Thread is CLOSED FOR THE YEAR
Welcome to the 2026 Herring Spawn Report!
This page is dedicated to helping anglers get on the herring spawn. If this is your first time chasing the spawn, I recommend patience — it takes time to understand the madness of this fishery, but the reward is worth it!
This annual tradition has grown into a fun and exciting ritual, enjoyed by both dedicated herring hunters and newcomers alike. Join in! If you have updates, sightings, or photos, feel free to email them to me at [email protected].
This thread relies on community participation to make it work — thank you to all the dedicated herring hunters! For the best coverage, I recommend following this thread along with my updates on Instagram and YouTube, where I post the most reliable and up-to-date information.
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2026 Herring Spawn Report
Feb 24, 2026
There have been a some spawns up a crescent city lately, but over all the Spawn for this year is pretty much done. Thanks for all the active herring hunters this year and I will be closing this thread! I will see you guys next DECEMBER!!
HERRING REPORT THREAD CLOSED
Feb 11, 2026
Herring hunting has slowed down in the Bay, with the larger spawns already behind us.
Normally, the “HOT” window starts after January 15th. That doesn’t mean the fish have stopped spawning altogether — it just means the frequency and intensity tend to decrease as we move into February.
From reports and comments, it looks like the northern fish (Crescent City) have started to show. Those spawns typically come later, after the San Francisco Bay spawns wrap up. For now, it seems like we’re seeing more of a trickle. I’m hopeful that could translate into a larger spawn later in the week for those guys.
I’ll leave this thread open until the middle or end of the month, then close it out for the year.
On my end, I do feel like this year’s herring spawns were bigger and more frequent. In the long term, that’s a good sign for the population. That said, the overall numbers are still much smaller than in years past. All we can do is hope for continued recovery in the fishery. That’s all for now.
Good luck, Herring Hunters.
— TLA
Update January 24, 2026
Sorry I haven’t posted much lately, but after the large ARW herring spawn that lasted nearly four days, the fish have gone back into hiding again. There have already been reports of fish showing up in Humboldt and beginning to pre-spawn. We are (hopefully) looking for another large spawn, or even a few smaller ones, but historically the spawns tend to slow down as we move into February.
The most likely locations continue to be Pier 50/52 or Pt. Richardson (Ferry Point). I think the majority of herring hunters are focusing their attention on those two locations, but we are still continuing to scout other areas. Hopefully, with the upcoming moon phases, the fish will start to get active again—but then again, they could already be out the gate. We’ll just have to stay tuned and keep looking.
—TLA
Friday January 16, 20206
There was a spawn yesterday starting at low tide in Alameda (AKA), the Alameda Rock Wall. The fisherman have been working along the Rock Wall and casting out as the fish start to move in and spawn on the rocks.
The place is snaggy so make sure to bring waders and a pole to pull out the net from the rocks incase it gets snagged. The area closes at 10 pm. so just be mindful of that. Good luck –TLA
Update January 12, 2026
From all accounts, herring activity has slowed significantly over the last few days. This is typical sex herring behavior. We usually have about a three-day window from the first day a school shows up to spawn until that specific spawn is finished. Like it or hate it, that’s simply how they behave.
In the meantime, here’s a fun video from my full-day trip on January 9, 2026. It was tiring but absolutely worth it, and it gives a real-life “day in the life” perspective of a herring hunter.”
Enjoy!
— TLA
January 11, 2026
It looks like after three days of herring action, the fish have finally slowed down and gone back into hiding. This morning, I checked the docks and nearby land areas and only found two sardines and one herring. However, around 11 a.m., a group of fish popped up on the Belvedere side of Richardson Bay, and some boats and kayakers were able to get into them.
Just like typical herring behavior, as soon as they showed up, they disappeared. That may change from day to day, but for now, the action has slowed down in my opinion. Let’s wait and see when the fish decide to pop up again. I’ll do my best to keep these reports updated.
— TLA
January 10, 2026
THE SPAWN is on in Sausalito! I spent the whole day scouting them and this MORNING Sat. January 10, they started spawning on the ROCKS at spinnaker. Target the high tide changes, but its been going in the morning. if you want Herring it’s best to go get them now!! Please check my social media (Instagram/ FB and youtube) for quick updates. It takes me time to get to my computer.
I do try to give you guys what i know; when i know it. Good luck! –TLA
December 12, 2025
The herring have arrived in the Bay! We now have multiple confirmed reports.
The first location is usually in the South Bay at the Alameda Rock Wall, but those early schools tend to be smaller and harder to catch. I recommend waiting until the larger bodies of fish arrive in mass around January into February.
I do have some dates in mind for when I think the fish will show up and begin to spawn. Last year they spawned around January 16, 2025. I still need to review the conditions, so for now let’s stay patient. NOTE – most of the activity will not occur until January. This thread will get busy when that happens, so until then just take time to enjoy the holidays.
— TLA
December 25, 2025
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 🎄 And we have some great news — the herring are in town, and people are already catching them!
The fish are moving around Sausalito, from Spinnaker to various docks throughout the area. I don’t believe they are spawning yet, but they are catchable as they move from dock to dock.
This is the first solid showing of sex herring in the Bay, with confirmed reports of successful netting. January is typically the most productive month of the year, but conditions can always change. We’re hoping for a spawn, though the next few days are forecasted to be windy and rainy. If you plan on heading out, please be careful and wear proper rain gear.
I recommend walking the docks until you see a group of seal lions or birds working the fish. If they are near, then try throwing a few times to see if you get on them.
I’ll continue to post updates as I get more information and on-the-water reports.
Good luck, herring hunters!
— TLA
December 26, 20254
Hey guys it’s Chovy with a quick herring hunters report for Friday December 26. Christmas Day has brought us some good herring hunting reports from Sausalito. The fish are in and they have been active. There has been steady reports from land and from boats through the day on the 25.
The guys who have been fishing in the evening and during the tide changes have had mix and good results depending when the fish swim through. The bigger fish spawners with the eggs have shown up and they are spawning and laying eggs on the eel grass and structure.
There has been action from Spinnaker to Dunphy Park with many hunters waiting along the shore line until the fish come within striking distance.
Some of the nets are getting 1-5 fish but many are limiting on 2 buckets when putting in the time and effort. While others are able to pull 1/4 or 1/2 bucket depending on the action. It can be hot for some and ok for others.
I hope this paints a realistic – on the ground report rather than cherry picked reels on social media. The fish are definitely there and active (For now,), but you still got to put in the work; so good luck and tight lines –TLA
January 8,2026
Over the last few days some of us have being going at night and morning along the shore line, but it has been slow, BUT today it looks like the fish turned on!! I was not there but I have been getting steady reports that the fish are active but only within BOATING distance. I think the land guys will have a SHOT too. I will go tomorrow and provide a LIVE REPORT (GOOD OR BAD) on my social media. (FB and Instagram). Stay tuned –TLA
December 29, 2025
After a few days of action, the sex herring have slowed down in Sausalito. This is typical behavior around this time of year. January has historically been the most productive month of the spawn, and I’m anticipating larger shoals moving in soon.
Those who have followed me for a while know that I’m a firm believer in a spawn occurring around my friend Thuy’s (Fishing247) anniversary on January 15. To prove my point, last year we found them in Sausalito on January 16—so fingers crossed the pattern holds.
Where are the fish? That’s a good question, and I may have an answer… maybe. Over the years, many of us have marked large schools of “something” laying in the deep channel at Belvedere Point. Without the ability to cast net in deep water, we could only speculate. This year, however, we brought sabikis and confirmed that those massive schools are, in fact, herring.
That said, they are highly non-reactive to lures—even sabikis to an extent—and they quickly swim away from any potential threats. For now, everyone (sea lions, birds, herring hunters, and other predators) can only wait patiently until the fish move out of the channel.
Here are some fish finder images showing massive schools sitting in about 40 feet of water in the channel.
I’m hoping for a showing around January 4 or 5, and another around Fishing247 anniversary. I have my own (somewhat crazy) speculative reasons for thinking this way, but that’s an article for another time.
Good luck, herring hunters.
– TLA
Crescent City Harbor just started today. Small schools reported. 10 gallons in 4 hours from a boat; Net and sabiki. In the main channels and outer Harbor. They are not by the shore yet. I expect more people will be actively fishing for Herring in the next few days.
Anybody catching in crescent city yet?
No reports from Crescent City Harbor yet. Rumors abound but no real hard evidence or confirmed reports. People are occasionally scouting and or waiting for the word. The word will get out fast locally. The normal window for them to show up isn’t over yet. They have shown up as late as March. A typical start date is around the middle of February.
Just thought I’d give an update form the Humboldt Bay Herring Run.
This was one of the best Herring Runs we have had in a really long time.
The major part of the run went on for two weeks in the main channels in the middle of the Bay.
The last couple of good days had sonar returns showing mountains of Herring on the bottom of our Bay Channels. It was as easy as finding the sonar returns and throwing the net.
3 to 4 gallons of Herring per toss.
Having a fast sink 8 foot net really helped as the water was from 25 to 40 feet deep.
The hardest part was cruising around the Channels until we saw a good sonar return.
There wasn’t any really good bird or Harbor Seal activity that was observed.
A few days after our last trip, I saw what looked like a massive bird and harbor Seal congregation in one of our Bay Channels. It was a good 100 yards by 400 yards wide.
It was speculated that the Herring were in critical mass heading further into the North Bay to Spawn.
Since then, the Herring were spotted closer to the Bay entrance. It is thought that they were congregating before they headed out of the Bay to migrate further North along the coast. Possibly headed up to Crescent City Harbor; Or, at least that’s what the C City locals hope.
Great report!! Thank you.
Thanks for the lengthy and detailed report. It’s been a tad slow here after the ARW run but glad it’s going down up there
Richmond jet wall right now left of pt. Pier but I cant do that walk so have fun people wish I didn’t have to miss them im leaving pier now gonna do a drive by and see how bad the walk is the birds are going crazy about half way down if ur able handle it 🐟🐟
Just curious to any biologist out there, does the same school of fish that spawn in Sausalito goes around ARW, Richmond and to Pier 50? Or they are different school?
It’s happening now just around the corner from Keller Beach in Pt. Richmond. Lots of birds and sea lions.
Found them still spawning in belvedere cove pushed right in at beach road around the high tide this morning
Cruising Belvedere now. Cove is quiet and so is the west side of Belvedere 🤞
Thanks for the update
Bird activity and sea lions around the corner from Keller Beach in Pt. Richmond. Right now.
You think they be at arw tomorrow Sunday?
It’s hard to say since tomorrow will day 4 which statistically isn’t your best day. They usually stop in 3 days but anything can happen. Just gotta go to find out
Where are the herring as of now? I’m not sure where to go to get these fish…
They disappeared until the next spawn… “if” there is a next spawn. It could also be over.when I get details I literally post on the report the area and location. Follow it. Good luck
Where are the herrings today? Sausalito?
At the end of ARW, 10:50am, nothing going on yet.
I think it’s over at ARW. Heard there was some fish caught near elephant rock area by the yacht club. Look for the sea lions roaming around
Beach rd Belvedere at 10am they’re up against sea wall
Got a limit at Alameda Rockwall at the very end in the channel. Was a BEAR trying to walk that weight back to the car. Not a good idea, especially in the dark.
They were spawning when I arrived at 5:30-6pm and heard they were spawning prior. The fish disappeared around 7pm.
Friday 1/16 Tiburon: major pelican action between ferry landing and Elephant Rock. Spawn underway in Belvedere Cove–or happened last night. Seals and gulls active and possible schools of spawning. Maybe Tiburon tonight worth a look toward high tide?
It’s been going off at Alameda Rockwall you may one more day tomorrow. Maybe…
Was out there today (Sat 1/10) 12pm-4pm and left with a single (un)lucky herring. Chased the birds diving with the other boats, but everyone I talked to struggled to get anything. Lots of eggs in the eelgrass and fish being caught by the birds, but perhaps not a full spawn yet?…
Tried Spinnaker, Belvedere, and the Yacht Club. All over the place!
(Correcting typos)
I live on Bridgeway in Sausalito and I’ve never seen such a crazy feeding frenzy. They’re within 5 feet of Scoma’s. 20+ seals and a zillion pelicans. Wish I could share some of my pics. 10:00 am on Saturday 10-Jan.
Thanks for the update! Its been going off. I hope people get their fill
Hi everyone. Saturday night 1130 to Sunday 530 am. Thought I would try the incoming tide. 6 hrs of casting net at Spinnakers yielded me 3/4 bucket. Definitely needed endurance and patience for that. Perfect weather, long trip, 3/4 bucket was worth it!
Some days it takes a lot of endurance Chris. Some days it comes fast and furious, but spending time out there is priceless, IMHO. Meet so many great friends and people on this hunt. I cherish it all.
I live on bridgeway is Sausalito and I’ve never seen such a crazy feeding frenzy. They’re within 5 feet of Scoma’s. 20+ seals and a zillion pelicans. Wish I could share some of my pics. 10:00 am on Saturday 11-Jan.
So they bite at falling tide too?
I don’t think anyone really knows. Can’t really time it like the stock market, just gotta get the best intel you can and roll the dice. Could be your lucky day, or not haha
If in doubt…head to Richardson Bay by boat/kayak and don’t follow the birds…look for the seals on the coast of Belvedere. The herring are staging for a spawn….caught 3/4 bucket this afternoon about 30 yards from shore. Spawn Sat or Sun? BTW a 3/4 bucket=188 herring
Glassing Richardson Bay from a roof in Pac Heights. Birds are lighting it up.
Close to shore?
They were located on the Belvedere side of Sausalito. Mainly kayaks and boats were able to get them. I’m keeping an eye on when they will spawn near shore and keep you guys posted
They are going off from shore. Where’s your post Keith? Not very helpful imho
I’ve been posting on my social media all day yesterday. I have to get to my computer to post on this thread. Use it to learn and communicate with others.
Wow what an entitled jerk lol
Got about a 1/4 bucket off the spinnaker tonight on the incoming tide. About 1 every other throw, they weren’t spawning but was still able to get a few that were schooling up close to shore.
Quick report, lots of pelicans and seagulls diving out at ARW yesterday, Jan 2 about 4pm near low tide. It was too far to reach without a boat and the launch was closed, but it looked an awful lot like a herring frenzy. I’d be surprised if it was just an errant anchovy school.
Is richmond popping i heard it was starting there but im tryi g to comform first
Just got back from spinnaker. Caught 10 herring. Averaged maybe 1 every 4 throws. From the herring I got the females were swollen with eggs. Don’t know too much about their reproductive system but assume when they’re that swollen they have to spawn soon. Heading out tomorrow on the high tide to see if the school pushes closer
Thanks for the report. I’m hoping the king tides will kick off the run. Fingers crossed
I am willing to lead a Throw (Cast) Net Clinic at Martin Luther King Park in Oakland close to the Oakland Airport on Doolittle Drive.
Clinic will be at the park picnic area just North of the Kayak/Canoe Boat Ramp.
Because of the weather dates would be:
Friday Jan. 2 @ 11 AM – Superfish
Tuesday Jan. 6 @ 11 AM
Sat. Jan. 10 @ 11 AM.
Need at least 5 people (more is always welcome) to hold the Clinic.
We will start on land and get the basics down than move over to the ramp and catch live bait.
Reply here if you want to come.
You will be an expert after attending this clinic.
I’d like to come on Friday.
Maybe not
My lady and I would also like to come Friday!
Perhaps I can make it on January 10th.
I can make it on January 10th.
Perhaps I can make the 10th.
I’d like to come on the 6th. Let me know if it’s ok
would love to come. which side of the park would you be at ?
I wish I would have seen your message earlier. I would love to go if you have one in the future.
All quiet at Point Richmond right now. No birds no seals no herring
Thanks for the update. I think the Majority of the fish are still in Richardson Bay. I’m hoping the next few days will produce favorable conditions for them to get active.
My understanding is there is only one commercial boat who will be fishing this season.
Keith, thanks for the realistic Herring report for Friday Dec 26th.
He reported all of the key indicator that I pay attention to: Spawning, Eggs, From shore, ect.
I understand that he doesn’t want to over state ” Spawn ” and have disappointed Herring trips happen. It’s just the facts and everyone can decide for themselves. I like that approach.
For me, the fact that the Herring are already spawning is a sign that you better get on them now.
It could be quick and over or is may be the start of many runs and spawns around the Bay.
For me, I’d hedge bets and get on them sooner rather than later.
I myself have waited too long some years and missed some good spawns and seen the runs and spawns not materialize later. Go get em !
They are staging in the deep channel. I’ll wait them out and give you guys as much accurate details as i can as it comes up.
It is common to see some early schools off of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. I’d see them from there on over to Racoon Straight. It was as if they were massing just outside of Richardson Bay before they went in closer. I would occasionally see the commercial boats cruise on by to check out the size of the schools before they decided to start netting them. Once they reach critical mass, then all hell would break loose and the commercial boats would be out there 24/7 with their nets. I miss the excitement and anticipation. I don’t miss the all night and day netting activities, as they would be so noisy they would keep me up some nights. It was like a city ON the bay with all the lights from the boats. I hope you have a good season this year. The Herring Run abundance goes in cycles. You are due for a good one.
After these rains it should mess with the salinity a bit and bring them closer into Richardson bay. I missed them last year, this year I am taking the kayak and not waiting for the shore spawn. Looking forward to herring bait and maybe some food too.
Confirming that herring are definitely in the bay! Came across a large mass of diving pelicans and seal activity just outside of Richardson Bay in about 90 fow near the water treatment plant. Seemed fishy so I tossed my net and caught my first of the season around 4pm. Not a lot of fish in the net but It was nice to see that the herring have returned.
Hey TLA, thanks for opening the page. I’m going to agree as the last three days there’s been more bird activity right outside the Golden Gate with today being the most..
The spawns last year were for the most part weak amd looking back on my notes. It looks like Richardson Bay will be loaded within a week or so..
I sure would like to see Paradise or and the Chase Center go off this year. Fingers crossed.
I’ll definitely keep you all in the loop as the date approaches. I’m planning to ramp up my efforts in the last week of December and into early January. I believe that should be a great window to start looking for potential candidates.