Washington · Washington Outer Coast
LINGCOD FISHING
IN ILWACO
Ilwaco is a solid destination for lingcod fishing, with peak season in May and good catches in June, October. Book a charter and target lingcod with local experts.
About Lingcod Fishing in Ilwaco
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 — Ilwaco
Month-by-month availability for lingcod in Ilwaco, WA.
How to Catch Lingcod in Ilwaco
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 Ilwaco
Top spots where local captains target lingcod and other nearshore species.
North Head Reefs
The rocky reefs off North Head at Cape Disappointment hold lingcod, rockfish, and cabezon in nearshore structure adjacent to the Columbia River's north jetty. The headland's position at the river entrance creates current patterns that concentrate baitfish and attract predators.
Columbia River North Jetty
The Columbia River North Jetty at Cape Disappointment extends into the Pacific, creating miles of rock structure where lingcod, rockfish, surfperch, and greenling hold. Shore anglers fish from the jetty rocks while the adjacent channel holds staging salmon.
Leadbetter Point
Leadbetter Point at the northern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula offers surf-fishing and nearshore access where surfperch and flatfish hold in the sandy waters at Willapa Bay's entrance. The point's position between the ocean and the bay creates productive fishing conditions.
Seaview Beach Nearshore
The nearshore waters off Seaview and Long Beach hold surfperch and halibut over sandy bottom accessible from the beach or by small boat. The area's gentle nearshore slope and sandy habitat support quality halibut fishing during the summer open season.
Other Species in Ilwaco
More fish you can target while visiting Ilwaco.
Lingcod Fishing in Ilwaco — FAQ
The peak months for Lingcod fishing in Ilwaco are May. During these months, Lingcod are most active and abundant in the Ilwaco area.
Lingcod fishing charters in Ilwaco 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 Ilwaco, 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 Ilwaco, you may also catch Rockfish, Chinook Salmon, Pacific Halibut, Coho Salmon, Dungeness Crab. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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