Species guide
How to catch Alewife
Alosa pseudoharengus
freshwaterbrackishsaltwaterAlosidae
Alewives are anadromous fish that travel between saltwater and freshwater to spawn. They form schools and are known for their migration into rivers and streams. Alewives feed primarily on small crustaceans and larvae.
Where they live
Euryhaline species found in shallow to mid-depth waters along the North American Atlantic coast. They enter brackish and freshwater systems to spawn, migrating up rivers and streams, then return to the sea.
Typical size
Up to about 40 cm
What they eat
- small crustaceans
- larvae
- zoea
- megalopa
- amphipods
- mysids
Best baits
- small shrimp
- worms
- insect larvae
Best lures
- small spoons
- tiny jigs
- soft plastic micro-lures
How to fish for them
- light spinning gear
- float fishing with small bait
- ultralight lure fishing
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