I would like to tag along if possible. I haven't got a clue where or how to get them. I would like to try and put a few in the freezer for later this summer. Do I need a freshwater License?

Thanks...

All the runs up this way were empty on saturday. :(

nobody?

you do need a freshwater fishing license in RI if you take herring upstream of any first bridge from the ocean and your limit is 24 per day. no taking of alewives is allowed on sunday, monday, or tuesday.
no licence is required or limit is imposed on the ocean side of the first bridge.

as for the how to get them...
most people use dip nets. basically you put your long handled net into the run and try to scoop the little buggers. runs do differ and so different techniques may be used. i'd suggest that you just go to a local run and see how folks at the run are gathering them.
keeping them alive is a whole nuther ball game. just do a search on livewells for more info..

oops...just noticed your from mass
Some local towns require permits, and have different restrictions reguarding the taking of herring, check with them.
i am pretty sure no freshwater license is required for taking alewives or herring.
for more info check mass dmf

http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dmf/index.html

Hi,

Just a word to help: In MA, each Herring Run is locally regulated and controlled by the Town, and regulations vary considerably re: licensing and limits. Some towns do not require a resident or non-resident license; others require a license and set different fees for resident vs non-resident. Limits can vary significantly from one town to another. Have heard of some towns setting limits by bushels/year and others 6 fish per day. (Aside: Local limits per week/year would seem to be real difficult to enforce. How would an enforcement officer know how many fish per week or bushels per year you took? Daily limits seem to be reasonable to enforce.)

Also, towns vary restrictions on the hours, days, and locations a run may be fished (Some towns do not allow weekends at all.)

You will need to identify the location you are interested in and contact the local town to obtain rules & regs. On the Cape Brewster Mill run has been real hot - 24; free to anyone: Mon-Thurs. Saw very young kids (5-7 yrs old) with small short dip nets scooping up 3 fish with a single dip...then posing for "Grand PAPA... take my picture".

Almost everyone I know uses a dip net (most, a long handled) to harvest.

Good luck & best regards,

Aside from what was said above, also check for any regulations on the dip net. Some places (one in particular where I go), the mesh of the net is regualted such that it must be 1/8" or smaller....I suppose to help avoid any gill netted fish that may have to go back if you should be nearing your daily/weekly limit.

There are also a few runs that are managed by the state. Some you just need a freshwater liscence.