Seasonal Fish Calendar — Best Sea Fish by Month
Last updated: 2026-06-25
Seasonal fish are those at their fattest and tastiest: spring brings sole, seabream and egg-laden octopus; summer croaker, eel and horse mackerel; autumn gizzard shad, hairtail, mackerel and large shrimp; winter yellowtail, flounder and rockfish.
Pick a month below to see, at once, the tasty in-season fish, the fish biting well for anglers, and recommended bait.
Look up seasonal fish by month
Seasonal fish
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| Species | Type | Recommended bait/rig |
|---|
No fish match the selected filter. Try setting 'Show by' to 'All'.
Season and catch timing are typical-year reference values and vary 2-4 weeks each year with water temperature and currents. Before heading out, check the National Institute of Fisheries Science and closed-season (no-catch) rules.
How to use
- Pick a month — Select the month (Jan–Dec) you want to check.
- View — Press View to show the list of seasonal fish for that month.
- Read the result — See the tasty in-season fish, the fish biting well and recommended bait in a table.
Seasonal fish by month at a glance
The table below summarizes the flavor (taste) season and the fishing catch season by month for the main fish in Korea's seas. Even the same species may be restricted during spawning or closed seasons, so check before heading out.
| Period | In season (flavor) | Biting well |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb (midwinter) | Yellowtail, flounder, rockfish, cod, mullet | Black rockfish, rockfish, baby squid |
| Mar–Apr (early spring) | Sole, octopus (eggs), seabream, flounder | Octopus, sole, black rockfish, rockfish |
| May–Jun (late spring/early summer) | Red seabream, cuttlefish, anchovy, sea bass | Red seabream, cuttlefish, flounder, sea bass |
| Jul–Aug (midsummer) | Croaker, eel, horse mackerel, pomfret | Horse mackerel, sea bass, amberjack, cuttlefish |
| Sep–Oct (early autumn) | Gizzard shad, large shrimp, mackerel, hairtail | Hairtail, mackerel, octopus, gizzard shad |
| Nov–Dec (late autumn/early winter) | Yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, flounder, halfbeak | Hairtail, Spanish mackerel, yellowtail, rockfish |
In more detail by species: olive flounder has the best sashimi flavor in autumn–winter (Oct–Feb), with active inshore bites in spring before spawning. Korean rockfish is caught year-round but is a winter–early-spring sashimi treat. Hairtail fattens in autumn (Sep–Nov) for excellent grilling and braising, and mackerel also peaks in fat from Sep–Nov.
Gizzard shad peaks in autumn (Sep–Oct), famous as bone-in sashimi, and webfoot octopus has two seasons: spring (Mar–May, eggs) and autumn (Sep–Nov, catch). Yellowtail fattens in winter (Nov–Feb) for popular big-yellowtail sashimi.
For species features, spots and bait, see the sea fish species guide; if you're new to fishing, also read the beginner fishing guide.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Are 'in season' and 'biting well' the same?
Not necessarily. 'In season' means flesh and fat are at their best for flavor, while 'biting well' means the fish gather near shore for good catches. For example, flounder tastes best in autumn/winter but often bites actively around spring spawning. This calendar shows both the flavor season and the best fishing time.
What fish are tastiest in autumn?
Autumn (Sep–Nov) features gizzard shad, hairtail, mackerel, large shrimp and webfoot octopus. Gizzard shad is fattiest in Sep–Oct, and hairtail and mackerel also plump up in autumn.
What are the winter seasonal fish?
Winter (Dec–Feb) features yellowtail, flounder, rockfish, mullet and cod. Yellowtail in particular fattens from Nov–Feb for popular big-yellowtail sashimi, and flounder and rockfish firm up in cold water for great sashimi.
Is webfoot octopus better in spring or autumn?
Webfoot octopus has two seasons. In spring (Mar–May) it is full of eggs, a 'spring octopus' delicacy; in autumn (Sep–Nov) numbers are high for active boat fishing. Choose spring for the eggs, autumn for the fight and catch.
Are the seasons the same every year?
The general flow is similar but shifts a bit each year. With water temperature, currents and climate, peak season and bite timing can move 2-4 weeks earlier or later. This calendar shows typical timing; before heading out, also check local catches and closed seasons (no-catch periods).
Related tools & guides
Sea fish species guide
See features, season, spots and bait for major sea fish in cards.
Beginner fishing guide
Gear, knots, bait, safety and starting cost in one place.
Tide calculator
Check the tide (neap/spring) and best fishing time by lunar date.
Feels-like temperature calculator
Check the feels-like temperature and suitability before you go.
Last updated: 2026-06-25