Productive fishing is often associated with the channel's bathymetric features. The edges of the main shipping channel, where depth changes abruptly, can hold fish. Areas adjacent to the small islands and islets within the channel, such as Passage Island, can provide current breaks and structure. It is crucial to be aware that several areas within and near the channel are designated as Rockfish Conservation Areas (like McCall Bank) and Glass Sponge Reef closures (like Halibut Bank and Foreslope Hills), where fishing for bottom fish is prohibited or restricted to protect these fragile, slow-growing ecosystems.