Seasonality
When to fish for Halibut — primary and peak months.
January
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February
—
March
Primary
April
Primary
May
Peak
June
Peak
July
Primary
August
Primary
September
—
October
—
November
—
December
—
Halibut Fishing
Find charters and guides that target Halibut
Species overview
Halibut are large, flat, bottom-dwelling saltwater fish with broad bodies and small eyes on one side. They inhabit cold coastal waters, often near the seafloor around sand, mud, and rocky bottoms. Halibut feed on smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are prized for their size, strong fight, and firm, mild-flavored meat, making them popular among both sport and commercial anglers.
Techniques used to catch this species
Best cities to catch this species
Gear basics
Recommended tackle and gear for targeting Halibut.
Heavy rods, 30–50 lb test line, circle hooks, live bait like herring or squid, and bottom rigs.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where do halibut usually stay?
Near the seafloor over sandy, muddy, or rocky bottoms in cold coastal waters.
How big do halibut grow?
Commonly 20–100 pounds, with trophy fish exceeding 200 pounds.