Humboldt Bay herring

I’ve been on the hunt to try and catch some herring to save me some money when salmon season comes around. I have been using various sizes of sabiki to try and locate them. I’ve fished near the coast guard station, Samoa boat launch, various piers in Eureka  and the public fishing pier in Eureka only to catch a variety of surfperch and smelts. Is there anything that determines the timing of the herring run? Any tips or tricks for getting them in Humboldt Bay would be most appreciated.

Watch the eelgrass near mad river slough, fairhaven and king salmon.  You’ll start to see the eggs when they’re doing their thing.  I’ve never been able to get more than a few trays worth outta the bay.  Too spread out with poor access.  Crescent city will be poppin tho in a couple weeks I bet.  That’s where I usually make my bait to fill the freezer