Pacific halibut

Know your fish

Pacific halibut — Photo:Баранчук-Червонный Лев, CC BY-SA 3.0

Pacific halibut

Hippoglossus stenolepis

Typical size:70–130 cm, 5–30 kg

Diamond-shaped flatfish, both eyes on the right (dark) side
Dark olive-brown top, white underside; tail slightly crescent
Lateral line arches over the pectoral fin

Looks like: Flounder and sole are much smaller and rounder; arrowtooth flounder has big teeth and soft flesh.

Max 112 cm

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cm

OK to keep

Maximum 112 cm head-on (85 cm head-off); no fish over that size may be kept
2/day, annual 10; record immediately

Must release

Anything over 112 cm head-on, always (the big females are the breeders)

Best months

March, April, May, June, July, August, September

Rules

Max 112 cm head-on (85 cm head-off). Annual limit 10 (Apr 1, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027). Record immediately.

Fishing licences across Canada

Rig to tie

Where to catch Pacific halibut near you