One of Oregon’s many annual natural wonders—the annual herring run! Herring come into bays and estuaries to spawn between Valentine’s Day and St Patrick’s Day. Nice weather and the first pulse of herring into the bay brought many fishermen to Yaquina Bay in late February and early March to harvest these bait fish used for marine fish and salmon. Photo courtesy Brian Stone.
The daily limit for herring, anchovy and other bait fish is 25 pounds in aggregate. Bring a bucket or something else and remember to weigh your catch so you don’t go over!
In Oregon, herring come into bays and estuaries, particularly Yaquina Bay, to spawn usually between Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, though run timing has varied in recent years.
- In 2023, the peak biomass estimate in Yaquina Bay was on March 1, with herring spawning between March 8 and March 25.
- In 2024, there were spawning events on March 9 and March 19, with the peak biomass estimate on March 13 in Yaquina Bay.
- In 2025, there were spawning events on March 13, March 26, and April 4-6 in Yaquina Bay.
ODFW conducted a herring survey in Yaquina Bay on February 26, 2026, and found abundant, dense schools of adult herring in the bay from Sawyer’s Landing down to the finger jetties, in the commercial boat basin, and South Beach Marina. Anglers were easily finding success harvesting herring.
In the past, herring have been caught off the south jetty of Yaquina Bay, near the international dock and upriver near Sawyer’s Landing. When fishing for herring, please be respectful and give way to the commercial vessels entering and exiting the commercial docks, as the channel is narrow and needs to remain accessible. Additionally, check with the local port officials about regulations on fishing from marina docks and facilities.
For more information on bag limits for bait fish and other marine fish, see page 81 of the 2026 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations Book.
|