Golden redfish Fishing

A very slow-growing deep-water fish that can live over 60 years. It sits in loose groups on fjord slopes and rocky bottom.

Sebastes norvegicus

Golden redfish (Sebastes norvegicus)
Photo: State of New York Forest, Fish, and Game Commission · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
January–December
Water temperature
2–8 °C
Spawning
March–May
Behaviour
Deep demersal fish

Techniques

  • Deep Pilking
  • Bottom Rig

Where and When

  • All year at 100-300 m along steep slopes and rock ledges.
  • Light and water clarity matter little; depth is what counts.

Method

  • A 300-500 g pilk with two or three feathered hooks above it, worked in short lifts 1-3 m off the bottom.
  • When one hook takes a fish, drop straight back down in the same spot.

Rules

The stock is under pressure and Norway applies seasonal closures and limits; large fish are the breeders. Keep only what you will eat and stop lifting fish from depth once you have enough.

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch golden redfish?
The productive window for golden redfish runs January–December. March–May is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does golden redfish feed in?
Golden redfish is most active between 2 and 8 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for golden redfish?
Common methods: Deep Pilking, Bottom Rig.

Species that fish under similar conditions

Browse the full fishing guide