Sablefish
Anoplopoma fimbria
Also known as: Black Cod; Butterfish; Coalfish
Size & Weight
Average Length
27.0"
Max Length
45.0"
Average Weight
3.0 lbs
Max Weight
56.0 lbs
Lifespan
94 years
Habitat
Depth Range
600 - 9000 ft
Water Temp
36-43°F
Deep water; continental slope; soft bottoms; very deep
Behavior
Spawning Season
Winter-spring
Migration: Juveniles nearshore; adults deep; some migration
Diet: Fish; squid; jellyfish; crustaceans
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round when open (limited recreational)
Techniques: Deep dropping; commercial longline
Best Bait: Cut bait; squid - very deep fishing
Eating Quality
Edibility
Excellent
Rich; buttery; high oil content; prized
State Records
Washington
30.0
lbs
Fun Facts
Extremely deep-dwelling; can live 90+ years; buttery texture from high oil; prized for smoking
How to Identify
Black silvery coloring; found deeper water (300-2500 feet); two dorsal fins; white flesh
Commonly Confused With
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Official 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 Avg Length | — | 27.0 |