours! Huge claws!) and I didn’t think to check here before heading back to the east bay! Had my cast net with me too and we drove right past Tiburon exit! Anyway, while at Cavallo about 200-300 years off shore I saw what looked to me like a herring running around 11am or so. Was too far out to be sure plus didn’t see much bird activity so focused on my crab snaring and didn’t think much of it…
I meant “yards” not “years” above…
Where’s Cavallo point?
Sorry, it’s actually Point Cavallo on Google
maps. Near Fort Baker.. The high-end lodge near there is called Cavallo Point Lodge this my mistake. Anyway on Google Map you can see the jetty just west of the point.
I can confirm Paradise is having a spawn. slow but people have herring.
Not sure if it’s worth while to come to Paradise. Only a few fish caught and now no more. the grass is coming up with only a few eggs so it could be ending or it could be starting. Someone here said the spawn started earlier in the day. FYI, the park closes at 5pm.
The spawn just started. Yesterday there was no spawn so today is the first day. My opinion tomorrow is the best day if you wanted to try for them. But I’m just a humble chovy. Good luck!!
I’m not too far from Paradise, so I plan to get there just before high tide at 8am when the park opens. Will report again then.
Didn’t get to elephant rock today.
I was at Elephant rock today with a few others between 4:45pm – 5:45pm and no signs of herring there
Anything there Moon?
I’m looking for a spawns at coyote point or across coyote point at Burlingame area or At&T park, mariposa pier area! Please let me know any updates!
I want to try tomorrow, 1/10/21, where exactly is this place? Paradise beach is too general; do you have the gps coordinates?
Thanks,
You have to wait for the tide to start flooding
I tried to make the mad dash from San Jose. Got word that they shutdown the gate due to too many people. Got diverted to Point Richmond. Nothing happening at Point Richmond. Time to go back home and watch some football.
Anyone around paradise and can confirm something is going on around there. It’s been fishy there the last few days. Let me know and I’ll update the blog. Thanks –TLA
I was at Paradise Yesterday afternoon. Will try again today.
Looks like there is a confirmed spawnin at Paradise Park today. I can’t Post anything useful until I get home but for those checking on this thread there you go
Nothing at coyote or fisherman’s park. Checked this morning at 7:30
Nothing at Elephant Rock. My daughter did get an anchovie.
Just Checked Paradise Beach. No fish no eggs.
Checked Coyote Point This PM. No signs.
Just got back from Ferry Point and nothing. No fish or eggs. Did they ever get there last year? Sounds like Sausalito happened or is happening. Need to check it out this weekend. Good luck all.
Nothing at Sausalito
Anybody check yellow bluff
Hi DavidL,
Please keep post the Coyote Point information, I’d like to go there.
Is it easy to pack there?
Thanks.
Samuel
Yeah it’s easy to park there. Also you can park beside coyote point so that you don’t need to pay their $6 entrance fee. Just check google maps and there’s plenty of parking along the shore.
Furthermore in recent years they have spawned in front of the Embassy (robert whooley pier, showboat/fisherman’s park as well as coyote pt. All easy access and parking.
Has anyone heard anything on if there spawning in Sausalito tonight
Patiently waiting for them to show @ Agua Vista…..
Yes it looks like Taku and Nick got a bunch from kayak around this time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRRqkpmvDEs
Where was it? Thanks
hey thelostanchovy, you should consider starting a Telegram for herring, massive community and instant alerts, photos sharing, discussion,
Down here waiting no fish yet. There’s about 100-150 people out here lined up all the way from the ferry terminal to Spinnakers. The suspense continues!
Am also at spinnaker, lots of people here. No luck yet.
Same. Nothing out here but people at 7:30. If you’re sticking around, good luck!
I made it out to Spinnaker late last night (Jan 5th) around 11:00 pm (just after low tide) and stayed for a few hours. There were eggs on some of the rocks and seaweed, although they weren’t particularly thick. It seemed like there were 2 main areas along the shoreline where they had spawned and the rest were bare. I’m guessing there’s still a lot more activity to come in the coming days. I made my way out to the casting point and eventually managed to net one or two dozen, but they were pretty sparse and never came in thick like they had earlier that day. You could tell when they were coming in close when the sea lions started chasing them around near the shore. To be fair I pulled out more herring from between the rocks than I managed to net (and I had to fight off some crabs for a few of them) but luckily they were all still fresh enough to use. I’ve gotten completely skunked the past few seasons, so I’m happy I at least have enough to make a few tasty meals for me and my family. I’m getting ready to cook up some of the milt and egg sacs as I’m typing this, so I’ll let you all know how that turns out.
Oh, and if anyone manages to get my cast net unstuck from the end of the jetty, I’ll trade you a herring for it. I tied it off with the hopes of coming back with a kayak during this weekend’s low tide.
Went to Spinnaker this morning to wait for low tide. Slim pickings on roe, but pickings were there. Definitely no herring sighting at this point. Here’s hoping for more runs. Good luck out there!
Many people at the ferry terminal in Sausalito seem to be convinced that they haven’t totally started spawning in Sausalito yet and that they’re gonna start spawning soon. Hopefully that spawn earlier was just an early one. I’m gonna go down there tonight after it rains today because that might have triggered the spawn last time.
I agree. I think these are pretty small spawns, but it’s a good sign compared to last year when it was trickle of a spawn. Good luck herring hunters!
Lots of seagulls in the water near Spinnaker but don’t see any signs of a spawn (I’m new to this, but everything’s pretty calm). Birds are diving for seaweed. I’ll be here for a couple of hours at least and will update if I pull anything up or when I take off.
If it’s going down it will be around 5:00 pm And later
Good to know! Thank you
I hope we spawn in coyote point this year i dont recall having one last year . good luck
wouldnt that be “they”lol
The Spinnaker, herrings arrived at 16:35, seemed all gone by 17:45. There were spawn happening, roe’s on seaweed. Saw several sealions hunting, almost no bird activity. This is my first time. I got 84 in one hour, far from reaching the limit, so maybe it’s not a big run. Many people lined up by the shore like waiting for a train, and hopped to action at 16:35.
Where is the location please? And are you netting from the short or on boat? It’s going to be my first time for herring and I would like to take my boys out for a try. Thanks
The Spinnaker, near the ferry pier. Please google it. Actually I think it is exactly the location in the photo at the top of this webpage.
From the shore. (Obviously there’s no guarantee that it will repeat tomorrow.)
I’m going to try my best to post real time reports when I go out that way you’ll know when/where while it’s happening. (Or not happening, i think that can save a few ppl from wasting gas or missing out. Next day reports are great and all but sometimes they’re gone the next day 🤣 I suggest everyone do the same!
Most folks, including me, seem to be shore netters. If people are using boats or kayaks, they usually say. If it’s your first time, wear boots with good non-slip cleats. It can get very slippery on the rocks, or even on the paved ledges along Bridgeway. Good hunting!
No signs, no birds in Coyote Point, Jan 5 5pm.
Given they were at Sausalito yesterday, do they tend to appear in other parts of the bay later in the week?
No they go the opposite way start in Sausalito.. go out the gate .. paradise goes around tibourn and out the gate .. south depends what it start s it goes out the bay .. there is school hanging around the piers and there not ready spawn yet it’s pretty good size my friend is one of the survey boats .. herring fisherman doing survey for fish abd game
4:47PM @Ferry Point, high tide, no birds or fish spawn.
Has anyone learned anything else about Sausalito and if the herring are spawning or not.
I’m not sure if it’s timing, but I’m a little alarmed males outnumber females 15:1 in my catch this year. But I don’t know much about herring so maybe this isn’t abnormal. Previous years seemed to be an even 1:1.
Also is anyone else finding the fish smaller and smaller every year? Nearly half my catch are the smallest size.
Outs side the ferry dock in Sausalito last night
What I saw last night looked normal, my bucket was 50/50 female/male. Which brings up a good point How many did you catch? Obviously the more you catch the better representation of what the ratio looks like.
Where did you catch your herring?
Went again this morning and I didn’t see anything or catch anything. Is that the end of the spawn or was that a small bit of them just spawning early?
There getting more now the tide is flushing them out of Richardson bay
Should be a start of the north/central bay spawn
They were getting them at the Sausalito Ferry terminal last night. I got there a little too late. The tide had already gone out. It was just a first showing-I didnt see any signs of eggs. More to come!
Hi, Was at Seal Rock 7:00 AM on 5th. No signs of a spawn. No birds. Nada!
I went tonight and they weren’t there. The guy next to me caught about 20 and I caught about 6. I am going to try tomorrow early in the morning. Some guys were saying that they were catching a lot in morning but there were very few when I went out. This is only my second year so I don’t know to much about herring but it seems like the haven’t totally started spawning yet around the ferry terminal. Hope it starts picking up soon.
From shore? Or from boat? I saw nothing in Tiburon today.
By sausalito is that by spinnaker or scomas or the whole shoreline?
thanks
Spinnaker. They were gone around 5ish
I misspoke. Herring is at sausalito! I got my 10 gallons
Can confirm! The water is white! Heading down near the ferry terminal now for a night run.
I want to fish for herring for the first time this year and Sausalito is the closest spot to where I live. I was wondering if this is the best place to get up to date information on when the herring are going to spawn in Sausalito so I don’t have to drive about an hour to realize they’re not there or miss the spawn completely.
I might be looking at the wrong spots but I’m here at Sausalito and I don’t see any signs of activity.
From what I heard they were spawning later in the evening. It is still early for larger spawns but hopefully they are there. I’ll drive around tomorrow and check it out myself. It’s a hit and miss with this fish. Keep looking.
Where is a good area to drive around, Richardson Bay? I’m off Thursday. Will drive around there and keep everyone posted.
thanks for the update
Rain, rain, rain all day, make the sturgeon come out and play!
Many thanks to everyone’s updates. Anyone know how to configure this so latest post is at the top? Early December posts aren’t much help on January 4th.
Hi Joe, i updated the comments sections per your request. I hope this helps –TLA
Still a ton of birds and groups of seals in Sausalito this morning. They’re sweeping back and forth from the seal statue to the inside of Richardson where the boats are moored, but I haven’t seen any spawn/feeding happening in earnest yet. The tension builds!
Thanks for the heads up ALI. Everything points to that general direction. I’ll show up tomorrow after i get some work done for a client. I’ll post up what i see.
Great! Also, at about 11 am today, just before the rain subsided, there was a group of 4-5 seals flopping around making a ruckus near the big buoy at the mouth of Richardson Bay. They were definitely munching stuff. I don’t know that the Big Sausalito onshore spawn has happened yet, but others may have seen it!
We netted lots of herring yesterday from our boat out in the middle of Richardson Bay off Sausalito. Where a lot of sailboats are moored. We fished where there a lot of seals and birds present..
Nothing at Coyote point, Checked midday today Jan 3 2021
I saw a big school of fish at close to paradise beach, many birds and seals are chasing. Moved toward Richmond bridge.
It might be herrings or sardines….?
Sorry bud. Stupid rumors. I will be checking the marin side tomorrow personally.
Nothing at alameda rock wall as of 2pm
It’s a rumor. Nothing at Agua vista and mc covey cove. There is no parking at Mccovey cove due to construction. Had to park outside and walked 5 minutes.
Just heard a rumor of herring at McCovey Cove
Checked Sausalito’s shoreline all the way to Elephant Rock this morning. No activities.
Git word today of a spawn at Paradise. Have not verified personally but fyi.
Anyone confirmed Paradise spawn?
My buddy Eddie went by paradise and Richmond yesterday and said nothing. He said there is a big raft on the outside of paradise.
They are floating around. I got some photos of eggs around Sausalito. Maybe a few small scouters.
Someone just posted on the Facebook group “Pacifica pier fishing and crabbing” a cooler full of herring. No mention of spot but it looks like fishing from a pier so perhaps point Richmond or paradise
Just drove along AT&T park and saw no signs of activity
Decent bird action in California City right now. Has all the looks of a trace activity. Could just be jacksmelt
Quite a bit of bird activity in Tiburon the last few days. Looks like they are waiting for something to happen…
https://video.nest.com/embedded/live/Yp8Qli3mWB?autoplay=0
That’s an awesome cam!! I’m in Mill Valley and have been driving by each day, this will save a bit of effort.
The first quarter moon phase in January is on the 20th. Dont expect much until then-unless we get a serious deluge of rain
Slow near sf giants stadium… nothing near mission rock either
I am new to this, but do you know if herring come into Half Moon Bay/Princeton pier and Moore Street pier over in Sausalito? Thank you
Herring don’t usually show up at hmb/Princeton pt harbor but they show up in Sausalito for sure.
herrings do not come into Half Moon Bay. they need to find the proper vegetations to lay their eggs. in the past schools of sardines had come into HMB. There are schools of anchovies in the Bay, even now.
How do you look for herring? Just look for birds?
Went by coyote again this morning. No signs at all, no gulls, no birds, and no seals
Spent Saturday afternoon (2:00 – 4:20pm) over in the Paradise / Cal City zone. All quiet there
I don’t know if this has been discussed before.
Last year I got to my favorite spot to throw a cast net off the docks.
It was early and dark. There were a few nets being cast and they were loading up.
I realized that the lights at the docks may have been attracting the Herring into the docks.
There may be less people after dark so I’ll have lots of room throwing a net.
I like to wear a PFD with a strobe just in case I slip and fall into the dark cold water.
I have since made a water proof very bright LED submersible light that I can run off a battery bank jump starter.
I plan to go out after dark and set the light off the dock and see if the Herring show up.
This is after I hear of a report of Herring in that general area.
Which dock? 😉 But on a serious note, I’ve seen curious fish come to a bright spotlight at night so I’d think that would work if they’re in the area.
Merry Christmas! Nothing at coyote or fisherman park today. It’s windy and drizzly this morning. The shoreline at fisherman park finally opened a few weeks back and they did a good job in cleaning it up.
All quiet at coyote this AM
Went by Kincaids and showboat at 3pm today. No signs at all, no seals, no gulls
Woooo it’s the most – wonderful – time of the year. Herring season!
I guess the cdfw herring tracking WordPress blog is gone for good?
I went looking for it and sadly find nothing… If anyone has info I live to hear it.
BTW – This rain could mark the beginning… 21:44 and there is a lot of bird action in the bay off the end of Pier 50.
Richmond Point. December 20, 1 pm, Nothing
Neap Tides? I can’t remember who or when but someone mentioned a possible correlation between herring spawns and neap tides. Does anyone know when is the next neap tide? Thank you.
Drove by Sausalito, Paradise and San Quentin and saw no signs today.
Went to Fisherman’s park at 4pm today. No signs at all, no birds, no seals
Fished Fishermans Park this morning during the high king tide, observed lots and lots of cootie bird flocks heading towards Coyote Point. It started raining pretty hard-no signs of eggs yet, but with the amount of birds moving in, something could be shaping up-will check at low tide this afternoon. Fingers crossed!
Hi TLA,
I am happy to report here. I checked ARW/Balena over this week each morning but nothing obvious to report. The water appeared cloudy and there appears to have been a spawn but not in that area obviously now. The radio chatter one morning was that someone located some out past the second wall but it was a bit too deep and honestly a bit further then i’d wanted to go on my kayak on a whim.
Thanks TLA. I discovered Kayak fishing from observing your annual tournament at ARW as a shore fisherman. I feel like it’s been a decade since. I am glad to see you are still active for the community.