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Alaska pollock

Gadus chalcogrammus

Alaska pollock© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Alaska pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) is a fast‑growing, schooling fish prized for its mild flavor and versatility in cooking, making it a staple for both commercial markets and recreational anglers. While not a traditional game fish, its abundance and surface feeding habits provide rewarding catches for anglers targeting offshore waters.

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Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Gadidae

Max Size

91 cm

Max Weight

3.9 kg

Habitat

marine, brackish

Climate

polar

Best Season

Late spring to early fall (May–September)

Best Time

Early morning and late evening (dawn/dusk)

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Alaska pollock

  • Use light to medium‑weight gear to detect subtle bites from the schooling fish
  • Troll with small spoons or jig heads at 4–6 knots to cover larger water areas
  • Fish near temperature fronts or where seabirds are feeding, as pollock often congregate there
  • Employ live or frozen bait such as herring, squid, or shrimp for higher attraction

Top Fishing Locations for Alaska pollock

Unimak Island Pollock Grounds

United States
intermediate70% Very Common

Deep offshore waters off Unimak Island in the Bering Sea host massive pollock schools. Accessible via charter boats from Unalaska.

Best: June to August

Dutch Harbor (Unalaska) Pollock Run

United States
beginner65% Common

Near the port of Unalaska, the waters are teeming with pollock during summer, offering shore‑based jigging and boat trips.

Best: May to July

Cape Kumroch, Kamchatka

Russia
expert55% Common

Remote Kamchatka coast where nutrient‑rich currents bring huge pollock shoals, best accessed by guided fly‑fishing tours.

Best: June to September

Rausu Coast, Hokkaido

Japan
intermediate60% Common

Northern Hokkaido’s Rausu Peninsula offers clear waters and abundant pollock, popular with local anglers using light tackle.

Best: July to September

Tromsø Offshore, Norway

Norway
intermediate50% Common

The Barents Sea north of Tromsø sees seasonal pollock migrations; charter boats take anglers to the edge of the continental shelf.

Best: May to August

Prince William Sound, Alaska

United States
beginner45% Occasional

Protected waters of Prince William Sound host steady pollock runs; accessible from Juneau and Seward with day‑trip charters.

Best: July to September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Alaska pollock

Recommended Equipment

RodMedium‑action spinning or casting rod, 6–7 ft
Line8–12 lb test monofilament or 10–15 lb test braided line
Lure TypeSmall jigs, soft‑plastic swimbaits, or metal spoons
TechniqueTrolling or jigging in the upper water column

Best bait: Live or frozen herring, squid, or shrimp