A long, silver silverside that boils on the surface around the bait receiver. Easy fishing on a float.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Surface and mid-water around piers and jetties, especially on a moving tide.
No bag limit, no size minimum (T14 CCR §27.60(b)). A small hook under a float with a scrap of squid covers it. Around LA they are a pier and harbor fish, not a Central Coast surf-smelt net fishery.
Jacksmelt (Atherinopsis californiensis) are long, slender silversides with a bright silver stripe along the side and a bluish-green back. They are the largest local silverside, regularly reaching a foot or more. Topsmelt look similar but are smaller, and grunion are much smaller still.
Jacksmelt school near the surface around piers, jetties and harbors. Shoreline Village and the other Long Beach piers, Santa Monica and the South Bay piers all see them.
Present year-round, with many pier anglers reporting good numbers in winter and spring.
Jacksmelt are among the safer fish to eat from the LA coast. OEHHA's advisories for both LA coastal zones allow up to 4 servings a week for women 18–49 and children 1–17, and up to 7 servings a week for women 50+ and men. Topsmelt are different: OEHHA advises not eating topsmelt from south of the Santa Monica Pier to Seal Beach Pier, so identify carefully.
Jacksmelt and topsmelt are both no-limit species under T14 CCR §27.60(b), with no minimum size.
Topsmelt are also no-limit; jacksmelt run larger.
CDFW general ocean bag — jacksmelt →
Independent-site disclaimer: this summary is for orientation only and can change in-season. Confirm with CDFW before you keep a fish. Fish in LA is not affiliated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
No. Jacksmelt and topsmelt are no-limit species.
OEHHA allows up to 4 servings a week for women 18–49 and kids, up to 7 for women 50+ and men.
Use a float rig with small hooks and bits of squid near the surface.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules, stocking and access change; confirm with the agency linked above before you go.
