Pacific Hake
Merluccius productus
Also known as: Pacific Whiting; Hake
Size & Weight
Average Length
21.6"
Max Length
36.0"
Average Weight
2.0 lbs
Max Weight
5.0 lbs
Lifespan
23 years
Habitat
Depth Range
75 - 3300 ft
Water Temp
40-50°F
Mid-water and bottom; continental shelf and slope; schooling
Behavior
Spawning Season
Winter-spring
Migration: Extensive seasonal migrations; follow prey
Diet: Fish; shrimp; squid; euphausiids
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round (rarely targeted recreationally)
Techniques: Commercial primarily; occasional recreational bycatch
Best Bait: Cut bait
Eating Quality
Edibility
Fair
Soft flesh; must be processed quickly
State Records
Washington
4.06
lbs
Fun Facts
Soft flesh requires immediate processing; important commercial species; extensive migrations
How to Identify
Slender silver-gray body; black inside mouth; two dorsal fins; second dorsal fin deeply notched; lacks swim bladder so collapses when brought up
Official Resources
Sources: WDFW; 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 | — | 21.6 |