Sebastes melanops

How to identify a Black Rockfish

Black Rockfish are found in kelp forests and rocky reefs; suspend on structure. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.

Habitat and range

Kelp forests and rocky reefs; suspend on structure

Where to catch Black Rockfish

• California banks (CA) — all species we list for this fishery
• Pacific Northwest (WA/OR) — all species we list for this fishery
• Alaska (Sitka/Homer) — all species we list for this fishery
• British Columbia (BC) — all species we list for this fishery

Black Rockfish by state

State season calendars that list Black Rockfish — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:

• Alaska — seasons, best months and licence info
• California — seasons, best months and licence info
• Oregon — seasons, best months and licence info
• Washington — seasons, best months and licence info

Baits and lures

Shrimp flies · metal jigs · swimbaits · bait strips

Related species

Often caught in the same waters or confused with Black Rockfish:

• Bank Rockfish — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Blackgill Rockfish — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Blue Rockfish — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Brown Rockfish — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Canary Rockfish — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Chilipepper Rockfish — identification & profile (Saltwater)