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American plaice

Hippoglossoides platessoides

American plaice© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

American plaice is a flat, silver‑gray fish found on soft sandy or muddy bottoms of the North Atlantic. It’s prized for its delicate white flesh and is a favorite of anglers targeting bottom‑dwelling species.

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Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Pleuronectidae

Max Size

82.6 cm

Max Weight

6.4 kg

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

10-3000m

Climate

temperate

Best Season

Fall (September to November) and early winter

Best Time

During moving tides, especially high tide and night hours

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for American plaice

  • Fish over soft‑bottom habitats such as sand or mud where plaice lie buried.
  • Target periods of changing tide; the fish feed actively when water is moving.
  • Use a small sinker (2‑4 oz) to keep the bait near the bottom without spooking the fish.
  • Retract the jig slowly with occasional pauses to mimic a wounded baitfish.

Top Fishing Locations for American plaice

Bay of Fundy

Canada
intermediate70% Very Common

Renowned for its high tidal range and abundant flatfish, the Bay of Fundy offers productive bottom fishing for American plaice on both the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia sides.

Best: June‑August

Gulf of St. Lawrence (Anticosti Island)

Canada
intermediate65% Common

The waters surrounding Anticosti Island are a classic winter‑to‑spring plaice ground, with sandy bottoms and strong currents that bring in large numbers of the species.

Best: May‑September

Lofoten Islands

Norway
expert50% Common

Cold, clear Arctic waters and steep continental shelves make the Lofoten archipelago a premier destination for serious plaice anglers seeking large specimens.

Best: July‑September

Westfjords

Iceland
expert55% Common

Remote fjords with deep, sandy basins host healthy plaice populations; the scenery and challenge attract adventurous anglers.

Best: August‑October

Disko Bay

Greenland
expert45% Occasional

High‑latitude, nutrient‑rich waters of Disko Bay support a robust plaice fishery, prized by those willing to venture into Arctic conditions.

Best: June‑September

Cape Elizabeth

United States
beginner30% Occasional

A more accessible Atlantic coast spot where shore‑based anglers can target plaice from piers and rocky points during the spring run.

Best: May‑July

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for American plaice

Recommended Equipment

Rod6‑7 ft medium‑light spinning rod, fast to medium action
Line8‑12 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSoft‑plastic grubs, bucktail jigs, or bucktail rigs; "N/A" if using live bait
TechniqueBottom jigging or drift fishing over sandy flats, letting bait sit on the bottom

Best bait: Sandworms, clams, shrimp, or small herring strips