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Widow Rockfish

Species Identification

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Widow Rockfish

Sebastes entomelas

Also known as: Widow; Brown Bomber

Rockfish Native Rebuilt (was overfished)

Size & Weight

Average Length 12.6"
Max Length 21.0"
Average Weight 1.5 lbs
Max Weight 5.0 lbs
Lifespan 60 years

Habitat

Depth Range 50 - 1200 ft
Water Temp 45-52°F

Mid-water over rocky reefs; schooling; pelagic

Behavior

Spawning Season Winter-spring; live birth

Migration: Seasonal vertical movements; schools move

Diet: Krill; small fish; euphausiids

Fishing Tips

PNW Season Year-round with closures
View season chart →

Techniques: Mid-water jigging; shrimp flies

Best Bait: Shrimp flies; small jigs

Eating Quality

Edibility Good

Mild; white flesh

Fun Facts

Highly pelagic; form large schools; important commercial species

How to Identify

Reddish-brown body; white mouth; highly pelagic; form large schools; found 50-1200 feet; important commercial species

Official Resources

Sources: WDFW; ODFW; CDFW; 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 12.6

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