42 



DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 



SURF SMELT 

 Hypomesus pretiosus 



Relationship: A member of the true smelt family, Osmeridae. Several other 

 species occur in California. (See page 41.) 



Distinguishing Characters: The small adipose fin; the dorsal fin composed of 

 soft rays ; the absence of scales on the head ; the absence of a scaly appendage above 

 the base of the ventral fin ; the minute teeth ; the maxillary not reaching beyond the 

 middle of the pupil. Length to about 10 inches. Color: Pale greenish, becoming silvery 

 on the sides and below. 



Distribution: Central California northward to southern Alaska. 



Fishing Season: Caught throughout the year, with larger landings during the 

 summer. 



Importance: A minor commercial species. The true smelts comprise about 10-15 

 percent of the State "smelt" catch and are landed chiefly at San Francisco. The young 

 of this species are taken to some extent and form a portion of the "whitebait'' catch. 

 Used as bait by commercial and sport fishermen. 



Fishing Gear: Small round haul nets, gill nets. Caught in the surf with dip nets 

 or small hand seines. 



Unauthorized Names: Surf fish, nightfish, perlin, silver smelt. 



