Wolf Eel

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Aleutian Islands and Alaska south to Baja California. Found in rocky reef areas and around underwater structure in 5–740 feet. Common in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California in areas with rocky reefs and adequate rock crevices for shelter. A shy but fascinating species — known to become friendly with SCUBA divers who feed them regularly.

Preferred Water Temperature: 38°F–55°F. A cold-water Pacific species found in deep rocky areas. Lives in rock crevices and dens — monogamous and pairs mate for life. Rarely targeted by sport anglers but caught incidentally near rocky bottom.

Size & Weight: Typically 20–40 lbs and 4–6 feet. Maximum over 8 feet and 88 lbs. World record: 44 lbs 6 oz. Not a true eel — a member of the prickleback family. Powerful crushing teeth for eating sea urchins, crabs, and mussels. Edible — mild, white meat.

Best Lures: Rarely targeted with lures. Caught incidentally on jigs fished near rocky bottom.

Best Baits: Fresh sea urchin is a top bait near rocky reefs. Fresh crabs are effective. Large pieces of fresh clam work well. Fresh squid produces catches. Primarily a bycatch species caught while fishing for Rockfish and Lingcod near rocky structure.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Aleutian Islands and Alaska south to Baja California. Found in rocky reef areas and around underwater structure in 5–740 feet. Common in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California in areas with rocky reefs and adequate rock crevices for shelter. A shy but fascinating species — known to become friendly with SCUBA divers who feed them regularly.

38°F–55°F. A cold-water Pacific species found in deep rocky areas. Lives in rock crevices and dens — monogamous and pairs mate for life. Rarely targeted by sport anglers but caught incidentally near rocky bottom.

Best Lures: Rarely targeted with lures. Caught incidentally on jigs fished near rocky bottom. Best Baits: Fresh sea urchin is a top bait near rocky reefs. Fresh crabs are effective. Large pieces of fresh clam work well. Fresh squid produces catches. Primarily a bycatch species caught while fishing for Rockfish and Lingcod near rocky structure.

Typically 20–40 lbs and 4–6 feet. Maximum over 8 feet and 88 lbs. World record: 44 lbs 6 oz. Not a true eel — a member of the prickleback family. Powerful crushing teeth for eating sea urchins, crabs, and mussels. Edible — mild, white meat.