Pacific Lamprey

An eel-like, jawless fish with a round, sucker-like mouth lined with sharp teeth. No paired fins — a single continuous fin runs the length of the back. One of the most ancient vertebrates — lampreys predate jawed fish by 360 million years. Anadromous — spawns in freshwater streams, larvae spend years in stream sediment, then migrate to the ocean as adults.

Pacific Coast rivers from Southern California to Alaska — found in the Columbia, Snake, Klamath, and many other river systems. An important traditional food source for many Pacific Northwest and Columbia River tribal nations — lamprey restoration is a significant tribal and conservation priority.

50°F–65°F. Adults migrate from the ocean into Pacific Coast rivers in spring and summer to spawn. Larvae live buried in stream sediment for 3–7 years before transforming and migrating to sea.

Best Lures: Not a sport fishing target. Best Baits: Pacific Lamprey are harvested by tribal nations using traditional methods — dip nets and by hand from rocky areas during spawning runs. Non-tribal harvest is generally not permitted. Adults are excellent live bait for large Flathead Catfish and Striped Bass where legal to use.