Alaska · Southeast Alaska
LINGCOD FISHING
IN JUNEAU
Juneau 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 Juneau
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 — Juneau
Month-by-month availability for lingcod in Juneau, AK.
How to Catch Lingcod in Juneau
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 Juneau
Top spots where local captains target lingcod and other nearshore species.
Shelter Island
Shelter Island in Favorite Channel north of Juneau features rocky nearshore structure where king salmon, halibut, and rockfish hold in current-swept habitat. The island's position in the channel catches tidal currents that concentrate baitfish and attract quality fish.
Point Retreat
Point Retreat on Admiralty Island's northern tip is a rocky headland where king salmon, coho salmon, and halibut concentrate in tidal current rips. The point's lighthouse and surrounding reefs create one of the most productive fishing areas accessible from Juneau.
Benjamin Island
Benjamin Island in Lynn Canal north of Juneau features rocky nearshore reefs where rockfish, lingcod, and halibut hold in current-swept habitat. The island's Steller sea lion haul-out indicates the productivity of the surrounding waters.
North Pass
North Pass between Shelter and Lincoln Islands creates a tidal funnel where king salmon, coho salmon, and halibut concentrate in powerful currents. The pass provides some of the most dynamic fishing in the Juneau area when tidal flow is running.
Other Species in Juneau
More fish you can target while visiting Juneau.
Lingcod Fishing in Juneau — FAQ
The peak months for Lingcod fishing in Juneau are July. During these months, Lingcod are most active and abundant in the Juneau area.
Lingcod fishing charters in Juneau 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 Juneau, 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 Juneau, you may also catch Rockfish, Pacific Halibut, Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Sockeye Salmon. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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