Southern Californian have their grunion which they snatch off the beach by moonlight. These romantic little fish have come ashore to spawn. Well, Northern Californians have little fish making spawning runs on their beach also. And NorCal anglers have an advantage – they can take their quarry, slender 4 to 10 inch surf smelt, using surf smelt nets , whereas grunion, by regulation, can only be taken by hand. Surf smelt fishing is great fun among friends or with the entire family. There are runs in the daytime and nighttime throughout the peak summer season. And many smelt anglers will tell you that there isn’t any fish that matches the delicate flavor of fried or smoked smelt.
Smelt run onto the beach in breaking waves near the peak of an incoming tide, lay their eggs in the sand, then return out to sea on the next wave. Experienced surf anglers stand back from the breakers and watch for fish in the face of waves as they come into the beach. Bird and sea lion activity can also tip off smelt school locations. Smelt are usually found in lazy rolling waves rather than in big breakers that lead set of waves.
Horizontal, dark lines of smelt can be spotted in the good waves as they run into shore. Smelt are often caught in several successive waves. Then the catch can taper off or disappear for minutes or hours, only to reappear without warning. Anglers move in and gather smelt with either an A-frame nets have rigid triangular frames of aluminum or wood. They cost around $100-125.
The net is worked into the waves as it rolls onto the beach. Lower cost ($25-50) throw nets are circular with lead weights around the perimeter and a draw string to close the net around the fish. The A-frames take less practice and can be used in several waves before emptying. Throw nets must be retrieved, emptied, if necessary, and reset before each throw. Whichever net you use don’t just stand in the surf and “ net ” waves.
All the commotion may actually discourage smelt from coming in. Experienced surf netters wear wet suits or waders. Bring along blankets, folding chairs, jackets, food, and flashlights or lanterns for night fishing. Bonfires round out the scene. You’ll also need buckets to hold your silvery catch.
Smelt run from April through October, with the best action in June through August. Through surf smelt run somewhere just about every day in the summertime, the runs are very localized and, at times, inconsistent. So it is a good idea when planning a trip to the north coast to call ahead. Tackle shops, bait shops, state beaches, and private campgrounds near traditionally productive waters are all good sources of information.
There are actually two species of smelt spawning on NorCal beaches. Daytime spawners, which are called “surf fish” by locals, run about 6 to 10 inches long. Nighttime spawners, or “ night smelt ,” run 4 to 6 inches long. Spawning smelt prefer coarse, black sand beaches. Some of the best spots are where freshwater streams enter the Pacific.
Smelt are caught as far south as the Russian River, but the best producing areas are probably from Manchester near Point Arena, all the way up north past Arcata and on the Crescent City. Some of the best beaches are listed below and are listed on ocean fishing maps in the Pacific Ocean Fishing articles.
Smelt are frequently cooked whole, or they can be gutted and beheaded. Deep frying or pan frying of lightly floured smelt is a delicious treat.
Successful surf smelt fishing requires understanding the environmental triggers that initiate spawning runs and feeding periods. Smelt runs are primarily triggered by tidal movements; spawning migration occurs during incoming tides when water level rises rapidly toward the beach.
Water temperature influences run timing; smelt become more active and numerous during warmer summer months. Lunar cycles significantly affect run consistency; full moon and new moon periods often coincide with increased smelt activity. Ocean swell conditions impact run success; gentle rolling waves create optimal conditions while large breakers disrupt spawning migrations. Barometric pressure changes can trigger feeding frenzies independent of tidal cycles; anglers monitoring weather patterns gain significant advantages.
Seasonal variations follow predictable patterns with peak June through August runs; however, occasional runs occur during shoulder months. Learning local run history and environmental patterns develops predictive skills enabling successful trip planning.
Successful smelt netting requires mastering wave positioning and net deployment timing. A-frame nets require proper wave entry timing; lowering the frame precisely when the wave face approaches ensures optimal catch positioning.
Experienced netters position themselves approximately 3-5 feet from shore, allowing sufficient water depth for wave face navigation while maintaining control. Throw nets demand different technique; circular casting with proper timing allows the net to spread fully before the wave movement interferes.
Multiple successive casts in productive waves maximize catch efficiency; maintaining focus on successful waves prevents wasted effort in barren areas. Net emptying technique affects efficiency; quickly transferring smelt to buckets while repositioning nets reduces downtime.
Observing bird activity (cormorants, herons) pinpoints productive areas; birds consistently indicate smelt concentrations. Partnering allows one angler to observe while another positions for casts; coordinated efforts yield superior results compared to solo efforts.
Understanding seasonal timing and within-day run windows optimizes fishing effort and success rates. Peak smelt season spans April through October, with June, July, and August representing the most consistent and productive months. Daytime runs typically produce earlier in the season (April-June) while nighttime runs become predominant mid-to-late summer.
Water temperature reaching 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit triggers optimal feeding activity and predictable run schedules. Springtime runs feature larger individual fish (daytime spawners) compared to autumn runs containing smaller specimens.
Tourist season aligns with peak fishing periods; popular beaches become crowded, requiring early arrival or lesser-known location selection. Storm events affecting ocean conditions create variable patterns requiring flexibility in location selection.
Weekday fishing often provides superior experience due to reduced angler density; weekend crowds compete for limited productive areas.
Selecting appropriate equipment and maintaining gear ensures consistent performance throughout the smelt season. A-frame nets (100-125 dollars) offer superior ease of use compared to throw nets, particularly for novices; rigid frames simplify wave navigation.
Throw nets (25-50 dollars) provide budget-friendly alternatives requiring additional practice but eventual superior speed with experience. Net mesh size affects catch; fine mesh (1/4 inch) captures smaller fish while allowing smaller non-target species escape.
Braided nylon nets resist tangling compared to monofilament mesh; modern materials offer better durability and performance. Handle protection prevents hand fatigue during extended sessions; padded grips distribute pressure more comfortably than bare handles.
Regular rinsing with freshwater immediately after use prevents salt crystallization and mesh deterioration. Storing nets in shade prevents UV damage that gradually weakens netting material. Seasonal net replacement maintains optimal performance; aged nets develop reduced visibility and strength.
Smelt catch composition varies dramatically throughout the season, affecting both quantity and fish size characteristics. Early summer daytime spawners (June) consistently produce larger specimens averaging 7-10 inches; these larger fish create more impressive catches and superior culinary qualities.
Mid-summer runs (July-August) feature mixed populations with good quantity but slightly smaller average sizes. Late summer and early fall runs shift toward nighttime spawners producing smaller specimens (4-6 inches) in potentially higher quantities. Water temperature changes directly correlate with run productivity; cooler water (below 55°F) consistently produces disappointing catches.
Observation of successful neighboring anglers provides insight into current productivity; following proven successful techniques yields superior results. Individual wave variation affects catch success; “hot waves” producing multiple successive catches differ from barren waves yielding no fish. Patience remains essential; catching smelt involves substantial non-productive period waiting between successful runs.
Efficient smelt fishing operations require careful planning encompassing logistics, safety, and environmental stewardship. Arriving before dawn ensures optimal position selection on crowded popular beaches; early arrival provides superior wave access.
Bringing adequate refreshment, food, and clothing sustains multi-hour fishing sessions; beach conditions change rapidly throughout seasons. Nighttime fishing requires lights; battery-powered lanterns provide superior safety compared to flashlights while maintaining hands free.
Wet suits or waders maintain body temperature in cold California coastal water; hypothermia risk increases during extended sessions. Shoes with excellent traction prevent slips on wet, sandy beaches; reef shoes provide optimal grip characteristics. Respecting neighboring anglers’ space and equipment prevents conflict in crowded situations.
Practicing catch-and-release for non-target species maintains healthy populations. Leaving no trace principles (removing trash, not disturbing vegetation) preserve beach habitats for future generations.
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