Also known as
- Halibut US
- Northern Halibut US
- Butt US
Identification
A massive flatfish of the cold North Pacific shelf — wide compressed muscular profile delivers extraordinary pulling power and brutal sustained resistance. Females out-size males dramatically.
- Both eyes positioned on the right side after juvenile eye migration
- Dark olive to brown upper side with lighter mottling, pure white underside
- Pronounced arch in the lateral line above the pectoral fin
- Diamond-shaped body silhouette — broader than Atlantic halibut
- Small scales embedded in the skin giving a smooth appearance
Where it holds
- Offshore
- Oceanic
Behaviour
A solitary ambush predator of cold North Pacific sand, mud, and gravel bottoms. Lies partially buried and explodes upward on prey passing overhead; each fish defends a preferred feeding territory. Strong age-related diet shift — smaller fish work crustaceans and bottom fish, trophy fish are obligate fish-eaters taking salmon, cod, and pollock. Most active dawn and dusk; feeding peaks 6-10°C (43-50°F). Adults move between shallow shelf and deeper water following temperature.
Diet: Herring, Salmon, Pollock, Cod, Octopus, Large Crabs, Shrimp
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Bottom Fishing
The dominant Alaskan, BC, and Pacific Northwest charter approach — anchor or hold position over a productive bottom feature in 30-120m and present a whole herring, salmon belly strip, or whole octopus on a sliding-boom rig with a 0.5-1.5kg lead and a 10/0-16/0 non-offset circle hook. Stout 5'11-7' standup rod, lever-drag conventional reel, 80lb braid, 200lb wind-on leader. Keep the bait pinned to the bottom in the strike zone.
Drift Fishing
A productive approach over broad bottom features when current is moderate — drift across the productive ground with a herring or salmon-belly strip on a circle hook and just enough weight to keep the rig ticking the bottom. Cover ground until a fish hits, then anchor up to work the area. 200lb wind-on leader; same heavy standup tackle as bottom_fishing.
Jigging
A productive vertical approach during the summer peak season when fish are aggressive on shallower structure — drop a 250-900g pirk, butterfly, or speed jig and work it with sharp lift-and-fall snaps within 2-3m of the bottom. Glow-finish jigs excel below 100m. Tip the assist hook with a fresh herring or salmon strip for added scent.
