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Polar cod

Boreogadus saida

Polar cod© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Polar cod (Boreogadus saida) is a small Arctic fish prized for its delicate white flesh and abundant presence near ice edges. It is popular among ice‑fishing enthusiasts for its active night feeding and ease of capture with light tackle.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Gadidae

Max Size

40 cm

Habitat

marine, brackish

Depth Range

0-1383m

Climate

polar

Best Season

June‑August (summer when sea ice recedes)

Best Time

Dawn and dusk, with increased activity at night

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Polar cod

  • Use light ultralight spinning gear (2‑6 lb line) to feel subtle bites
  • Fish near the ice edge or open water leads where polar cod congregate
  • Employ small jigs or soft plastic minnows (1‑2 in) tipped with frozen capelin or krill
  • Slow jigging or gentle trolling at 1‑2 knots works best in cold water

Top Fishing Locations for Polar cod

Kongsfjorden, Spitsbergen

Norway
intermediate65% Common

A deep fjord in Svalbard where polar cod aggregate near glacier melt water, popular among Arctic anglers.

Best: June-August

Barents Sea, off Tromsø

Norway
beginner55% Common

Open water offshore where polar cod form large schools during summer, accessible via charter boats.

Best: July-September

Disko Bay, Greenland

Greenland
intermediate70% Very Common

Cold, nutrient-rich waters near the coast of Disko Island, known for high polar cod densities.

Best: June-September

Lancaster Sound, Baffin Island

Canada
expert45% Occasional

Arctic archipelago waters where polar cod migrate with zooplankton, accessible via icebreaker tours.

Best: July-August

Novaya Zemlya, Barents Sea

Russia
expert50% Common

Remote Arctic archipelago with abundant polar cod near the continental shelf.

Best: June-August

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Iceland
beginner35% Occasional

Northwest Iceland coast with cold currents bringing polar cod close to shore, suitable for shore fishing.

Best: July-September

Beaufort Sea, Alaska

United States
intermediate40% Occasional

Arctic waters off northern Alaska, where polar cod are part of the subsistence and sport fishery.

Best: June-August

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Polar cod

Recommended Equipment

RodLight/ultralight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line2‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeTiny spoons, soft plastic minnows, or jig heads (1‑2 in)
TechniqueJigging or slow trolling near ice edges

Best bait: Live or frozen capelin, shrimp, or krill