Lingcod fishing out of Astoria-Warrenton starts at Hammond Marina and, on most charter days, ends at the South Jetty. When the ocean allows, boats run about 20 miles south to Tillamook Head. The lingcod species guide covers biology and general technique, and the Astoria-Warrenton port page covers the bar and port context. The wider picture is in the Pacific Northwest region guide.
When lingcod fishing runs out of Astoria-Warrenton
Astoria Fishing Charters & Guide Service publishes three facts that set the calendar and conditions for this port:
- Bottom fishing for lingcod and rockfish runs year-round.
- It is best on smaller tides in lower seas.
- Winter and spring bring lighter pressure.
Check the NWS bar and coastal forecast before crossing.
Year-round
The bottom-fishing calendar has no closed window here, so tide and sea state decide the day more than the month does.
Tides and seas
Smaller tides and lower seas make the best days. Larger tides and bigger seas are worth waiting out.
Lighter pressure in winter and spring
Winter and spring put fewer boats on the grounds. The cost is a shorter list of calm days.
Where boats run from Hammond Marina
Hammond Marina is the reference point for the distances below. South Jetty is the default run, and Tillamook Head is the longer run when the ocean allows.
South Jetty
South Jetty sits at the river mouth, where the Columbia meets the Pacific. It is the most common spot for Astoria Fishing Charters.
Tillamook Head run
Tillamook Head is about 20 miles south, roughly an hour each way from Hammond Marina on a calm day. That makes a 2-hour round trip before anyone wets a line, so the charter makes the run only when the ocean allows.
Grounds and structure near the Columbia River mouth
These grounds are grouped by where they sit relative to the river mouth. Jetty water is as shallow as 20 ft.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|
| North and South Jetties | 20 | At the river mouth |
| Peacock Spit | At the river mouth | |
| CR buoy and red buoy line (#4, #6, #2SJ old submerged jetty) | 200 | Offshore of the entrance |
| Desdemona Sands | 30 | Inside the river mouth |
| Astoria Canyon | Offshore | |
| Tillamook Head | About 20 miles south | |
| Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach) | Down the coast |
The #2SJ mark on the red buoy line is old submerged jetty structure.
The Chart Contours layer in Breakpoint shows where the bottom changes around the jetties and buoy line. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How lingcod are fished locally
Local operators fish two ways, depending on the structure.
Light tackle on rock formations
Lance Fisher uses light tackle on rock formations.
Heavier jigs on bottom structure
Marvin’s Guide Service uses heavier jigs for bottom structure. The structure on the 200 ft buoy line is where deeper bottom fishing comes in. For rockfish, Marvin’s switches to shrimp flies or jigs.
Who fishes for lingcod out of Astoria-Warrenton
Three local operators list lingcod.
Lance Fisher Fishing
Lance Fisher has been a guide since 2001 and fishes light tackle on rock formations. See the Lance Fisher Fishing guide service.
Astoria Fishing Charters & Guide Service
They fish the South Jetty most often and run to Tillamook Head when the ocean allows. See their Astoria Fishing Charters bottom trips.
Marvin’s Guide Service
Marvin runs a 27 ft covered, heated Alumaweld Intruder. He fishes heavier jigs on bottom structure and shrimp flies or jigs for rockfish. See Marvin’s Guide Service in Astoria.
FAQ about lingcod fishing out of Astoria-Warrenton
Can you fish lingcod year-round out of Astoria-Warrenton?
Yes. Per Astoria Fishing Charters, bottom fishing runs year-round. It is best on smaller tides in lower seas, with lighter pressure in winter and spring.
How far is Tillamook Head from Hammond Marina?
About 20 miles south, roughly an hour each way on a calm day, per Astoria Fishing Charters.
Where do Astoria charters fish lingcod most often?
The South Jetty, at the river mouth where the Columbia meets the Pacific, per Astoria Fishing Charters.
How deep is the jetty water?
Jetty water is as shallow as 20 ft. The red buoy line offshore of the entrance sits at 200 ft, and Desdemona Sands at 30 ft.
What tackle do local guides use for lingcod?
Lance Fisher uses light tackle on rock formations. Marvin’s Guide Service uses heavier jigs on bottom structure.
