Washington · Strait & Sound
LINGCOD FISHING
IN ANACORTES
Anacortes is a solid destination for lingcod fishing, with good fishing in May, June. Book a charter and target lingcod with local experts.
About Lingcod Fishing in Anacortes
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 — Anacortes
Month-by-month availability for lingcod in Anacortes, WA.
How to Catch Lingcod in Anacortes
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 Anacortes
Top spots where local captains target lingcod and other nearshore species.
Burrows Island
Burrows Island west of Anacortes features rocky nearshore reefs where lingcod, rockfish, and cabezon hold in current-swept habitat at the entrance to Rosario Strait. The island's position catches tidal currents that concentrate baitfish around its rocky perimeter.
Allan Island
Allan Island in the waters between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands features rocky reef structure where lingcod, rockfish, and greenling hold in 30 to 80 feet of water. The island's submerged reef extending from its shores provides productive bottom-fishing.
Deception Pass Kelp
The kelp beds adjacent to Deception Pass hold lingcod, rockfish, and greenling in dense canopy structure over rocky bottom. The pass's current-fed kelp forests support productive nearshore ecosystems that concentrate fish.
Fidalgo Head
Fidalgo Head on the western shore of Fidalgo Island features rocky nearshore structure where lingcod, rockfish, and cabezon hold in current-swept habitat facing Rosario Strait. The headland's exposed reef provides quality bottom-fishing close to Anacortes.
Other Species in Anacortes
More fish you can target while visiting Anacortes.
Lingcod Fishing in Anacortes — FAQ
Lingcod fishing in Anacortes is productive during May, June.
Lingcod fishing charters in Anacortes 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 Anacortes, your captain provides all required Washington fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Lingcod regulations in Washington 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 Anacortes, you may also catch Rockfish, Dungeness Crab, Coho Salmon, Pacific Halibut, Chinook Salmon. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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