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Canadian eelpout

Lycodes polaris

Canadian eelpout© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Canadian eelpout (Lycodes polaris) is a small, slender bottom‑dwelling fish found in cold northern Atlantic waters. It is prized more for its curiosity value than its table quality, often caught incidentally by anglers targeting larger species. Its modest size and gentle fight make it an easy catch for novice anglers.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Zoarcidae

Max Size

25 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

0-300m

Climate

polar

Best Season

June‑August

Best Time

Dawn and dusk

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Canadian eelpout

  • Use a light spinning rod with a sensitive tip to feel subtle bites
  • Fish over soft-bottom habitats using small soft plastics or natural bait near the seabed
  • Slowly drag or jig the lure close to the bottom to entice the eelpout
  • Keep the line slack enough to let the fish take the bait without spooking it

Top Fishing Locations for Canadian eelpout

Frobisher Bay

Canada
expert60% Common

Deep, cold waters of Baffin Island's fjords where eelpout congregate over sandy bottoms, accessible via charter ice‑breaker trips.

Best: July-September

Churchill Northern Shore

Canada
intermediate45% Occasional

Sheltered bays along the western Hudson Bay where seasonal melt brings nutrient‑rich currents, attracting eelpout in large numbers.

Best: June-August

St. George's Bay

Canada
intermediate55% Common

Cold Atlantic inlet on the Burin Peninsula, known for its steep drop‑offs and abundant benthic invertebrates that eelpout feed on.

Best: May-July

Scoresby Sound

Greenland
expert70% Very Common

One of the world’s largest fjord systems, its deep, icy waters are a prime habitat for the Arctic eelpout during summer melt.

Best: July-September

Ísafjarðardjúp

Iceland
expert65% Common

Remote Westfjords fjord with steep walls and cold bottom temperatures, a favorite spot for specialist anglers chasing eelpout.

Best: June-August

Isfjorden

Norway
expert75% Very Common

Svalbard’s main fjord, offering year‑round sub‑zero water and abundant prey, making it a bucket‑list destination for eelpout hunters.

Best: July-September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Canadian eelpout

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line4‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall soft plastic grubs or minnow‑style jig, 1‑2 inches
TechniqueBottom jigging or slow drift with bait near the seabed

Best bait: Fresh or frozen shrimp, small squid pieces, or sandworm chunks