Northern Anchovy
Engraulis mordax
Also called Californian Anchovy
Small, silvery schooling fish that serves as a crucial forage species for larger predatory fish and marine mammals. They are primarily harvested commercially and used as bait by recreational anglers.
Northern Anchovy at a glance
- Scientific name
- Engraulis mordax
- Typical size
- 3-6 inches, less than 1 lb
- Water
- Saltwater
- Habitat
- Inshore
- Rarity in the Fishdex™
- Common
Habitat
Found in large schools in coastal waters from British Columbia to Baja California, typically in the upper water column. Anglers primarily use them as live or dead bait for larger species like striped bass, yellowtail, and tuna. They can be caught with sabiki rigs or purchased from bait shops.
Catch one and it is yours
Log a northern anchovy through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.
How the Fishdex™ worksNorthern Anchovy questions people ask
Northern Anchovy is Engraulis mordax. Anglers also call it Californian Anchovy.
A typical northern anchovy runs 3-6 inches, less than 1 lb. Cobia records the length and weight of every northern anchovy you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.
Found in large schools in coastal waters from British Columbia to Baja California, typically in the upper water column. Anglers primarily use them as live or dead bait for larger species like striped bass, yellowtail, and tuna. They can be caught with sabiki rigs or purchased from bait shops. It is a salt water species, filed under inshore in the Fishdex.
Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.
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