smelt in the rivers?

[Fishaholic]

I was oit dinking arond yasterday at one of the boat launches and every time I reeled in my lure little fish about 2 to 3  inches just went nuts for it there were like 15 to 20. The lure was to big so I didnt catch any but I was wondering what kinda fish it could be? I catch smelt (i think) with a jig. maybe I will try to catch a few today


thanks
dj

[Goldeneye]

That size I almost think they are salmon smolt.

[WSU]

Those are probably smolts and you should leave them alone.

[Kc_Kracker]

last i heard smelt were listed as endangered and off limits now 

[Fishaholic]

Oh well im glad I asked. Thanks for watching out.