Saltwater Β· Year-round around Alaska harbours; best late spring through fall
Alaska Pollock
Gadus chalcogrammus
A true cod (genus Gadus) β not to be confused with Atlantic pollock, which is a different fish in the genus Pollachius; in short, pollock means Pollachius, while Alaska pollock is a Gadus cod. It supports the world's largest whitefish fishery, and the sport catch is a dockside sideline around Alaska harbours. Abundant, easy to catch and good eating.
Seasons Β· Peak
Identifying features
- True cod build in genus Gadus β three dorsal fins and two anal fins
- Lower jaw projects beyond the upper, with a tiny or absent chin barbel
- Olive to brown-green back with mottled, speckled sides
- No large dark shoulder blotch like Atlantic pollock (Pollachius)
- Lateral line is continuous and the tail is forked
Habits
- Schools heavily around harbour pilings, docks and rocky structure
- Feeds on shrimp, small fish, krill and juvenile pollock
- Supports the world's largest whitefish fishery; sport catch is a dockside sideline
- Moves inshore around harbours in summer and deeper in winter
- Spawns in late winter and early spring in cold northern water
Distribution
Where to find them
- Docks and pilings in Kodiak, Seward and Juneau harbours
- Harbour mouths and breakwaters in southeast Alaska
- Puget Sound docks and rocky points where juveniles school
Where they live
How to catch them
Jigs and baited rigs at Alaska harbours Shore
Rig: Medium-light rod, small metal jig or baited rig dropped beside dock pilings in Kodiak, Seward and Juneau
Bait/lure: Small jigs, shrimp, herring strips
Key tip: Jig vertically beside pilings and breakwaters; schools pass in waves, so keep fishing through the quiet spells.
Sabiki-style rigs and small spoons around pilings Shore
Rig: Light rod, sabiki-style multi-hook rig or small spoon jigged around pilings and dock lights
Bait/lure: Sabiki rigs, small spoons
Key tip: Work the rig slowly up through the water column β pollock often hang mid-depth, not only on the bottom.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Medium-light 6.5-7.5 ft spinning rod
- Line: 10-20 lb braid or mono
- Terminal: Small jigs, sabiki-style rigs, size 2-6 hooks
Recommended gear for this species
Rod Β· Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
β US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies Β· Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
β US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library β never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 1-3 lb (0.5-1.4 kg), 12-20 in (30-51 cm); large fish to about 8 lb (3.6 kg)
On the table
Excellent β mild, white, flaky; the fish behind most fish sticks and surimi.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season β always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide β
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