What Arrowtooth Flounder Are and Where They Live
Arrowtooth flounder are a deep-water flatfish found along the continental shelf from California to Alaska, with the largest populations off the coasts of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. They live on sandy and muddy bottoms at depths between 300 and 2,000 feet, though most commercial and recreational catches happen between 600 and 1,200 feet. Unlike shallow-water flounders, arrowtooth rarely come into bays or estuaries—they stay in open ocean.
The fish are small compared to other Pacific flounders, typically weighing 1 to 3 pounds, with a maximum around 5 pounds. They have a brownish-gray upper side, a white belly, and small sharp teeth that give the species its name. Arrowtooth are bottom-feeders that eat small fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates. They are most active during slack tide and low-light periods, which affects when and how you should fish for them.
The species is managed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries. Regulations change annually and vary by state, so check your state's current saltwater fishing rules before you go. Oregon, Washington, and California all allow recreational arrowtooth fishing, but bag limits, season dates, and depth restrictions differ.
Key Takeaways
- Arrowtooth flounder live 600 to 1,200 feet deep on sandy and muddy bottoms off the Pacific coast from California to Alaska.
- You need a boat capable of reaching deep water and holding position in current, plus heavy jigging tackle and lead sinkers to reach the bottom.
- Fishing is most productive during slack tide and low-light hours, when arrowtooth move up slightly from the bottom to feed.
- Regulations vary by state and change each year—Oregon, Washington, and California each set their own bag limits and season dates.
- Arrowtooth are small (1 to 3 pounds average) and bony, so they are better suited to chowder or stock than to fileting.
Seasons and Best Times to Fish
Arrowtooth flounder are available year-round off the Pacific coast, but fishing pressure and catch rates vary by season and location. Spring and fall typically offer the best conditions because water temperatures are moderate and storms are less frequent, making it easier to reach deep-water grounds. Summer can be productive but brings more boat traffic and occasional closures due to other species management. Winter is possible but rougher seas and shorter daylight hours make trips less reliable.
Within a single day, slack tide is critical. Arrowtooth hold tight to the bottom during strong current, making them nearly impossible to reach. During slack water—the 20 to 40 minutes around high or low tide—they move up slightly to feed, and that is when you will get bites. Fish the hour before and after slack for the best window. Early morning and late afternoon are also more productive than midday, likely because low light triggers feeding.
Check your state's current regulations for specific season dates. Washington and Oregon sometimes close arrowtooth fishing temporarily to protect other species caught as bycatch, so confirm the fishery is open before booking a charter or launching your own boat.
Tackle and Techniques for Deep-Water Flounder
Arrowtooth fishing requires heavy tackle because you are working 600 to 1,200 feet down. Use a medium to heavy jigging rod, 20- to 30-pound braided mainline, and a 20- to 25-pound monofilament leader. Braided line cuts through water better than mono and gives you better bottom contact and feel, which matters when you are fishing that deep.
Lead jigs in the 8- to 16-ounce range are standard, depending on depth and current. Vertical jigging is the primary method: drop to the bottom, feel for contact, then work the jig with short 6- to 12-inch lifts. Arrowtooth respond to a subtle presentation—aggressive jigging often spooks them. Small shrimp, squid, or cut bait on a jig head or spreader bar can increase your catch rate. Some anglers use a two-hook setup with a sinker below to keep the rig on bottom while the hooks stay just above.
Boat positioning is everything. You need to hold directly over the productive ground and adjust for current. GPS and a good fish finder are essential—arrowtooth show up as small marks near the bottom, often in clusters. Drift fishing is less common but works if you have a slow, steady current and can keep your jig in the strike zone.
Access and Charter Options
Arrowtooth flounder are not a primary target for most charter boats, so options are limited compared to halibut or rockfish charters. A few operations in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California offer dedicated deep-water trips or will include arrowtooth as a secondary target on longer halibut or lingcod trips. Call ahead to confirm the boat fishes for arrowtooth and that the trip matches your skill level—deep-water jigging is physically demanding and requires sea legs.
If you have your own boat, you need a vessel capable of reaching 600+ feet of water safely and holding position in open-ocean conditions. Most arrowtooth grounds are 20 to 50 miles offshore, so a boat under 25 feet is risky in bad weather. Fuel costs are significant, and you should fish with a partner or group to share expenses and ensure safety.
Public boat launches are available in major ports along the Oregon and Washington coasts—Newport, Westport, Ilwaco, and Bandon are common departure points. Check launch conditions and tide timing before you go; some ramps are difficult to use during low tide or rough seas.
Regulations by State
Oregon allows recreational arrowtooth flounder fishing year-round in most areas, with a daily bag limit of 10 fish per person. No license endorsement is required beyond a standard saltwater license. Depth restrictions may apply in certain zones to protect other species, so check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's current saltwater fishing rules before your trip.
Washington's regulations vary by area. Most of the coast allows arrowtooth fishing, but some marine areas have seasonal closures or depth restrictions tied to halibut or rockfish management. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes detailed rules by marine area each year. A saltwater license is required.
California permits arrowtooth flounder fishing in state waters, though the species is not heavily targeted. Bag limits and season dates are set annually by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Check the current regulations before fishing, as rules can change based on stock assessments.
What to Do With Your Catch
Arrowtooth flounder are edible but not prized for their meat. The flesh is soft, watery, and full of small bones, making them difficult to fillet. Most anglers use arrowtooth for chowder, stock, or bait rather than as a table fish. If you do keep them, bleed and ice them immediately to preserve quality. Cook them whole or use the meat in soups and stews where the texture and bones are less noticeable.
Some anglers release arrowtooth to reduce bycatch and focus on larger, more desirable species. If you choose to release them, handle them gently and return them to the water quickly—deep-water fish brought up rapidly can suffer barotrauma, though arrowtooth are more resilient than some other deep-water species.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The biggest mistake is fishing during strong current instead of waiting for slack tide. Many anglers give up after an hour of fishing without realizing the tide is wrong. Check tide tables before you leave the dock and plan your fishing window around slack water.
Using tackle that is too light is another common error. Arrowtooth grounds are deep and often have current, so your jig needs to reach and stay on the bottom. Undersized sinkers and light line waste time and cost you fish. Invest in proper deep-water jigging gear before your trip.
Fishing the wrong depth is also common. Arrowtooth are bottom-dwellers, so your jig must be within a few feet of the seafloor. Use your fish finder to locate the bottom, then adjust your sinker weight so you can feel contact. Fishing 50 feet above the bottom will produce few or no bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep do you have to fish for arrowtooth flounder?
Most recreational catches happen between 600 and 1,200 feet deep. You can find them shallower (300 feet) or deeper (2,000 feet), but the 600 to 1,200-foot range is where they are most abundant and easiest to reach with standard tackle. Depth varies by location and season, so ask local charter captains or check recent fishing reports for your specific area.
Do you need a special license to fish for arrowtooth?
No. A standard saltwater fishing license is all you need in Oregon, Washington, and California. No special endorsement or permit is required for arrowtooth flounder specifically. Check your state's current regulations to confirm, as rules can change.
What is the best bait for arrowtooth flounder?
Small shrimp, squid, and cut baitfish work well. Many anglers fish bare jigs and rely on the jigging motion to attract bites. Adding a small piece of bait to the jig hook can increase your catch rate, especially during slower periods. Experiment with what is available at your local tackle shop.
Can you catch arrowtooth from shore?
No. Arrowtooth live 600+ feet deep in open ocean, far beyond casting range from any beach or pier. You need a boat to reach them. If you do not have your own boat, hire a charter or fish with someone who does.
Are arrowtooth flounder good to eat?
They are edible but not highly prized. The meat is soft, watery, and bony, making them better suited to chowder or stock than to fileting and pan-frying. Most anglers keep them for soup or use them as bait for larger fish rather than as a primary table fish.