Featured Lingcod Guides
Expert captains ready to take you on your next Lingcod adventure.
Sea Shift Sportfishing
Bodega Bay, California
Bodega Bay Sportfishing Center - Sea Shift , Fort Bragg and SF. Specializing in Salmon, Halibut, Crab, Tuna Rockfish and Lingcod. Fishing Reports Available
Pole Dancin Sportfishing
Bodega Bay, California
Book your next fishing charter aboard a 27’ North River with high quality fishing gear, specializing in salmon, rock fish, lingcod and crab off the Bodega Bay coast
Pacific Fresh
Santa Cruz, California
PacificFresh specializes in wild troll-caught pacific fresh seafood including King Salmon, California Halibut, Lingcod and Pacific Snapper.
True North Sport Fishing
Gustavus, Alaska
True North Charters is a Gustavus Alaska fishing lodge that offers fishing for Salmon, Halibut and Lingcod in Gustavus, Alaska.
Plan a Lingcod Fishing Trip
Find the best times and places to catch Lingcod, and get matched with experienced guides.
Best Time to Catch Lingcod
Peak months for Lingcod fishing across the US.
Best Places to Catch Lingcod
Top 6 cities ranked by guide availability and species data quality.
States Where Lingcod Are Found
Top Locations for Lingcod
Seasonal Activity Chart
Lingcod
Lingcod, despite its name, is not a cod at all, but a member of the greenling family. This bottom-dwelling predator is a prized catch for anglers along the Pacific coast, from California to Washington. Known for its aggressive behavior and delicious, firm flesh, Lingcod offer a challenging and rewarding fishing experience. They are commonly found around rocky reefs, kelp forests, and underwater structures, often in relatively shallow water, making them accessible to a wide range of anglers.
Effective techniques for catching Lingcod include jigging with heavy metal jigs or swimbaits, and fishing with live or dead bait. Large swimbaits in the 6-10 inch range, rigged on leadheads, are particularly effective when fished near the bottom. Live bait, such as rockfish, greenling, or sardines, fished on a dropper loop or Carolina rig, can also be highly productive. When fishing in deeper water or areas with strong currents, use heavier jigs or weights to keep your bait near the bottom. A stout rod and reel with plenty of line capacity is essential for battling these powerful fish.
Lingcod fishing is often best during the winter and spring months, particularly during their spawning season. During this time, they congregate in shallower waters to spawn, making them more accessible to anglers. However, they can be caught year-round, with varying degrees of success. Pay attention to water temperature and current conditions, as these factors can influence their location and feeding behavior. Look for areas with strong tidal flow, as this often concentrates baitfish and attracts Lingcod.
For beginners targeting Lingcod, start by fishing around well-known rocky reefs or kelp forests in areas like Monterey, California, or Newport, Oregon. Talk to local tackle shops or charter captains to get the latest information on where the fish are biting. Use a fish finder to locate promising structure on the bottom. When jigging, try different retrieves and jigging motions to find what the fish are responding to. Be prepared for a strong fight, and remember to use a net or gaff to safely land your catch. Always check local regulations regarding size and bag limits before heading out.