Alaska · Southeast Alaska
LINGCOD FISHING
IN HAINES
Haines is a solid destination for lingcod fishing, with peak season in July and good catches in June, August. Book a charter and target lingcod with local experts.
About Lingcod Fishing in Haines
The toothy lingcod is a fearsome ambush predator found on rocky reefs and kelp forests from Southern California to Alaska. These aggressive fish are known for striking at hooked rockfish and can be caught jigging, trolling, or drift fishing. Their mild, white flesh is considered among the finest eating on the Pacific coast.
Lingcod are fearsome-looking ambush predators that patrol rocky reefs, kelp forests, and pinnacles from Southern California to Alaska. Despite the name, they are neither ling nor cod — they are the largest member of the greenling family. Lingcod have a massive head with a jaw full of sharp, conical teeth, a mottled brown-gray body, and large pectoral fins. Their most striking feature is their occasionally blue-green colored flesh (caused by a harmless bile pigment), which turns white when cooked and is considered among the finest eating fish on the Pacific coast.
Scientific name: Ophiodon elongatus
Lingcod Seasonal Calendar — Haines
Month-by-month availability for lingcod in Haines, AK.
How to Catch Lingcod in Haines
Techniques & Bait
Jigging heavy metal jigs (6-16 oz Crippled Herring, Luhr-Jensen Pipe Jig, Diamond Jigs) over rocky structure in 60-200 feet is the primary technique. Swimbaits (6-10 inch) on heavy jigheads worked along the bottom are deadly. Lingcod are notorious for grabbing hooked rockfish — many are caught "hitchhiking" on a rockfish being reeled up. Live bait (small rockfish where legal, mackerel) dropped to the bottom near structure produces trophy fish. Trolling large plugs along reef edges works well from boats.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy to heavy conventional rod (5'6"-7 ft), level-wind reel, 40-65 lb braided line, 40-60 lb fluorocarbon leader, 6-16 oz jigs. The heavy tackle is needed to wrestle fish out of rocks and kelp quickly.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Haines
Top spots where local captains target lingcod and other nearshore species.
Lynn Canal (Haines)
Lynn Canal adjacent to Haines is the deepest fjord in North America, and its nutrient-rich nearshore waters hold king salmon, halibut, and rockfish. The canal's depth and tidal influence create productive fishing conditions close to shore.
Eldred Rock
Eldred Rock in Lynn Canal south of Haines is a lighthouse-marked rocky island where halibut, king salmon, and rockfish hold in current-swept nearshore structure. The rock's position in the canal catches tidal currents that concentrate baitfish.
Battery Point
Battery Point near Haines features rocky nearshore structure where king salmon follow the shoreline during migration and halibut hold on the adjacent sandy bottom. The point's accessible trail provides shore-fishing opportunities.
Taiya Inlet
Taiya Inlet east of Haines toward Skagway provides nearshore fishing where coho salmon, pink salmon, and halibut hold in glacially-fed waters. The inlet's scenic Chilkoot Trail access area attracts fishing visitors from both Haines and Skagway.
Other Species in Haines
More fish you can target while visiting Haines.
Lingcod Fishing in Haines — FAQ
The peak months for Lingcod fishing in Haines are July. During these months, Lingcod are most active and abundant in the Haines area.
Lingcod fishing charters in Haines are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Jigging heavy metal jigs (6-16 oz Crippled Herring, Luhr-Jensen Pipe Jig, Diamond Jigs) over rocky structure in 60-200 feet is the primary technique. Swimbaits (6-10 inch) on heavy jigheads worked along the bottom are deadly. Lingcod are notorious for grabbing hooked rockfish — many are caught "hitchhiking" on a rockfish being reeled up. Live bait (small rockfish where legal, mackerel) dropped to the bottom near structure produces trophy fish. Trolling large plugs along reef edges works well from boats.
No — when you book a charter in Haines, your captain provides all required Alaska fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Lingcod regulations in Alaska include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Lingcod in Haines, you may also catch Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Rockfish, Pacific Halibut, Chinook Salmon. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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