Pollachius pollachius
Do you want to use this image in your publication?
Please send us an email.
On this map you see where there were observations of Pollack around the world, to give you an idea in which continents, countries and waters you can find this fish species.
Years 2000 until now, source: GBIF
Pollack, also known as coalfish, are a type of marine fish that can be found in cool waters throughout the world, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the North Sea.
One of the best places to fish for pollack is along the rocky shores of the UK, Ireland, Norway and Iceland. These areas provide the perfect habitat for pollack, and the fish can often be found feeding near kelp beds and rocky outcrops.
In the UK, popular pollack fly fishing spots include the Cornish coast, the coast of Wales, and the northern coast of Scotland. In Ireland, the west coast is known for its abundance of pollack.
There is often confusion between pollock (with an o) and pollack (with an a). While both species are members of the cod family, they are actually quite different. Pollock (with an o) are a type of fish that are native to the North Atlantic, while pollack (with an a) are found in the North Sea and the eastern Atlantic. Pollock (with an o) are generally smaller and less flavorful than pollack (with an a), and are more commonly used in fish and chips. Good to know in case you want to turn your catch into dinner! 😉
When it comes to fly fishing for pollack, there are a few different flies that are known to be effective. One of the best flies for pollack is the Clouser minnow, which imitates the small fish that pollack feed on. Other effective flies include the Bunny Leech and the Sand Eel. Lastly, shrimp and crab patterns can work really well, given pollack often feed close to the bottom.
As pollack have big eyes, they are quite often leader shy. Use a longer leader of between 2-3m of fluorocarbon of between 0.35 - 0.45mm. Whether you choose a tapered leader or one of one diameter (just tippet) is your choice, but a tapered leader often helps to turn over heavier flies in wind.
Pollack are powerful fish and can put up a strong fight, so it's important to use a sturdy rod and reel. A nine or ten weight rod is a good choice. It's important to get the fly as close to the bottom as possible, where pollack are often found feeding. So use a sinking line. When fishing with baitfish patterns, retrieve quickly!
Is your favorite fly not listed? Let us know.
Norway 🇳🇴
Saltwater fly fishing paradise from your belly boat
Sea
Fjord
Atlantic Cod
Atlantic Halibut
Atlantic Mackerel
Haddock
Pollack
Denmark 🇩🇰
Rocky shores sea trout dream
Sea
Atlantic Cod
Atlantic Halibut
Atlantic Mackerel
Garfish
Pollack
Sea bass
Sea Trout
Norway 🇳🇴
World class saltwater fly fishing in breath taking surroundings
Sea
Atlantic Cod
Atlantic Halibut
Atlantic Mackerel
Brook trout
Garfish
Haddock
Pollack
Sea bass
Sea Trout
Is your favorite location not listed? Let us know.
Is your favorite country not listed? Let us know.
Run by fly fishers and completely free!
Create accountIs your favorite fish not listed? Let us know.
With an account you make suggestions, keep track of the rods you own, save favorites, stay up-to-date on the latest knowledge and much more.
FlyFish Circle is run by fly fishing enthusiasts and is completely free!
Already have an account? Log in here.
I just wanted to let you know that FlyFish Circle is built and maintained by fly fishing enthusiasts. And that's why it's free.
Consider creating an account to join our community. You don't necessarily have to contribute, but this helps us in understanding what to build next for fly fishers around the world.
Joost
Founder of FlyFish Circle
Already have an account? Log in here.
Save favorite species, flies, locations, countries and articles from the library.
FlyFish Circle is run by fly fishing enthusiasts and is completely free!
Already have an account? Log in here.
You need an account (this is free) to shop in the Boutique. This makes the shopping experience better and safer both for you and the independent fly tyers that you purchase from.
Already have an account? Log in here.
Make FlyFish Circle better for all fly fishers by suggesting an update. We process these regularly and will always get back to you once we've made changes.