Salmon Shark

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Lamna ditropis

Also known as: Pacific Porbeagle

Sharks Native Stable

Size & Weight

Average Length 72.0"

Max Length 120.0"

Average Weight 75.0 lbs

Max Weight 660.0 lbs

Lifespan 30 years

Habitat

Depth Range 0 - 500 ft

Water Temp 38-52°F

Cold open ocean; offshore; pelagic; cold water specialist

Behavior

Spawning Season Spring (Alaska)

Migration: Highly migratory; follow salmon runs; cold water

Diet: Salmon; squid; herring; sablefish

Fishing Tips

PNW Season Rare PNW encounters

View season chart →

Techniques: Rarely targeted; some sport fishing

Best Bait: Large salmon; herring

Eating Quality

Edibility Fair (when handled properly)

Rich; requires immediate bleeding

Fun Facts

Endothermic (warm-blooded); follow salmon runs; can raise body temp above water; resembles Great White

How to Identify

Dark gray to black upper side; white belly; cone-shaped snout; warm-blooded (countershaded); found in cooler waters than Blue Shark

Commonly Confused With

Blue Shark Sharks

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Official Resources

WDFW (Washington) CDFW (California)

Sources: ADF&G; 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	—	72.0