Pacific Halibut Fishing in Alaska

Pacific Halibut rate a close second to Chinook salmon in popularity among fishermen visiting Alaska.  Halibut are large and powerful predators that average 30 to 40 pounds and are commonly caught in sizes that exceed 100 pounds.  The Alaska State Record is 459 pounds! 

The largest member of the flounder family, halibut, primarily feed near the bottom on current swept sand and gravel ridges adjacent to deep water. 
 
The mouth of Glacier Bay supports a unique fishery for shallow water halibut. Halibut are frequently caught in depths between 50 and 150 feet deep. Most other areas in Alaska require fishing in depths exceeding 300 feet.

Pacific Halibut migrate into Icy Strait from winter spawning grounds on the Pacific Ocean’s Continental Shelf in the spring.  By May they have moved into shallower water to feed.  Fishing for halibut is excellent May through September.  Halibut are Alaska’s favorite food fish, their firm, mild white fillets are superb baked, barbequed, or deep fat fried.

I have found that smaller fish (under 100 pounds) possess superior flavor and texture over larger fish.  Coupled with the fact that all larger halibut are females possessing considerable genetic success I strongly encourage releasing large halibut.  It is easy to photograph and measure these monsters next to the boat for bragging rights. 

Halibut are numerous in Icy Strait so you will catch plenty to take home. 

Current Alaska Fish and Game regulations allow one halibut per day under 44 inches (35 Lbs) or over 80 inches (275 Lbs).


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