Saltwater · Summer nights; spawning runs June to August on open beaches

Night Smelt

Spirinchus starksi

A small silvery smelt that spawns in the surf on summer nights, riding the waves in to lay its eggs in wet sand — its close relative the surf smelt runs by day instead. California surf-net rules apply to the fishery, so check the current regulations before working a run.

Seasons · Peak

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Night Smelt — Photo: (Photo credit: Kristine Lesyna, CDFW), Public domain — Wikimedia Commons (Historical scientific illustration — the only clear Commons image of this species.)

Identifying features

Slender, translucent silvery body with a dark back
Small adipose fin on the back behind the dorsal fin
The fresh cucumber smell typical of the smelt family
Spawns on beaches at night in summer — surf smelt runs by day
Smaller and slimmer than eulachon, and never enters rivers to spawn

Habits

Spawns on sandy beaches at NIGHT in summer — the clean split from the day-spawning surf smelt
Eggs stick to wet sand in the swash and hatch on a later high tide
Schools in the surf and nearshore, feeding on small crustaceans and plankton
Runs are brief, tied to warm summer evenings and gentle surf
A net fishery under California surf-net rules — check current regs before fishing a run

Distribution

San Francisco, CA · California★ Primary

Westport, WA · WashingtonCommon

Portland, OR · OregonCommon

Where to find them

Northern and central California surf beaches on summer nights
Oregon sandy beaches during night runs
Washington coast surf beaches in summer

Where they live

Sandy surf beachesNearshore waters over sandThe swash zone of open-coast beaches

How to catch them

A-frame dip nets in the surf at night Shore

Rig: A-frame or hand dip net worked in the wash on a dark summer night during a spawning run, where rules allow

Bait/lure: None — fish are netted as they ride the wash ashore

Key tip: Sweep the net as the wave falls back; check California surf-net rules and limits before you go.

Cast nets and dip nets in the wash Shore

Rig: Small cast net thrown over fish showing in the wash, or a long-handled dip net scooped through the swash at night

Bait/lure: None — netted, not baited

Key tip: Work quietly in waders with a dim headlamp — bright light and splashing can scatter the run.

Best baits & lures

A-frame dip nets worked in the night surfCast nets thrown in the washFine-mesh dip nets in the swash

Techniques for Night Smelt →

Baseline setup

Rod: No rod — this is a net fishery from the beach
Line: Waders and a dim headlamp for night work
Terminal: Fine-mesh A-frame, dip or cast net sized to local rules

Recommended gear for this species

Rod · Best value

9' 5-weight fly rod outfit

≈ US$180-260

Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.

Flies · Budget

Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)

≈ US$25-40

Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.

Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.

Typical size

Common 5-8 in (13-20 cm); large fish to about 9 in (23 cm)

On the table

Good — mild and oily; usually fried whole or smoked soon after capture.

Similar species

Surf SmeltSurf smelt spawns on beaches by day and carries a dark stripe along the side; night smelt runs after dark and lacks the bold stripe

EulachonEulachon is larger, far oilier, and runs up rivers to spawn in spring; night smelt stays in the surf and spawns on beaches at night in summer

Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →

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