Halibut Fishing Guide

Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) are the largest flatfish in the world and a cornerstone of Pacific coast recreational and commercial fishing from California to Alaska. Females grow dramatically larger than males — large cows called "barn doors" regularly exceed 200 pounds in Alaskan waters, while males rarely exceed 50–60 pounds. All halibut begin life swimming upright like normal fish; over their first several months, one eye migrates to the other side of the head as they transition to a bottom-lying lifestyle. They are managed by the International Pacific Halibut Commission under strict individual fishing quotas, making the Alaskan halibut fishery one of the most sustainably managed large-scale fisheries on earth. The dense, white, sweet flesh is widely considered the finest eating of any Pacific fish.

Halibut is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Pacific halibut range from the coast of California north to the Bering Sea and western Alaska, most abundantly in Alaskan waters. They prefer flat, sandy or gravel seafloor from 20 feet to over 1,500 feet, though peak fishing typically occurs in 100–500 feet. Adult halibut undertake extensive seasonal migrations of hundreds to thousands of miles between summer feeding areas and deep-water winter spawning grounds.

Diet

Pacific halibut are voracious ambush predators that eat a wide variety of fish and invertebrates — Pacific cod, walleye pollock, sablefish, herring, octopus, and crab are among the most common prey. They wait on the bottom and burst upward to intercept passing prey. Large halibut will consume surprisingly large fish and are capable of eating prey approaching their own weight.

Fishing Techniques

• Sliding sinker rig with herring or octopus
• Circle hook with cut bait on the bottom
• Large swimbaits and jigs on deep structure
• Flat-line trolling with large lures

Best Seasons

Summer

Size & Records

Average weight: 40 lbs. World record: 459 lbs (Dutch Harbor, Alaska, USA (1996)).