White Hake
Urophycis tenuis
Also known as Mud hake, Boston hake
Culinary Profile
White hake has a mild, almost sweettaste.
White hake has a soft, delicate texture that does not stand up well to freezing.
White hake is a lean source of protein.
Gastronomic Specifications
Biology & Habitat
Appearance
White hake have a large mouth that extends back below their eyes. White hake have one anal fin and two dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is tall and triangular, and the second is lower, rounded, and extends almost to the fish’s tail. The third fin ray on the first (triangular) dorsal fin is elongated and extends much higher than the rest of the fin.
Biology
White hake can grow up to 53 inches and weigh up to 49 pounds. White hake eggs are buoyant, and larval and early juvenile fish live higher in the water column than adult fish. White hake settle to the bottom when they are about 2 months old. Adult white hake typically prefer deeper water than juveniles. White hake move inshore to shallower waters in the summer and move offshore to deeper waters during the winter.
Where They Live
Range White hake are found in the northwest Atlantic Ocean from Newfoundland to southern New England. Habitat White hake are groundfish, meaning they live near the ocean bottom. White hake prefer areas with sandy or muddy bottoms. White hake live in relatively deep waters, typically at least 80 meters below sea level.
How to Buy & Source
Availability
Year-round.
Source
White hake is wild-caught from Maine to southern New England.
Commercial Fishery & Harvest
Commercial fishery: In 2024, commercial landings of white hake totaled 3.6 million pounds and were valued at over $5 million, according to the NOAA Fisheries commercial fishing landings database . Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch: White hake are commonly harvested using trawl nets, gillnets, bottom longlines, and rod and reel. Gillnets, longlines, and rod and reel used to harvest white hake have little to no impact on habitat. Closed areas and gear restrictions reduce habitat impacts from trawl nets. Fishermen follow management measures designed to reduce interactions with marine mammals, including gear modifications, seasonsal closures, and use of marine mammal deterrents.
Other New England/Mid-Atlantic Fisheries
Sustainable species managed out of the same regional fishery council as White Hake.
Acadian Redfish
Sebastes fasciatus
Mild and slightly sweet. Redfish can be used as a substitute for haddock and similar fish.
American Lobster
Homarus americanus
Mild and sweet.
American Plaice
Hippoglossoides platessoides
Subtle, sweet flavor.
Atlantic Chub Mackerel
Scomber colias
Rich, pronounced flavor.
Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab
Chaceon quinquedens
Sweet and clean.
Atlantic Halibut
Hippoglossus hippoglossus
Halibut has a very mild, sweet taste.
Atlantic Pollock
Pollachius virens
Sweet and delicate.
Atlantic Salmon
Salmo salar
Buttery, rich taste.
Atlantic Sea Scallop
Placopecten magellanicus
Sea scallops have a sweet, rich taste that can be mild or briny.
Haddock
Melanogrammus aeglefinus
Slightly sweet.
Similar by Flavour: Other Mild-Tasting Species
If you enjoy the mild flavour profile of White Hake, these other species in the catalogue will feel familiar on the palate.
Acadian Redfish
Sebastes fasciatus
Mild and slightly sweet. Redfish can be used as a substitute for haddock and similar fish.
Alaska Pollock
Gadus chalcogrammus
Pollock has mild-tasting flesh and is similar to other white fish like cod or haddock.
American Lobster
Homarus americanus
Mild and sweet.
Arrowtooth Flounder
Atheresthes stomias
Mild, sweet flavor.
Atlantic Bigeye Tuna
Thunnus obesus
Bigeye tuna has a mild, meaty flavor, with a higher fat content than yellowfintuna. Sashimi lovers prefer it.
Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhua
Atlantic cod has a mild clean flavor. It is sweeter than Pacific cod.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does White Hake get?
grow up to 53 inches and weigh up to 49 pounds.
What else is White Hake called?
White Hake is also marketed as Mud hake, Boston hake.
How much White Hake is caught commercially?
Commercial fishery: In 2024, commercial landings of white hake totaled 3.6 million pounds and were valued at over $5 million, according to the NOAA Fisheries commercial fishing landings database . Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch: White hake are commonly harvested using trawl nets, gillnets, bottom longlines, and rod and reel.
What is the stock status of White Hake?
The stock is not overfished.
What does White Hake eat?
White hake can grow up to 53 inches and weigh up to 49 pounds. White hake eggs are buoyant, and larval and early juvenile fish live higher in the water column than adult fish. White hake settle to the bottom when they are about 2 months old. Adult white hake typically prefer deeper water than juveniles.
Sustainability Story
Although populations are below target levels, U.S. wild-caught white hake is still a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed under a rebuilding plan that allows limited harvest under U.S. regulations.
Stock Structure
According to the 2025 stock assessment, white hake is not overfished but still rebuilding under a rebuilding plan, and not subject to overfishing. Summary stock assessment information can be found on Stock SMART .
Population
The stock is not overfished.
Fishing Rate
Not subject to overfishing.
Habitat Impacts
Area closures and gear restrictions protect habitats that are affected by some kinds of trawl gear.
Bycatch
Regulations are in place to minimize bycatch.
Management
NOAA Fisheries and the New England Fishery Management Council manage the white hake fishery. White hake is managed as a single stock in U.S. waters. White hake, along with other groundfish in New England waters, is managed under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan , which includes: Permitting requirements for commercial vessels Separate management measures for re…
Data Source: NOAA Fisheries
Nutritional Profile
per 100 g raw edible portion · 7 values
Nutrient Facts (NOAA)
Source: USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy). %DV is percent of 2,000-kcal daily value for adults.
calendar_month Harvest Season
Frozen available year-round.