Saltwater · Late fall through spring; winter spawning aggregations are the peak
Pacific Cod
Gadus macrocephalus
A true cod and a staple food fish of the North Pacific, schooling over soft bottom in deep water. Cod are easy to catch on baited rigs and jigs and are a reliable winter and spring target in Alaska and BC.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Three separate dorsal fins and two anal fins — the classic cod silhouette
- A single whisker-like barbel on the chin
- Mottled brown-grey back with a pale belly and a distinct pale lateral line
- Upper jaw projects beyond the lower jaw
- Look-alike: lingcod has one long dorsal fin, fang teeth and no chin barbel
Habits
- School over mud, sand and gravel in 100-300 ft of water
- Feed on herring, shrimp, crab and small fish near bottom
- Gather in dense spawning aggregations in winter
- Bite steadily through the day once a school is found
Distribution
Where to find them
- Deep bank edges and channel slopes marked on the sounder
- Soft-bottom flats adjacent to rocky reefs
- Anchored or slow-drifted spots in 100-300 ft
Where they live
How to catch them
Bottom fishing bait
Rig: Two-hook bottom rig with an 8-16 oz sinker
Bait/lure: Herring strips, squid, shrimp
Key tip: Anchor over marks and let the scent draw the school under the boat.
Jigging metal
Rig: 6-10 oz metal jig on a stout boat rod
Bait/lure: Point Wilson-style darts and cod jigs
Key tip: Short, sharp lifts off bottom. Cod hit on the fall.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: 7' medium-heavy boat rod
- Line: 50 lb braid
- Terminal: Bottom rigs, heavy sinkers, metal jigs
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.
Typical size
Common 2-6 lb; large specimens 15 lb+
On the table
Excellent — mild, white, flaky flesh; classic fish-and-chips fish, best fresh.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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