Kelp Greenling
Hexagrammos decagrammus
Also known as: Sea Trout; Rock Trout; Greenling
Size & Weight
Average Length
12.6"
Max Length
21.0"
Average Weight
1.5 lbs
Max Weight
5.0 lbs
Lifespan
18 years
Habitat
Depth Range
0 - 150 ft
Water Temp
48-55°F
Rocky reefs; kelp forests; jetties; around structure
Behavior
Spawning Season
Fall-winter spawning; males guard nest
Migration: Generally residential; males territorial during spawning
Diet: Crustaceans; worms; small fish; mollusks
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round
Techniques: Jigging; bottom fishing; jetty fishing
Best Bait: Shrimp; cut bait; small jigs; worms
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good
Mild; white flesh; some have greenish tint
State Records
Washington
4.42
lbs
California
3.25
lbs
Fun Facts
Sexually dimorphic - males spotted; females mottled; males guard egg masses; good eating
How to Identify
Males: mottled blue-gray with cream-colored spots; Females: spotted brown-red; found in kelp beds and rocky areas
Official 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 Avg Length | — | 12.6 |
| Feb 02, 2026 07:29 AM | Updated Agency Links | — | WDFW: https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/hexagrammos-decagrammus, ODFW: https://myodfw.com/fishing/species/kelp-greenling |
| Feb 02, 2026 07:29 AM | Updated Similar Species | [67, 69] | [69, 67] |
| Feb 02, 2026 07:28 AM | Added image | — | species-65-5fe2564eba774b3b.jpg | Caption: Female | Source: WDFW |