Yellowtail Rockfish
Sebastes flavidus
Also known as: Yellowtail; Green Snapper
Size & Weight
Average Length
15.6"
Max Length
26.0"
Average Weight
2.0 lbs
Max Weight
8.0 lbs
Lifespan
64 years
Habitat
Depth Range
60 - 300 ft
Water Temp
48-55°F
Rocky reefs; often schooling in mid-water above structure
Behavior
Spawning Season
Winter-spring; live birth
Migration: Some seasonal depth movements; schools move
Diet: Krill; small fish; squid; jellyfish
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round with closures
Techniques: Jigging; shrimp flies; mid-water fishing
Best Bait: Shrimp flies; small jigs; cut bait
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good
Mild; white flesh; firm
State Records
Washington
7.38
lbs
California
5.5
lbs
Fun Facts
Olive/yellow coloring; form large schools; yellow tail fin distinctive
How to Identify
Olive or yellow coloring; distinctive yellow tail fin; form large schools in mid-water; smaller than many rockfish
Commonly Confused With
Compare Side-by-SideOfficial Resources
Sources: WDFW; ODFW; CDFW; NOAA
Change History (Last updated Feb 10, 2026 at 02:09 PM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 10, 2026 02:09 PM | Added image | — | species-25-d4edfc7b7418915b.jpg |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Depth Max Ft | 1800 | 300 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Depth Min Ft | — | 60 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 15.6 |