The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
Jacksmelt / Perch Atherinopsis californiensis
Jacksmelt / Perch Size, Range & Diet
| Typical size | 8–15 in, 0.4–2 lb |
|---|---|
| Maximum | jacksmelt to about 19 in; the bigger surfperches to about 18 in |
| Lifespan | Up to about 11 years |
| Range | A grouped catch, not one fish — jacksmelt plus several surfperches along the Pacific coast from Yaquina Bay, Oregon south through California into Baja. |
| Habitat | Bays, harbors, jetty rocks and shallow surf, schooling in current around pilings and structure down to roughly 95 ft. |
| Diet | Plankton, small crustaceans, worms and bits of algae — pile worm, bloodworm or a sliver of anchovy on small hooks. |
Sizes are typical rod-and-reel and documented maximum figures, not size limits — see the regulations links below for the rules where you fish.
How to Identify a Jacksmelt / Perch
- Long, slender, nearly cylindrical silvery body (not deep-bodied)
- Bright silver lateral band running the length of the side
- Two small, widely separated dorsal fins
- Small mouth with tiny forked teeth on the jaws
- Greenish back, fine smooth scales; an egg-layer (not a livebearer like the surfperches)
Tell it apart: Jacksmelt are pencil-thin and silvery with two separated dorsal fins; the deep-bodied, colorful surfperches never share that elongated cigar shape, and surfperch bear live young while smelt lay eggs.
Easily confused with: Redtail Surfperch
Side by side: Jacksmelt / Perch vs Redtail Surfperch
How to Catch Jacksmelt / Perch
Gear links open Amazon searches. As an Amazon Associate, The Fishing Report earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Using these links helps keep the site ad-free.
- Best April and May along piers and rocks — drift small baited multi-hook rigs under a float, tipping hooks with pile worm or shrimp.GearMulti-hook bait rigsCasting bobber floatsLight pier rod
When & Where Jacksmelt / Perch Are in Season
Peak Good Fair Slow
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern California Inshore |
Jacksmelt / Perch Regulations
Always check local regulations — seasons, size, and bag limits vary by state and species, and change year to year. When in doubt, release.