Alaska · Southeast Alaska
LINGCOD FISHING
IN WRANGELL
Wrangell 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 Wrangell
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 — Wrangell
Month-by-month availability for lingcod in Wrangell, AK.
How to Catch Lingcod in Wrangell
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 Wrangell
Top spots where local captains target lingcod and other nearshore species.
Eastern Passage
Eastern Passage between Wrangell Island and the mainland features current-swept nearshore waters where king salmon, halibut, and rockfish hold along rocky structure. The passage's tidal influence creates productive fishing within a short run of Wrangell Harbor.
Anita Bay
Anita Bay on Etolin Island south of Wrangell provides sheltered nearshore fishing where king salmon, halibut, and shrimp hold in the bay's deeper waters. The bay's protected conditions offer quality fishing when outside waters are rough.
Roosevelt Harbor
Roosevelt Harbor on the south end of the Wrangell area features rocky nearshore structure where rockfish, halibut, and lingcod hold in protected waters. The harbor's diverse bottom provides productive bottom-fishing for smaller boats.
Thoms Place
Thoms Place south of Wrangell is a sheltered cove and creek system where coho salmon and pink salmon stage during summer runs. The area's protected waters and salmon concentration make it a reliable nearshore destination.
Other Species in Wrangell
More fish you can target while visiting Wrangell.
Lingcod Fishing in Wrangell — FAQ
The peak months for Lingcod fishing in Wrangell are July. During these months, Lingcod are most active and abundant in the Wrangell area.
Lingcod fishing charters in Wrangell 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 Wrangell, 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 Wrangell, 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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