Eulachon

Thaleichthys pacificus

Eulachon are also known as hooligan, ooligan or candlefish. They are anadromous, spending most of their life in the Pacific Ocean and spawn in rivers from California to Alaska. They feed on planktons, small insects and fish eggs so catching them by fishing lines is unusual. The only fishing method used to catch them is netting when they return to their natal stream during spawning. During their spawning phase, eulachon are incredibly fat, therefore the nickname candlefish was given. In the last decade, populations of eulachon have been on the decline and fishing has been closed in British Columbia. Once adult eulachon spawn in the river, they become part of white sturgeon's diet. It is the preferred bait by anglers who target white sturgeon in spring.