When is the best time to catch pollack?

The productive window for pollack runs January–May, September–December. February–April is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.

What water temperature does pollack feed in?

Pollack is most active between 8 and 16 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.

How do you fish for pollack?

Common methods: Spinning, jigging, live bait.

Pollack Fishing — Season, Bait and Technique

Pollachius pollachius

Season calendar

Jan Feb Mar Apr May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep Oct Nov Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season: January–May, September–December
Water temperature: 8–16 °C
Spawning: February–April
Behaviour: Ambushes from structure

Techniques

Spinning
jigging
live bait

Timing

April to November is best, with dawn and dusk the prime hours.
The first two hours of running tide usually decide the session.

Method

12–20 cm shads on 20–40 g jigheads: drop to the bottom and lift slowly.
A steady retrieve just over the kelp draws savage takes; do not lock the drag on the first dive.
Use 0.35–0.40 mm fluorocarbon and check it often, kelp and rock abrade fast.

The bigger fish sit deep; release shallow-caught fish quickly.

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch pollack?: The productive window for pollack runs January–May, September–December. February–April is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does pollack feed in?: Pollack is most active between 8 and 16 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for pollack?: Common methods: Spinning, jigging, live bait.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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