Copper Rockfish
Sebastes caurinus
Also known as: Whitebelly; Chucklehead
Size & Weight
Average Length
13.8"
Max Length
23.0"
Average Weight
2.0 lbs
Max Weight
10.0 lbs
Lifespan
55 years
Habitat
Depth Range
60 - 300 ft
Water Temp
50-57°F
Rocky reefs; kelp beds; structure; solitary
Behavior
Spawning Season
Winter-spring; live birth
Migration: Generally residential; stay in small home range
Diet: Fish; crustaceans; octopi
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round with closures
Techniques: Bottom fishing; jigging; some caught from jetties
Best Bait: Jigs; cut bait; squid; live bait
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good
Mild; firm white flesh
State Records
Washington
10.0
lbs
California
8.31
lbs
Fun Facts
Copper/orange coloring; white belly; often solitary; home range fidelity
How to Identify
Coppery-red color; white mouth; found on rocky reefs; common in shallow waters; rebuilding population
Commonly Confused With
Compare Side-by-SideOfficial Resources
Sources: WDFW; ODFW; CDFW; NOAA
Change History (Last updated Feb 02, 2026 at 10:33 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Depth Max Ft | 600 | 300 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Depth Min Ft | — | 60 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 13.8 |