Ophiodon elongatus
How to identify a Lingcod
Lingcod are found in reefs, rock piles, wrecks, ledges; from nearshore to deep. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.
EnvironmentSaltwater
SeasonOften year-round; weather windows and depth matter
Habitat and range
Reefs, rock piles, wrecks, ledges; from nearshore to deep
Where to catch Lingcod
- Oregon/WA nearshore reefs
- Monterey/Carmel pinnacles (CA)
- BC outer coast
Lingcod by state
State season calendars that list Lingcod — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:
- California — seasons, best months and licence info
- Oregon — seasons, best months and licence info
- Washington — seasons, best months and licence info
Baits and lures
Jigs · bait rigs (squid · herring) · metal · bounce bottom structure
Related species
Often caught in the same waters or confused with Lingcod:
- Longbill Spearfish — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Longfin Mako — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Longhorn Sculpin — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Longtail Tuna — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Lookdown — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Louvar — identification & profile (Saltwater)
Monthly bite brief
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Do not rely on a photo alone for legal or food-safety decisions. Location, season, life stage and local regulations matter. Confirm any identification that affects possession limits or consumption with the responsible wildlife agency.
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