Other names: -
The Alewife, Alosa pseudoharengus, is a small, schooling fish found in coastal waters and freshwater systems in North America. Recognizable by its silver body and dark spot near the gills, it plays a crucial role in the food web, serving as prey for larger fish. Alewives are known for their migratory behavior, moving from the sea to freshwater to spawn.
Length
~30" (max 40)
Weight
~1" (max 2)
Water
Fresh
Water Temp
8-12° F
Crappie Jigs
Minnows
Sabiki rigAlways open (Tidal Waters); The open season coincides with an open season for a sportfish: salmon, trout, or smallmouth bass (Inland Waters)
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Alewives are typically found in marine, freshwater, and brackish environments, often inhabiting coastal areas and estuaries
They prefer temperate waters and are frequently seen in large schools near the surface
Alewives feed on zooplankton, small fish, and crustaceans, making them a key part of the aquatic food chain
They are commonly found in environments with varying bottom types, including sandy and rocky substrates
Alewives are anadromous, migrating from the ocean to freshwater rivers and lakes to spawn during spring
Spawning occurs in shallow, quiet waters where eggs are released and fertilized externally
After spawning, adults return to the sea, while larvae stay near spawning grounds until they grow
Juveniles form schools and migrate downstream in late summer and autumn, eventually reaching the sea to continue their life cycle
