Gopher Rockfish
Sebastes carnatus
Also known as: Gopher; Butterball
Size & Weight
Average Length
9.9"
Max Length
16.5"
Average Weight
0.5 lbs
Max Weight
3.0 lbs
Lifespan
30 years
Habitat
Depth Range
60 - 300 ft
Water Temp
52-60°F
Shallow rocky reefs; crevices; kelp beds; solitary
Behavior
Spawning Season
Winter-spring; live birth
Migration: Highly residential; small home range
Diet: Crabs; shrimp; small fish; brittlestars
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round
Techniques: Shore fishing; shallow jigging; spearfishing
Best Bait: Cut bait; shrimp; small crabs
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good
Mild; firm white flesh
Fun Facts
Pink/brown mottled pattern; found in crevices; shallow water specialist
How to Identify
Small brownish; found shallow rocky areas; very territorial; limited range
Official Resources
Sources: 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 | 260 | 300 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Depth Min Ft | — | 60 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 9.9 |