Capelin may not roll onto beaches for a few more weeks

There's been few, if any, sightings of capelin on beaches along Newfoundland's east coast, and scientists anticipate it could be a few more weeks before the popular fish are spotted at places like Middle Cove.

False reports of capelin spotted at Middle Cove Beach saw some people heading out with high hopes, only to be let down by the empty shore line.

Fran Mowbray, with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, said there may be a bit of a wait before people will be able to see some capelin.

Capelin don't spawn until the eggs are ready, and development of eggs depends on what state the female fish are in after the winter.

"They weren't in particularly good condition so I think it's going to take them a while to get caught up before they can start getting those eggs developed and get onto the beach," said Mowbray.

"I won't be surprised if it's closer to the middle of July or maybe even the end of July before they come in."

While there haven't yet been capelin spotted on Newfoundland's east coast, Mowbray said there's some reports of the fish spawning in other parts of the province.

"There has been some spawning occurred on the west coast and that was a couple weeks ago," said Mowbray.

"Most recently I heard Harbour Breton and that was exciting because there hasn't been spawning in that area in quite some time."

For capelin lovers like Keith Davies, the fish can't get here fast enough.

"No, can't wait," said Davies. "My wife loves capelin, she'll have a big feed of fresh capelin."