Saltwater · Year-round; best April to October around docks and kelp
Whitespotted Greenling
Hexagrammos stelleri
The default dockside greenling of Puget Sound and Alaska harbours, recognised by white spots on a green-brown body. Common, willing and good to eat, it is a perfect beginner saltwater fish around pilings, kelp and mixed bottom.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Clear white spots scattered over a green-brown body and fins
- Five lateral lines along each side, as in other greenlings
- Long dorsal fin and large, fan-like pectoral fins
- Fleshy cirrus above each eye and a blunt, rounded head
- Males darken and guard eggs in fall and winter
Habits
- Holds tight to docks, kelp and rock, darting out for food
- Feeds on shrimp, crabs, worms and small fish
- Territorial around a home patch of structure
- Males guard bright egg masses under rocks in fall
- Active by day and quick to take small baits
Distribution
Where to find them
- Puget Sound docks and marina pilings
- Southeast Alaska harbour kelp and rocky edges
- Oregon jetty and bay rocky-sandy edges
Where they live
How to catch them
Shrimp and small baits around docks and kelp Shore
Rig: Light spinning rod, small baited hook with a light sinker dropped beside pilings, kelp and sandy-rock edges
Bait/lure: Shrimp, mussel and worm pieces
Key tip: Drop the bait right against structure and wait — greenling sit tight and bite close to home.
Small jigs from boats over mixed bottom Boat
Rig: Light rod, 1/4-1 oz jig or soft plastic bounced slowly over sand-rock mix in 20-60 ft
Bait/lure: Small jigs and soft plastics, sometimes tipped with shrimp
Key tip: Keep contact with the bottom and pause often — most bites come on the pause beside rock.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light to medium-light 6.5-7.5 ft spinning rod
- Line: 8-15 lb mono or braid
- Terminal: Size 4-1 hooks, small jigs, light sinkers
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 10-14 in; large fish to about 18 in (46 cm)
On the table
Good — firm, white flesh; a fine pan fish where keeping is legal.
Similar species
Kelp GreenlingKelp greenling females are golden-brown and males blue-spotted, without the neat white spotting; whitespotted is green-brown with clear white spots on body and fins
Rock GreenlingRock greenling is more vividly green with blue-green flesh tones and heavier mottling; whitespotted shows clean white spots and paler fleshRegulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
Plan a trip for Whitespotted Greenling
Build today's plan