Fishing for Pacific halibut

Hippoglossus stenolepis

The Pacific halibut is a large flatfish found in the North Pacific Ocean. It has a diamond-shaped body with both eyes on its dark upper side. This species feeds on fish and invertebrates. Typically reaching up to 60 inches and 500 pounds, it inhabits deep, cold waters. Pacific halibut are known for their migratory behavior and long lifespan. This summary is AI generated

Water type

Saltwater

Common depth

591 ft - 1476 ft

IUCN Status

Least concern

Threat to humans

Harmless

Source: Fishbase

Best baits to catch Pacific halibut

BiteGuide combines your real-time weather, water conditions, and target species to suggest lures and colors that'll work right now. Built on millions of real catches from the world's largest fishing community.

Fishbrain
BiteGuide App featureBiteGuide App feature

The right bait right now

Find out what lures to use, download the Fishbrain app!

Loading...Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Download the Bitetime appDownload the Bitetime app
Download the Bitetime app
Download the Bitetime app
Download the Bitetime appDownload the Bitetime app
Download the Bitetime app
Download the Bitetime appDownload the Bitetime app
Download the Bitetime app

Biggest Pacific halibut catches

Explore your local leaderboard—see the top catches in the app.

Recently caught Pacific halibut

fish catches icon
Pacific halibut caught on Fishbrain
Loading...

Pacific halibut

34 in · 20 lb

fish catches icon
Pacific halibut caught on Fishbrain
Loading...

Pacific halibut

Cook Inlet

33 in · 15 lb

fish catches icon
Pacific halibut caught on Fishbrain
Loading...

Pacific halibut

Santa Cruz Main Beach

length · weight

fish catches icon
Pacific halibut caught on Fishbrain
Loading...

Pacific halibut

Alamitos Bay

length · weight

fish catches icon
Pacific halibut caught on Fishbrain
Loading...

Pacific halibut

length · weight

fish catches icon
Pacific halibut caught on Fishbrain
Loading...

Pacific halibut

length · weight

fish catches icon
Pacific halibut caught on Fishbrain
Loading...

Pacific halibut

Dillingham Census Area coast water

47 in · 40 lb

fish catches icon
Pacific halibut caught on Fishbrain
Loading...

Pacific halibut

Kenai Peninsula coastal water

length · weight

fish catches icon
Pacific halibut caught on Fishbrain
Loading...

Pacific halibut

Kenai Peninsula coastal water

length · weight

fish catches icon
Pacific halibut caught on Fishbrain
Loading...

Pacific halibut

length · weight

Fishbrain
More catches in the app...

Continue browsing catches and catch locations in the Fishbrain app

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

FAQ about Pacific halibut fishing

🎣 What bait works best for Pacific halibut?

Pacific halibut go for natural baits — but the best choice shifts with water conditions, season, and local pressure.

Want the answer for your spot, today? BiteGuide in the crunches real catch reports against weather, water conditions, and seasonal patterns to tell you exactly what's working right now. Download the app and let BiteGuide do the guessing for you.

📍 Where do Pacific halibut live?

Pacific halibut often hold near the bottom in deep water, where they feed on fish and invertebrates.

BiteGuide in the narrows it down using real catch data and conditions near you, so you know where to cast, not just where to look. Grab the app and fish smarter.

App Section
Download Fishbrain and fish smarter
Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish.

Free trial available

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

Most popular fish species near you