Alewife
In New York, Alewife are found as both native anadromous populations and introduced inland freshwater populations. The native anadromous fish are primarily found in the Hudson River system, Long Island streams, and St. Lawrence River waters.
Scientific Name: Alosa pseudoharengus
- Silvery herring average 8-12 inches with a distinctive dark spot behind the gills and deeply forked tail.
Fishing in New York
Delaware River
East Branch Delaware River
Susquehanna River
Beaver Kill
Lackawanna River
Chenango River
Rondout Creek
Lehigh River
Tobyhanna Creek
West Branch Delaware River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native anadromous populations in Hudson River system, Long Island streams, and St.
- Lawrence River waters.
- Introduced populations in various inland waters where considered invasive.
Key Locations
- Hudson River system, Long Island streams, St.
- Lawrence River waters, various Adirondack lakes, Otsego Lake, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Cannonsville reservoir, Green Lake in Catskills region.
Specific Spots
- Quiet freshwater areas above tidal influence for spawning, open water during daylight, move toward shore after dark.
Alewife FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What flies work for Alewife in New York?
Small flies, juvenile alewife fly patterns (especially effective in fall when targeting larger predator fish that feed on them).
When is the best time to fish for Alewife in New York?
Peak fishing from June through August, year-round in some waters. Spring activity in Great Lakes when moving to shallow water, fall activity as waters cool. Ice fishing productive in winter on inland waters.
How do you catch Alewife in New York?
Casting and vertical jigging using Sabiki rigs, cast nets in rivers during darker conditions.
What do Alewife eat?
Feed primarily on zooplankton including copepods, cladocerans, and mysid shrimp, with juveniles consuming smaller zooplankton like cyclopoid copepods.
Where do Alewife live in New York?
Native anadromous populations in Hudson River system, Long Island streams, and St. Lawrence River waters. Introduced populations in various inland waters where considered invasive.
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