Eulachon
Thaleichthys pacificus
Also known as: Candlefish; Oolichan; Hooligan; Salvation Fish
Size & Weight
Average Length
6.0"
Max Length
10.0"
Average Weight
0.1 lbs
Max Weight
0.3 lbs
Lifespan
5 years
Habitat
Depth Range
0 - 600 ft
Water Temp
42-50°F
Ocean; anadromous - return to rivers to spawn
Behavior
Spawning Season
Late winter-spring (spawn in rivers)
Migration: Anadromous; ocean dwelling; return to rivers in mass spawning runs
Diet: Plankton; small crustaceans
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Limited; spawning runs when open
Techniques: Dip netting (limited); tribal fisheries
Best Bait: N/A - dip netted during runs
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good
Oily; traditionally rendered for grease (oolichan grease)
Fun Facts
So oily they can burn like candles; traditional First Nations food source; important culturally; ESA protected in south
How to Identify
Called candlefish; so oily can be used as candle; small silver forage fish; Pacific Northwest estuaries
Official Resources
Sources: NOAA; WDFW; ODFW
Change History (Last updated Feb 02, 2026 at 10:33 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 6.0 |