California · Northern California
LINGCOD FISHING
IN SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco is an excellent destination for lingcod fishing, with peak season in May, June and good catches in March, April, July. Book a charter and target lingcod with local experts.
About Lingcod Fishing in San Francisco
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 — San Francisco
Month-by-month availability for lingcod in San Francisco, CA.
How to Catch Lingcod in San Francisco
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 San Francisco
Top spots where local captains target lingcod and other nearshore species.
Pacifica Pier
Pacifica Pier extends into the Pacific south of San Francisco, providing free shore-fishing access for striped bass, jacksmelt, surfperch, and seasonal runs of king salmon and halibut. The pier's length puts anglers over productive nearshore water, and its lights attract baitfish and squid during night sessions.
Mile Rock
Mile Rock sits just outside the Golden Gate where rocky reef structure and powerful currents create a concentration point for lingcod, rockfish, and striped bass. The rock's position at the gate's entrance means it fishes best during specific tidal phases when current speed allows proper bait presentation.
Duxbury Reef
Duxbury Reef off Bolinas in Marin County is the largest intertidal reef in North America, and its submerged outer edges hold lingcod, cabezon, and rockfish in kelp-covered structure. Boat anglers work the reef's deeper contours for quality nearshore bottom-fishing within a short run from San Francisco.
Pedro Point
Pedro Point south of Pacifica features rocky nearshore reefs where rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon hold in kelp beds and around submerged boulders in 30 to 70 feet of water. The point's exposed position catches upwelling currents that support productive nearshore ecosystems.
Other Species in San Francisco
More fish you can target while visiting San Francisco.
Lingcod Fishing in San Francisco — FAQ
The peak months for Lingcod fishing in San Francisco are May, June. During these months, Lingcod are most active and abundant in the San Francisco area.
Lingcod fishing charters in San Francisco 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 San Francisco, your captain provides all required California fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Lingcod regulations in California 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 San Francisco, you may also catch Rockfish, Chinook Salmon, Dungeness Crab, Pacific Halibut, Albacore Tuna. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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