The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
Pacific Cod vs Sablefish
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
Pacific Cod Gadus macrocephalus
Typical: 20–32 in, 5–15 lb
Key field mark: 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.
- 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
Sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria
Typical: 2–3 ft
Quickest tell: Two well-separated dorsal fins and no chin barbel — despite the market name 'black cod', a Pacific cod has three dorsal fins and a prominent barbel under the chin.
- Elongate body, dark gray to black above with a lighter gray underside
- TWO dorsal fins, well separated from each other
- Small scales giving a soft, velvety feel
- No chin barbel
When Each Is Running September — current month highlighted
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Cod | ||||||||||||
| Sablefish |
Peak Good Fair Slow
Where Pacific Cod and Sablefish Overlap
Both run in Alaska — Aleutians & Alaska Peninsula — that is where telling them apart actually matters.