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Alewife

Alewife

Alewife are small, silvery herring that invaded Indiana's Lake Michigan waters via the Welland Canal, first appearing in Lake Michigan in 1949. They're important forage for salmon, trout, and other predators in Lake Michigan.

Scientific Name: Alosa pseudoharengus

Physical Characteristics:

These 6-10 inch fish have bronze-colored heads with grey-blue to greyish-green backs, silver sides, and a distinctive dark spot behind the gill cover.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Found primarily in Lake Michigan and connected waters like Bass Lake and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore area.

Key Locations

Found primarily in Lake Michigan and connected waters like Bass Lake and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore area. The best fishing occurs from Michigan City piers and harbors, particularly near Mt. Baldy.

Specific Spots

They prefer rocky substrates when nearshore and are found in 20-40 feet of water during summer months.

Alewife FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Alewife in Indiana?

Small jigs, flies, and tiny spoons in silver, chrome/green, or chrome/orange colors are productive.

What flies work for Alewife in Indiana?

Small minnow patterns, juvenile alewife imitations (3-4 inches long), and planktonic patterns work well. Specific effective flies include white and silver streamers, small deceivers, and patterns that mimic the alewife's natural baitfish appearance.

When is the best time to fish for Alewife in Indiana?

Peak season is June through August. Avoid fishing during spawning periods (mid-April through mid-June) when fish are focused on reproduction rather than feeding. During spring and fall, target depths of 20-50 feet as fish move with thermal layers.

How do you catch Alewife in Indiana?

Sabiki rigs are highly effective, particularly from June through August. These multi-hook rigs with small flies or bare hooks work well both from piers and boats. Cast nets can be effective in rivers during spawning runs, though regulations vary by location.

What do Alewife eat?

Feed primarily on zooplankton throughout their lives, including copepods, water fleas, and small invertebrates. As they grow larger (110-119mm), they begin eating amphipods, insects, and small fish including their own larvae.

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