Herring make their 2016 debut in Yaquina and Coos Bays, Feb. 26

ODFW report: Pacific herring showed up in Yaquina Bay and Coos Bay in large numbers last week, which means they could be entering the other estuaries as well. It’s spawning time and schools of this important forage fish may come and go throughout the season. Jigging for herring is a great way to introduce kids to fishing. Use a multiple-hook herring jig from a dock or pier. Many anglers catch herring this time of year to use as halibut bait; salmon, on the other hand, prefer a higher-quality herring found in bays later in the year.