Washington · Washington Outer Coast
LINGCOD FISHING
IN LA PUSH
La Push 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 La Push
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 — La Push
Month-by-month availability for lingcod in La Push, WA.
How to Catch Lingcod in La Push
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 La Push
Top spots where local captains target lingcod and other nearshore species.
La Push Sea Stacks
The numerous sea stacks and rocky islets off La Push create one of the most dramatic nearshore fishing environments on the West Coast, with lingcod, rockfish, and cabezon holding in the rugged volcanic structure. The stacks' submerged foundations provide diverse habitat from shallow reef to deep rock walls.
Cape Alava Reef
Cape Alava north of La Push is the westernmost point in the contiguous United States, and its nearshore reefs hold lingcod, black rockfish, and cabezon in remote, lightly-fished structure. The cape's isolation produces quality catches for boats willing to make the run north.
Teahwhit Head
Teahwhit Head south of La Push features rocky nearshore reefs where lingcod, rockfish, and greenling hold in kelp-covered structure from 30 to 80 feet deep. The headland's exposed position catches nutrient-rich upwelling that supports productive reef ecosystems.
Quillayute Needles
The Quillayute Needles are a chain of rocky sea stacks extending offshore from the Quileute coast, creating nearshore reef habitat where lingcod and rockfish concentrate. The needles' protected wildlife refuge status limits access, but fishing the adjacent waters is productive.
Other Species in La Push
More fish you can target while visiting La Push.
Lingcod Fishing in La Push — FAQ
The peak months for Lingcod fishing in La Push are May. During these months, Lingcod are most active and abundant in the La Push area.
Lingcod fishing charters in La Push 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 La Push, 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 La Push, you may also catch Rockfish, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Pacific Halibut, Dungeness Crab. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Lingcod in La Push?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your lingcod fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes