The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
Pacific Cod Gadus macrocephalus
Pacific Cod Size, Range & Diet
| Typical size | 20–32 in, 5–15 lb |
|---|---|
| Maximum | up to about 4 ft and 50 lb |
| Lifespan | up to about 20 years |
| Range | The North Pacific from the Bering Sea and Aleutians through the Gulf of Alaska and British Columbia, thinning southward and rare off Southern California. |
| Habitat | Near the seafloor over mud, sand and clay, shallower than about 300 ft in summer and dropping to 300–800 ft or deeper in winter. |
| Diet | Clams, worms, crabs, shrimp, octopus and small fish rooted off the bottom. |
Sizes are typical rod-and-reel and documented maximum figures, not size limits — see the regulations links below for the rules where you fish.
How to Identify a Pacific Cod
- Single long chin barbel (whisker) at least as long as eye diameter
- Three separate dorsal fins and two anal fins
- Brown/gray mottled body, pale belly
- Pale, curved lateral line
- Rounded/square tail, blunt snout
Tell it apart: The single fleshy chin barbel and three separate dorsal fins are unique among Alaska bottomfish and immediately separate cod from the barbel-less, single-dorsal lingcod.
Easily confused with: Lingcod
Side by side: Pacific Cod vs Lingcod
How to Catch Pacific Cod
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- Available May-August inshore over rocky bottom; drop large jigs and herring on heavy bait rigs, working structure where cod hold near the seafloor.GearHeavy bottom jigsShrimp fly bait rigsBottomfish rod combo
When & Where Pacific Cod Are in Season
Peak Good Fair Slow
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska — Southcentral & Southeast Inshore | ||||||||||||
| Alaska — Southcentral & Southeast Offshore |
Pacific Cod Regulations
Always check local regulations — seasons, size, and bag limits vary by state and species, and change year to year. When in doubt, release.