Walleye Pollock

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Gadus chalcogrammus

Also known as: Pollock; Alaska Pollock

Bottomfish Native Abundant - most harvested fish globally

Size & Weight

Average Length 21.6"

Max Length 36.0"

Average Weight 2.0 lbs

Max Weight 9.0 lbs

Lifespan 22 years

Habitat

Depth Range 0 - 3300 ft

Water Temp 35-45°F

Mid-water to bottom; continental shelf and slope; schooling

Behavior

Spawning Season Winter-spring

Migration: Extensive migrations; follow prey; schools move

Diet: Copepods; krill; small fish

Fishing Tips

PNW Season Commercial only

View season chart →

Techniques: Commercial only; rarely recreational

Best Bait: N/A - commercial species

Eating Quality

Edibility Good

Mild; white; used for surimi (imitation crab)

Fun Facts

World's largest fishery by weight; used for fish sticks and imitation crab; school in billions

How to Identify

Brown with mottling and stripes; three dorsal fins; small whisker under lower jaw; different from pollock in Atlantic

Commonly Confused With

Walleye Surfperch Surfperch

Pacific Hake Bottomfish

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Official Resources

WDFW (Washington) CDFW (California)

Sources: 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