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Blueback Herring

Blueback Herring

Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis) in New York are anadromous fish that spend most of their lives in marine waters but return to freshwater to spawn.

Scientific Name: Alosa aestivalis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their silvery color with deep bluish-green backs, black peritoneum (abdominal cavity lining), and series of scutes along the belly.
  • These herring reach up to 40cm in length and live up to 8 years, maturing between ages 3-6.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Non-indigenous populations have colonized through the canal lock system.
  • Blueback Herring travel farther inland than any other river herring - some Hudson River stock migrate as far as Rome, NY (438km inland).
  • In lake environments, they can be found throughout the water column but tend to school in areas with suitable forage.

Key Locations

  • Hudson River and its tributaries, Mohawk River (since 1934), Lake Champlain (1970s), Oneida Lake (early 1980s), Oswego River (1994), Lake Ontario (1995), Mohawk River upstream of Cohoes Falls.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on main stem flow areas with swift current over gravel and clean sand substrates where they prefer to spawn.
  • Best fishing occurs in medium-sized and larger streams with clean substrates.
  • In the Great Lakes system, they occupy both shallow and deep waters in schools.

Blueback Herring FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Blueback Herring in New York?

Small flies mimicking zooplankton, copepods, or small baitfish would be effective.

When is the best time to fish for Blueback Herring in New York?

Native populations spawn during late spring and early summer (April-June). They typically arrive 3-4 weeks later than Alewife runs. Juveniles begin seaward migration in September when water temperatures decrease.

How do you catch Blueback Herring in New York?

Focus on main stem flow areas with swift current. Focus on areas with good water flow and oxygen levels, as these fish prefer well-oxygenated waters.

What do Blueback Herring eat?

Primarily planktivores feeding on copepods, pelagic shrimp larvae, larval fishes, zooplankton, and small fish. Adults also consume chironomid larvae, cladocerans (particularly Daphnidae and Bosminidae families), and small crustaceans.

Where do Blueback Herring live in New York?

Non-indigenous populations have colonized through the canal lock system. Blueback Herring travel farther inland than any other river herring - some Hudson River stock migrate as far as Rome, NY (438km inland).

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