Pacific Cod: Alaska Fish Species Guide

Alaska Pacific cod, also known as true cod or gray cod, is grayish-brown colored fish with big, irregular spots and a lighter-colored belly. They have a chin barbell on the lower jaw, a large head and mouth, and big eyes.

Pacific cod grow large. An average fish is about 30 inches and 10 pounds; they can grow beyond 60 inches. They are fairly long-lived and can reach 20 years old. They are abundant in Alaska waters and there is currently no daily limit or season.

Pacific cod are caught throughout Southcentral and Southeast saltwater. Hot spots include Kodiak, Yakutat, the west coast of Prince of Wales Island, the Gulf of Alaska, and most of the ports in Southeast. Cod are caught throughout the entire saltwater season from April through September.

Pacific Cod Fishing Tips

Pacific cod are not hard to catch. They will willingly bite jigs or bait. Oftentimes, when you find one cod, there are more present. Light halibut or lingcod rods and reels are well suited for Pacific cod. Shoot for a 5.5- to 6-foot rod, rated for 20- to 50-pound-test line, with a medium-fast or fast action. An 8-ounce Ahi USA Live Deception jig is a good lure to use when targeting cod.

Pacific cod are a species of abundance in Alaska and they provide white, flaky fillets that some anglers prefer over other bottomfish. If these fish are to your taste on the table, we recommend that you target them, as targeting them takes pressure off halibut, lingcod and rockfish.

Saltwater:

• Kodiak
• Yakutat
• West coast of Prince of Wales
• Gulf of Alaska
• Most ports in Southeast

Always check current area ADF&G regulations before fishing.