A herring-family fish prized across Bengal and coastal India for its rich, oily flesh and migratory spawning runs. Anglers pursue hilsa during monsoon season when they ascend rivers in large schools, offering exciting sport and cultural significance. It is also known as இலிசை, हिलसा, ఇలీష and ഇലിശ. Scientific name: Tenualosa ilisha.
Live lots change through the day. See all live lots
Rich, oily, distinctively flavoured with a soft, melting texture; considered a delicacy across Bengal and eastern India.
Many fine intramuscular bones; requires careful eating or traditional preparation methods to soften bones.
In our species guide, the main season for Hilsa is June to September.
In November, our outlook does not show it in season in any region we cover.
Annual sea fishing bans: East coast annual fishing ban (15 Apr – 14 Jun); West coast monsoon fishing ban (1 Jun – 31 Jul). Fewer boats land fresh sea fish during these weeks.
Tamil: இலிசை, Hindi: हिलसा, Telugu: ఇలీష, Malayalam: ഇലിശ, Kannada: ಇಲಿಶ, Bengali: ইলিশ, Marathi: हिलसा, Gujarati: હિલસો.
In our species guide, the main season for Hilsa is June to September. In November, our outlook does not show it in season in any region we cover.
Rich, oily, distinctively flavoured with a soft, melting texture; considered a delicacy across Bengal and eastern India. Many fine intramuscular bones; requires careful eating or traditional preparation methods to soften bones.
Popular dishes include Ilish Bhapa (West Bengal, Bangladesh), Ilish Macher Jhol (West Bengal, Assam), Ilish Paturi (West Bengal) and Ilish Fry (Bengal, Odisha).
On the Fishing Journey Fish Market, FSSAI-registered sellers list fresh catch as lots. Bid up to your maximum or use Buy now where it is offered, pay from your wallet within 2 hours of winning and collect the fish with your pickup code.
Mechanised and motorised boats stop fishing at sea during the annual bans (East coast annual fishing ban (15 Apr – 14 Jun); West coast monsoon fishing ban (1 Jun – 31 Jul)), so less fresh sea fish is landed in those weeks. Check the Fish Market for live lots.
Hilsa fishing guide: bait, season and spots
