Walleye Pollock (also known as Alaska Walleye) are a saltwater-dwelling species, and are native to almost all of Alaska’s shoreline, excluding only the northern shoreline. They are a member of the Cod family, and feature silver bodies speckled with brown vermiculations. They are an important species for Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, and have a light, mild-tasting flesh similar to Cod and Haddock. Walleye pollock caught within Alaska’s borders has been classified as a Smart Seafood Choice, due to the sustainability with which the walleye pollock industry in Alaska operates. Pollock are also a favorite species to target for recreational anglers, as they are tenacious fighters when caught. Keep reading on this page to learn more about this intriguing native Alaskan fish species.
Walleye Pollock Behavior and Facts
Walleye Pollock are schooling fish, meaning that they are typically found in large groups of other Walleye Pollock. Typically, they are found in shallow and mid-depth water, and can often be found near the ocean’s surface in areas of greater depth. While they can live in depths up to 3,000 feet, they are mostly commonly found in depths between 150 and 900 feet. This makes them an accessible species to target, both for commercial and recreational anglers. Just like Steelhead, Walleye Pollock spawn in the late winter and early spring. Unlike Steelhead, though, Walleye Pollock spawn in salt water, laying eggs and participating in broadcast spawning to create new fish. Fertilized eggs slowly rise towards the water’s surface, and hatch between 2-3 weeks after fertilization. After their birth, juvenile Walleye Pollock feed on plankton and begin to school up at a young age. They will stay in schools arranged by age for most of their lives, which can span up to 20 years. After 2 years, Walleye Pollock become reproductive, and spawn annually for the remainder of their lives. Schools of Walleye Pollock migrate annually; to shallow water during spawning season, and back to deeper water during the rest of the year. Additionally, they make vertical daily migrations, following smaller sea life and even other Pollock to feed. Typically, adults reach between 12 and 20 inches in length and grow to between 1 and 3 pounds; but individuals can grow up to three feet in length. A pollock over 2 feet in length is considered a trophy fish.
Since Walleye Pollock often eat smaller baitfish and sealife, throwing lures is an effective way to target these fish. While shore fishing for Pollock can be effective, depending on the time of year, targeting these fish from a boat can often yield better results. Because Pollock swim in schools, catching many in quick succession is not uncommon. They are not considered threatened or overfished in most fisheries, meaning that they can be harvested. They are a white-meat fish, meaning that they have a taste similar to Cod or Halibut. If you are interested in catching this wonderful native Alaskan species in some of the most scenic coastal waters in America, contact All Alaska Outdoors Lodge and book a trip to the Last Frontier today!