Fishing for Delta smelt

Hypomesus transpacificus

The Delta smelt is a small, slender fish native to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in California. It typically measures 2-3 inches long and weighs up to 0.1 pounds. This species feeds on plankton and is known for its semi-transparent body and silvery sheen. Delta smelt inhabit brackish waters and exhibit a calm, schooling behavior. This summary is AI generated

Water type

Freshwater / Mixed

IUCN Status

Critically endangered

Threat to humans

Harmless

Source: Fishbase

Best baits to catch Delta smelt

BiteGuide combines your real-time weather, water conditions, and target species to suggest lures and colors that'll work right now. Built on millions of real catches from the world's largest fishing community.

Fishbrain
BiteGuide App featureBiteGuide App feature

The right bait right now

Find out what lures to use, download the Fishbrain app!

Loading...Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Download the Bitetime appDownload the Bitetime app
Download the Bitetime app
Download the Bitetime app
Download the Bitetime appDownload the Bitetime app
Download the Bitetime app
Download the Bitetime appDownload the Bitetime app
Download the Bitetime app

Biggest Delta smelt catches

Explore your local leaderboard—see the top catches in the app.

Recently caught Delta smelt

fish catches icon
Delta smelt caught on Fishbrain
Loading...

Delta smelt

Irish Sea (Leinster coastal waters)

length · weight

Fishbrain
Have you been fishing here?

Log your catch and check out other catches from the community in the Fishbrain app.

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

FAQ about Delta smelt fishing

🎣 What bait works best for Delta smelt?

The best bait for Delta smelt shifts with water conditions, season, and local pressure.

Want the answer for your spot, today? BiteGuide in the crunches real catch reports against weather, water conditions, and seasonal patterns to tell you exactly what's working right now. Download the app and let BiteGuide do the guessing for you.

📍 Where do Delta smelt live?

Delta smelt range through open, brackish water in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta rather than holding on fixed cover, drifting with tidal currents while feeding on plankton.

BiteGuide in the narrows it down using real catch data and conditions near you, so you know where to cast, not just where to look. Grab the app and fish smarter.

App Section
Download Fishbrain and fish smarter
Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish.

Free trial available

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

Most popular fish species near you