Biologists unsure if fish seen in Togiak Bay were herring or smelt.
KDLG: The Department of Fish and Game in Dillingham flew an aerial survey Thursday to look for herring near the Togiak district.
Biologist Tim Sands said fish were spotted in the bight near Togiak Reef in Togiak Bay, but staff were unable to determine if they were in fact herring and not smelt.
There were good conditions for Thursday's survey, but Sands reported seeing no other fish elsewhere, including along the shore of Hagermeister Island, where herring are typically observed entering the district.
Numerous sea birds and grey whales were also observed, but no sea lions.
The sea surface temperature map still indicates a temperature of zero degrees Celsius in area waters, which is a few degrees below the range when the herring traditionally arrive.
Fish and Game plans to fly again on Sunday, depending on the weather.