Photo by Public domain (iNaturalist) on iNaturalist · CC0 (public domain)
Pacific halibut
Hippoglossus stenolepis
- When
- May–Sep — May, June, July, August, September. Earlier in the south, later in the north.
- Where it holds
- Sand and gravel bottoms in 30–100 m off the BC, Washington and Alaska coasts.
- How to know it
- A huge diamond-shaped flatfish, both eyes on the dark right side, with a slightly forked tail.
- What to know
- Season lengths and limits are set annually by international quota, and days can be few.
- The tactic
- A heavy jig or bait on the bottom, drifted with the tide.
- Caution
- Strictly quota-managed; check the current season dates and size limits before booking.
Seasons, size limits and catch limits change every year and differ by water body. Check the current regulations for your province or state before you fish.
Found in these regions
Is it active near you?
Get this week's guide for your area
Enter a town, postal code or ZIP and we'll tell you what's happening right there this week — from your local climate, this week's weather and your ecological region.
Also active in September
FishYear-roundWalleye
Sander vitreus
Olive-gold flanks, a spiny first dorsal, and the big glassy eye that gives it the name and lets it hunt in low light.
Where and how to catch it →
FishMay–OctSmallmouth bass
Micropterus dolomieu
Bronze-brown with vertical bars, red eye, and a jaw that ends level with the eye — not past it.
Where and how to catch it →Photo: Joshua Johnson · CC BY 4.0
FishJan–JunNorthern pike
Esox lucius
Long torpedo body, duck-like jaws, light bean-shaped spots on a dark green flank.
Where and how to catch it →Photo: Daughter Dad · CC BY 4.0