Widow Rockfish
Sebastes entomelas
FR Sébaste veuve · ES Rocote viuda
Also known as: WidowfishBrown BomberCantarilho-viuvoRocote viudaSébaste veuve
Reef/KelpBoat
DeepwaterReef
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round; daylight structure fishing
Depth
40–200m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak May–AugGood Apr–Sep
Depth range
40–200mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Jigging80%
Bottom Fishing / Ledgering65%
Preferred seabed
RockMixed
Findr bio
Open-water schooler that skips the flashy colors – find one over deep high-relief structure and there's usually a whole crowd stacked below.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Deep waterWreck reefOpen sea
Recommended baits
Fish baitsSoft plastics
Diet
KrillAmphipodsCrabSmall fishSquid
Effective techniques
JiggingBottom Fishing
Gear
Best times
Day
My scientific name nods to my jet-black belly lining, hidden under a plain dusky-gray coat that gives nothing away.
Field notes
Where to find them
Pacific NW/California mid-shelf reef
Where they hang out
Mid-shelf reef, moderate depth
Prime time
Year-round; daylight structure fishing
Tide game
Moderate
What they're into
Squid strips over structure
Temperature vibe
Cold-water species
Fave weather
Calm seas needed to hold position over structure
Fun fact about me
Open-water schooler — unlike most of my rockfish cousins, I don't hug the bottom.
Dinner material?
6/10Edible, nothing special
Play by the rules
Size/bag limits common — check state rulesState fisheries agency (e.g. CDFW, WDFW)
Looking after them
Least Concern