Pacific Herring
Clupea pallasii
FR Hareng du Pacifique · ES Arenque del Pacífico · PT Arenque-do-Pacífico
Also known as: North Pacific HerringOriental HerringArenque del PacíficoAringa del PacificoArenque del PacíficoHareng du PacifiqueArenque-do-Pacífico
PelagicShoreBoat
Baitfish
Score
—
Prime time
Seasonal bait runs
Depth
0–150m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jan–DecGood Mar–Oct
Depth range
0–150mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Trolling60%
Sabiki under lights60%
Findr bio
Blue-backed bait brick – I move in dense, shimmering schools that switch whole food chains on for everything with teeth.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
EstuaryPier harborShallow water
Recommended baits
Artificial baitsFeather rigs
Diet
CopepodsKrillAmphipodsSmall fishFish eggs
Effective techniques
Light Rock FishingBottom Fishing
Gear
Best times
NightDawnDusk
Pacific herring runs can turn quiet bays into full-on wildlife events, with birds, seals, and predators piling in on dense schools and their eggs coating shoreline vegetation.
Field notes
Where to find them
Harbour mouths, piers, bait marks, North Pacific
Where they hang out
Nearshore, surface to mid-water
Prime time
Seasonal bait runs
Tide game
Moderate; schools move with tide
What they're into
Sabiki/small multi-hook rigs
Temperature vibe
Prefers 5–14°C
Fave weather
Calm conditions aid locating schools
Fun fact about me
My spawning can turn whole bays milky white; eggs are a New Year delicacy.
Dinner material?
6/10Edible, nothing special
Play by the rules
Bait/reduction harvest limits — check locallyState/regional fisheries agency
Looking after them
Least Concern