All about smelt

Eulachon smelt (Thaleichthys pacificus) are slender, elongated fish that typically grow between 6 and 9 inches long and live for 3 to 5 years. They are easy to recognize by their bluish backs and silvery sides and bellies. With relatively large mouths for their size, they are well adapted to feeding in the ocean, where they spend most of their lives.

Life Cycle and Habitat

Eulachon are anadromous, meaning they live primarily in the ocean but migrate into freshwater rivers to spawn. In the Pacific Northwest, they return annually to the Columbia River and some Washington tributaries of the lower Columbia. Returns to Oregon tributaries do not occur with any regularity and are primarily limited to the Sandy River.

During spawning runs, adult smelt travel upstream and broadcast their eggs over gravelly, sandy, or rocky river-bottom substrates. After hatching, juvenile smelt are carried downstream by river currents back to the ocean, where they grow and mature.

Most adult eulachon die shortly after spawning. As a result, it is common to see large numbers of dead smelt along riverbanks during and after a run.

It is important to note that it is illegal to collect dead smelt for use as bait.

Conservation and Limited Fisheries

When Columbia River eulachon were listed as threatened under the ESA in 2010, harvest opportunities in the Columbia were closed for a few years while the states worked with NMFS on an approach to reinstating fisheries. Limited, conservation-minded commercial and recreational smelt fisheries resumed in 2014. Beginning in 2024, the states' transitioned to managing smelt fisheries under the framework of the Washington and Oregon Eulachon Management Plan (2nd Edition).

Smelt return to the Columbia River every year, but their runs into the Sandy River occur only periodically. In recent years, few, and very limited, recreational fisheries have occurred - most notably a two-day fishery in 2015 and one-day fisheries in 2023 and 2025.

Fishing for Smelt

Dip netting during a smelt run is a special Northwest experience. When the fish are running in the Sandy River, it can be a fun, hands-on activity for families. Dip netting for smelt is also deeply rooted in regional history. Native Americans have harvested eulachon using dip nets for centuries, relying on the fish as an important seasonal food source.

Runs can be unpredictable and fisheries are only opened when conditions allow. To receive updates about future smelt runs and potential fishing opportunities on the Sandy River, anglers are encouraged to subscribe to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) news releases by email. These announcements are the primary way the public is notified about openings.

Updates are also made on the ODFW Recreation Report.

No. Each dipper must dip smelt for themselves with their own container.

Is it legal to wade in the river and dip smelt?

It is ok to dip from the banks, and wade into the river or out to a rock to dip net. It is also ok to dip from docks attached to shore. Dipping from a boat (even if it's attached to shore) is prohibited.

Can I pick up dead (spawned out) smelt?

No, it is illegal to pick up dead smelt for any reason. Smelt may only be taken by dip net during the specific day and time and in the specific location set for the season.

Where can I go smelt dipping on the Sandy?

There are several public access points along the Sandy River in the area typically open during a smelt season. Lewis and Clark Park, Glenn Otto Park, and along the dike off Perimeter Way near Troutdale Airport are popular spots. Also look for other pullouts along the Historic Highway.

How do I receive updates about a potential recreational smelt fishery? 

Subscribe to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) news releases by email. These announcements are the primary way the public is notified about openings. Updates are also made on the ODFW Recreation Report.