Lingcod

Lingcod are large fish found from Alaska to Baja California, Mexico. They can be found in a range of habitats in water depths from 10 to 1,300 feet. Adult lingcod can grow to five feet in length and weigh more than 80 pounds, although most lingcod caught commercially weigh 20-40 pounds. Lingcod coloration ranges from dark gray to brownish and green with copper mottling along the back. This cryptic coloration allows lingcod to blend in with their surroundings to avoid predation. Lingcod reproduction occurs in late fall when females deposit eggs into rock crevices and cracks. Males then fertilize eggs and remain in the area for several weeks to guard the nests. Once lingcod hatch, they feed upon very small, drifting animals known as zooplankton. As adults, lingcod are aggressive predators and eat many bottom-dwelling fishes and invertebrates. They are eaten by predators such as marine mammals, sharks, and other lingcod. Lingcod have been fished along the West Coast for centuries by Indigenous peoples using a variety of gear types.

Overall availability

Lingcod is fished in all three West Coast states, California, Oregon and Washington. Peak availability varies by geographic region but is generally spring through fall. Lingcod is available whole, portioned or filleted fresh in season and frozen throughout the year. 

Management

Lingcod is commercially fished using longline, pole and handline, gillnet, trawl, pot and trap gear. The fishery is managed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan, which covers 90+ species that live near or above the seafloor. State fishery management agencies in CA, OR and WA, along with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission also have some management authority.