Quillback Rockfish
Sebastes maliger
Also known as: Quillback; Speckled Rockfish
Size & Weight
Average Length
14.4"
Max Length
24.0"
Average Weight
1.0 lbs
Max Weight
8.0 lbs
Lifespan
76 years
Habitat
Depth Range
60 - 300 ft
Water Temp
48-55°F
Rocky reefs; boulder fields; crevices; solitary
Behavior
Spawning Season
Winter-spring; live birth
Migration: Highly residential; small home range
Diet: Crustaceans; small fish; octopi
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round with closures
Techniques: Bottom fishing; jigging
Best Bait: Jigs; cut bait; squid
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good
Mild; firm white flesh
State Records
Washington
7.19
lbs
Fun Facts
Distinctive mottled brown/orange pattern; high dorsal spines; long-lived
How to Identify
Dark brown to black; distinctive spiny appearance; overfished; common bycatch; found shallow rocky reefs
Commonly Confused With
Compare Side-by-SideOfficial Resources
Sources: WDFW; ODFW; 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 | 900 | 300 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Depth Min Ft | — | 60 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 14.4 |