Washington · Washington Outer Coast
LINGCOD FISHING
IN NEAH BAY
Neah Bay 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 Neah 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 — Neah Bay
Month-by-month availability for lingcod in Neah Bay, WA.
How to Catch Lingcod in Neah 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 Neah Bay
Top spots where local captains target lingcod and other nearshore species.
Tatoosh Island
Tatoosh Island at Cape Flattery, the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States, is surrounded by rocky reefs where lingcod, rockfish, and cabezon hold in powerful currents. The island's exposed position in the Strait of Juan de Fuca creates some of the most dynamic nearshore fishing on the Washington coast.
Seal and Sail Rocks
Seal and Sail Rocks offshore of Neah Bay provide rocky nearshore structure where lingcod, black rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish hold in dramatic volcanic formations. The rocks' position in the strait's currents concentrates baitfish and attracts quality bottomfish.
Koitlah Point
Koitlah Point east of Neah Bay features rocky reef structure in the Strait of Juan de Fuca where lingcod, rockfish, and halibut hold in current-swept habitat. The point's nearshore reefs provide productive bottom-fishing accessible from Neah Bay in minutes.
Mushroom Rock
Mushroom Rock is a distinctive sea stack west of Neah Bay surrounded by productive nearshore reef where lingcod, cabezon, and rockfish hold in kelp-covered structure. The rock serves as a landmark for the surrounding reef fishing grounds.
Other Species in Neah Bay
More fish you can target while visiting Neah Bay.
Lingcod Fishing in Neah Bay — FAQ
The peak months for Lingcod fishing in Neah Bay are May. During these months, Lingcod are most active and abundant in the Neah Bay area.
Lingcod fishing charters in Neah 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 Neah Bay, 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 Neah Bay, you may also catch Rockfish, Pacific Halibut, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Dungeness Crab. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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