The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
Haddock vs Pollock
Two fish anglers routinely mix up. Here is what actually separates them — and when and where you are likely to meet each.
Side by Side
Haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus
Typical: 16–24 in, 2–5 lb
Quickest tell: The dark lateral line plus the black 'devil's thumbprint' over the pectoral fin instantly separate haddock from cod (pale/white lateral line, overhanging upper jaw) and from green forked-tailed pollock.
- dark gray back, silver sides, dark (black) lateral line
- prominent black 'thumbprint' blotch above the pectoral fin
- three dorsal fins, the first tall and pointed
- small chin barbel present
- slightly forked-to-square tail; no overhang/spotting like cod
Pollock Pollachius virens
Typical: 20–32 in, 4–15 lb
Quickest tell: A greenish back, jutting lower jaw, near-absent chin barbel, and a clearly forked tail separate pollock from the barbeled, square-tailed cod and haddock.
- olive-green to brownish back, silvery sides
- three dorsal fins and two anal fins
- pale, only slightly curved lateral line
- projecting lower jaw with a tiny or absent chin barbel
- distinctly forked tail (unlike cod's and haddock's squared tail)
When Each Is Running July — current month highlighted
Peak Good Fair Slow
Where Haddock and Pollock Overlap
Both run in Northeast — that is where telling them apart actually matters.