Saltwater · Spring through early fall (quota-managed; check openings)
Pacific Halibut
Hippoglossus stenolepis
The heavyweight of the coast. Halibut sit on gravel and sand edges where current delivers food, and reward patient anchoring or controlled drifts.
Where they live
In this guide: Victoria, BC · Campbell River, BC · Seattle, WA.
How to catch them
Anchoring with a chum bag and spreader bar
Rig: Spreader bar, 16-24 oz weight, large circle hook
Bait/lure: Herring, octopus, salmon bellies
Key tip: Let scent work for 30-45 minutes before moving. Patience pays.
Drifting jigs
Rig: 12-16 oz jig or heavy leadhead with a grub
Bait/lure: Large curly-tail grubs, herring strip
Key tip: Keep the jig near bottom with slow lifts; avoid dragging.
Baseline setup
- Rod: 6-7' boat rod, extra-heavy
- Line: 65-80 lb braid
- Terminal: Spreader bars, circle hooks 8/0-10/0, heavy weights
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
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