Oregon · Northern Oregon Coast
LINGCOD FISHING
IN DEPOE BAY
Depoe Bay 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 Depoe Bay
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 — Depoe Bay
Month-by-month availability for lingcod in Depoe Bay, OR.
How to Catch Lingcod in Depoe Bay
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 Depoe Bay
Top spots where local captains target lingcod and other nearshore species.
Depoe Bay Reef
The rocky reef complex directly offshore of Depoe Bay holds black rockfish, blue rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon in kelp-covered structure from 40 to 100 feet deep. Depoe Bay's charter fleet accesses these productive reefs within minutes of clearing the harbor entrance.
Whale Cove Reefs
Whale Cove south of Depoe Bay features rocky nearshore reefs where rockfish and lingcod hold in protected cove structure. The cove's semi-sheltered waters provide fishable conditions when the open coast is rough, and the reef's proximity makes it accessible for short trips.
Otter Rock Reef
The rocky reef structure off Otter Rock south of Depoe Bay holds lingcod, cabezon, and multiple rockfish species in 30 to 80 feet of nearshore water. The reef's position along the open coast catches upwelling currents that support productive ecosystems close to shore.
Cape Foulweather
Cape Foulweather's dramatic headland south of Depoe Bay features deep nearshore reefs where lingcod, black rockfish, and yellowtail rockfish hold in 50 to 120 feet of water over rugged volcanic bottom. The cape's extreme exposure creates productive but weather-dependent fishing.
Other Species in Depoe Bay
More fish you can target while visiting Depoe Bay.
Lingcod Fishing in Depoe Bay — FAQ
The peak months for Lingcod fishing in Depoe Bay are May, June. During these months, Lingcod are most active and abundant in the Depoe Bay area.
Lingcod fishing charters in Depoe Bay 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 Depoe Bay, your captain provides all required Oregon fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Lingcod regulations in Oregon 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 Depoe Bay, you may also catch Rockfish, Chinook Salmon, Dungeness Crab, Pacific Halibut, Coho Salmon. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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