What Pacific Herring Are and Where They Live

Pacific herring are small, silvery fish that school in massive numbers along the coasts of the northern Pacific Ocean. They range from California north through British Columbia and Alaska, and across to Russia and Japan. In North America, the largest populations live in Alaska's bays and estuaries, particularly around Southeast Alaska, Prince William Sound, and the Bering Sea.

Herring rarely exceed 12 inches in length, though some populations grow to 15 inches. They spend most of their lives in open water but move into shallow bays and nearshore areas in winter and early spring to spawn. This spawning run is when most recreational and commercial fishing happens. The fish are oily and rich, making them excellent eating fresh, smoked, or pickled, and they are a keystone food source for salmon, halibut, cod, and marine mammals throughout the Pacific.

Key Takeaways

  • Pacific herring spawn in winter and spring in shallow bays, making them accessible to shore-based and small-boat anglers during these months.
  • Herring are caught with small jigs, spoons, and herring rakes (specialized multi-hook rigs that snag fish rather than hook them in the mouth).
  • Alaska has the most consistent herring fishing, with seasons in Southeast Alaska, Prince William Sound, and Kodiak Island running from December through April depending on location.
  • Herring are a bait fish as much as a table fish—many anglers catch them to use for halibut, salmon, and lingcod.
  • Regulations vary sharply by state and region; some areas have no herring season, while others limit catch to a few pounds per day.

Herring Seasons and Regional Timing

Herring seasons are tightly tied to spawning runs and vary by location. In Southeast Alaska, the primary season runs from December through March, with peak fishing in January and February when herring move into bays like Sitka Sound, Juneau area, and Ketchikan waters. Prince William Sound (near Valdez) has a season typically from January through April. Kodiak Island herring fishing peaks in March and April.

Washington and Oregon have limited or closed herring seasons for recreational anglers in most years. California allows herring fishing in a few bays, but seasons are short and catch limits are small. British Columbia has recreational herring seasons in select areas, primarily around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, running from March through May. Check your state or provincial regulations before planning a trip, as seasons close and reopen based on stock assessments, and some areas have no recreational season at all.

The best time to fish herring is during the spawning run when water temperatures drop and fish move shallow. This typically means late winter in Alaska. Early morning and late afternoon produce better results than midday, and overcast days often outfish sunny ones.

Tackle and Techniques for Catching Herring

Herring are caught with three main methods. Jigging with small spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) and jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) works from boats and docks. Cast or drop the lure near schools and retrieve with a steady, rhythmic motion. Herring respond to flash and vibration, so silver and white spoons are reliable choices.

The herring rake (also called a herring skewer or herring stick) is a long pole with multiple small hooks arranged in a circle. You lower it into a school and jig it vertically, snagging fish rather than hooking them. This method is highly effective during spawning runs and is legal in Alaska and some other regions, though it is banned in others. Check local regulations before using one.

Small flies and fly-fishing techniques work in shallow bays, particularly for sight-casting to visible schools. A 6 to 8-weight rod with a sinking line and small herring or sand eel patterns can be productive. Light spinning tackle (4 to 6-pound test) is standard for jig and spoon fishing. Herring are not strong fighters, so the tackle is more about casting distance and detecting bites than fighting power.

Where to Fish for Herring in Alaska

Sitka Sound (Southeast Alaska) is one of the most reliable herring destinations. The town of Sitka has direct access to spawning herring, and charter boats and rental skiffs are available. Fishing is from boats or from the docks and beaches around town. The season runs December through March, with January and February as peak months.

Juneau area bays, including Auke Bay and Taku Inlet, hold herring runs. Access is by boat from Juneau, and several charter services operate during the season. Ketchikan area waters, particularly around Behm Canal and nearby bays, have herring runs from January through March. Prince William Sound near Valdez offers herring fishing from January through April, with access by charter boat or rental skiff from Valdez.

Kodiak Island has herring runs in bays around the island, with March and April as the prime months. The town of Kodiak has charter services and rental boats. These areas require either a charter boat or your own vessel; herring do not school in areas accessible by wading or shore casting in most cases, though some bays near towns have limited shore access during peak spawning.

Regulations and Licensing

Alaska requires a saltwater fishing license for all anglers 16 and older. Licenses are available online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website, at sporting goods stores, and at some lodges and charter services. A three-day nonresident license costs less than a full-year license if you are planning a short trip.

Catch limits for herring vary by region and season. In Southeast Alaska, the daily limit is typically 50 herring per person during open seasons, though some areas have lower limits. Prince William Sound and Kodiak have their own limits, which change year to year. Some areas have no recreational herring season at all. Regulations also specify which methods are legal—herring rakes are allowed in Alaska but banned in Washington and Oregon.

Check the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or call the regional office before your trip. Regulations change annually based on stock assessments, and some seasons open late or close early if spawning runs are weak. Guides and charter operators know current rules and will keep you compliant.

Herring as Bait and Food

Many anglers fish for herring not to eat them but to use them as bait for larger fish. Fresh herring are excellent for halibut, lingcod, and large salmon. A whole small herring or a herring fillet rigged on a circle hook will catch halibut in deep water and lingcod on rocky reefs. Herring are also used as chum—ground or cut into pieces and scattered to attract fish.

As food, herring are best eaten fresh. They spoil quickly, so keep them on ice immediately after catching. Whole herring can be pan-fried, smoked, or pickled. The flesh is oily and rich, with a strong flavor that pairs well with vinegar, mustard, and herbs. Many anglers fillet them and freeze them for later use. Herring roe (eggs) is a delicacy in some cultures and can be harvested during spawning season, though regulations on roe collection vary by location.

Access and Logistics

Most herring fishing in Alaska requires a boat. Charter services operate out of Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Valdez, and Kodiak during herring season. A half-day charter typically costs between $150 and $300 per person, depending on location and boat size. Skiff rentals are available in larger towns and usually run $200 to $400 per day. If you are flying to Alaska, plan to arrive a few days before your fishing date to account for weather delays.

Herring fishing is weather-dependent. Bays and sounds can be rough in winter, and some days will be too windy or stormy for safe boating. Charter operators will cancel trips if conditions are unsafe. Bring warm, waterproof clothing even if the forecast looks clear—spray and wind chill make herring fishing cold work. Accommodations in Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Valdez, and Kodiak range from budget lodges to upscale hotels, and booking ahead is essential during peak herring season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I catch herring from shore?

In a few locations, yes. Some bays near Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan have herring that spawn close enough to shore for casting. However, most herring runs are in deeper water or further from land than shore-based anglers can reach. A boat gives you access to far more fish and is the standard approach.

What is the difference between a herring rake and a regular fishing rod?

A herring rake is a pole with multiple small hooks that snag fish as you jig it through a school. A regular rod and reel uses a single hook that catches fish in the mouth. Herring rakes are faster and more effective during spawning runs but are illegal in some states. Check regulations before using one.

Do I need a guide to catch herring?

A guide or charter operator is not required, but they are helpful if you are unfamiliar with the area. They know where herring are spawning, what methods work best that week, and current regulations. If you are renting a skiff and fishing on your own, local knowledge from a tackle shop or lodge can save time and increase your catch.

Can I keep herring for bait if I don't want to eat them?

Yes. Many anglers catch herring specifically to use as bait for halibut and lingcod. Keep them on ice immediately after catching, and they will stay fresh for several days. Some anglers freeze them for later trips. Check regulations to confirm there are no restrictions on using herring as bait in your area.

What months have the best herring fishing?

January and February are peak months in Southeast Alaska. March and April are best in Prince William Sound and Kodiak. Herring spawn when water temperatures drop, so the coldest months produce the most consistent fishing. Early morning and late afternoon are better than midday.