Northern Anchovy

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from British Columbia south to Baja California and the Gulf of California. The most important baitfish in the California Current ecosystem — supports virtually every sport fishery from salmon to tuna. Found in large, dense schools nearshore and offshore from the surface to 300 feet.

Preferred Water Temperature: 52°F–65°F. A schooling, migratory species that follows upwelling-driven food production along the California coast. Massive schools visible as dark shadows near the surface.

Size & Weight: Typically 3–7 inches. The foundation of the California marine food web — primary prey of Salmon, Albacore, Striped Bass, Rockfish, Halibut, Marine Mammals, and Seabirds. Outstanding live bait for virtually every California sport fish.

Best Lures: N/A as a target species — they are the bait. Caught with cast nets or small Sabiki rigs for use as live bait.

Best Baits: N/A — Northern Anchovy IS the bait. Catch live anchovies with a cast net or small Sabiki rig before your fishing trip. Keep in a livewell with good aeration. Fresh-dead anchovy is also outstanding as cut bait for California Halibut, Striped Bass, and Rockfish.