Ranges from the Beaufort Sea to southeastern Alaska (Ref. 188), including the Aletuian chain (Ref. 6793). One of the more abundant fishes along the coast of Alaska, but this abundance tends to be seasonal and varies tremendously from year to year (Ref. 27547). Recent commercial catches are mainly used as bait (Ref. 27547). Prior to the 1974, a fishery for eggs laid on kelp operated in Bristol Bay, Cook Inlet, Prince William Sound and southeastern Alaska; today the fishery is restricted to Bristol Bay and Prince William Sound (Ref. 27547). Also Ref. 2850, 6876, 7419, 11366, 27547, 28499, 28503, 96339, 121277.