Saltwater Β· Spring migration April-June; peaks on warm flooding tides
Tapertail Anchovy
Coilia mystus
The thread-tailed spring anchovy β μ μ΄. A true anadromous migrant running up Korean west-coast estuaries and China's Yangtze in spring; in China it is one of the famous 'three spring delicacies of the Yangtze', celebrated for its flavour. Small shrimp baits from boats on the flooding tide are the local method.
Seasons Β· Peak
Identifying features
- Slender body tapering into a thread-like tail stalk
- Upper rays of the tail fin extended β a classic Coilia mark
- Silvery white, semi-translucent body
- Down-turned mouth and a feather-like anal fin nearly reaching the tail
- To about 8 in (20 cm) long
Habits
- Anadromous β ascends rivers from the sea in spring
- Schooling fish with busy feeding on shrimp and small fish
- Strong aromatic flavour β an anchovy-family umami
- Moves into mouths on the flooding spring tide
- Small fish with soft bones β eaten whole
Distribution
Regional coverage expanding
Where to find them
- Han River mouth at Ganghwa
- Geum River estuary, Gunsan
- Yeongsan River mouth at Mokpo
Where they live
How to catch them
Estuary boat fishing on the flood Boat
Rig: Small hooks on a light bottom rig with shrimp, fished from an anchored boat in flooding currents of the river mouth
Bait/lure: Shrimp pieces or sandworm
Key tip: Fish the incoming tide β the schools arrive with the water; a gentle strike, as mouths are soft-fleshed.
Tidal bank fishing Shore
Rig: Light bottom rig with fish pieces cast from tidal banks and marsh channels on a rising tide
Bait/lure: Small fish pieces
Key tip: After the top of the tide the bite window is short β keep baits fresh and present them slowly.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light 7-8 ft estuary boat rod
- Line: 6-10 lb monofilament
- Terminal: Small hooks size 6-10, 10-20 g sinkers
Recommended gear for this species
Rod Β· Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
β US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies Β· Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
β US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library β never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 6-8 in (15-20 cm); large fish about 10 in (25 cm)
On the table
A famous spring delicacy in China (one of the 'three Yangtze spring delicacies'); in Korea more modest β whole fish in soups or grilled.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season β always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide β
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