Photo: Unknown author / CC BY-SA 2.5 (via Wikimedia Commons)
Hippoglossus stenolepis
Pacific Halibut
Saltwater
About this species
A colossal right-eyed flatfish of the North Pacific that can exceed 200 kg, both eyes on its dark upper side. It lies on deep, current-swept bottoms ambushing fish and crabs. Heavy bottom rigs with large baits like herring and octopus in deep water are the standard.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
20 – 300 m
Habitat Spots
OffshoreNearshore
Fishing Methods
BottomJigging
Bait & Rig
Heavy bottom rigs with whole herring, octopus, or large squid, or circle-hook spreader rigs worked close to the bottom in 30–150 m of water.
Edibility & Taste
Among the finest Pacific table fish with dense, sweet white flesh excellent baked, pan-seared, or broiled; halibut cheeks are a prized delicacy.
Similar Species
Right-eyed flatfish; distinguished from other righteye flounders by its enormous adult size (over 200 kg possible), diamond-shaped body, and concave tail fin.
Record Weight
208 kg