When i was younger my stepdad always went smelt fishing and i NEVER got to go, now i have his seine that they used but don't have a clue as to where to go or when they run . I do believe though i have missed the run this year as i see alot of places advertising smelt frys . I could buy them in a store but what fun would that be and they would never taste as good !!! Thanks in advance for any help and pointers you can give me .

Here in nys the smelt spawning run is early spring. We fish for them at night useing a long handle dip net, dreging the bottom of the stream. The dip net can not exceed 14" in diameter or 13x13" if square.  Ideally 3 or 4 men go together,  1 will check the stream for activity (wearing waders)  while the others warm up by a wood fire, each rotateing around. In the water you should have an old ash can with holes drilled in the bottom  & put the can in an old inertube to float it. When the shout goes up that the spawning run is on everyone is in the stream dipping clear to the bottom, dumping into the floating tub.  Some nights you are there & the smelt are not!!  The amount of smelt you can keep per person per night varies from stream to stream!!  Good luck & enjoy....Chuck