Walleye Pollock
Gadus chalcogrammus
Also known as: Pollock; Alaska Pollock
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
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
Official Resources
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 |