Lingcod fishing out of Brookings is open year round, and the shallow window runs March through May. Boats fish north of Brookings Harbor up to Whaleshead Island, and they also run about 11 miles almost straight out to Point St. George Reef. Choose your run by distance: the half-day range is closest, the long-range grounds are farther north, and the reef is a separate trip straight offshore. The gear and timing below follow what the local fleet does. Region-wide coverage is in the wider Pacific Northwest guide.
When lingcod are around Brookings
Lingcod are available every month, but the depth they hold in changes with the calendar. The spring shallow stretch is the one worth planning around if you have your own boat.
| Window | What it means for your trip |
|---|---|
| Year round | Open season in every month |
| March, April, May | Lingcod move shallow to spawn; fish come from 20 to 50 feet |
Open year round
The season is open every month out of Brookings, so pick your month by the depth you want to fish rather than by an opener.
March to May shallow window
Lingcod move into shallow water to spawn in March, April and May, and Brookings Fishing Charters calls this the best shallow-water window. Spawning puts fish in 20 to 50 feet, within reach of lighter boats that stay near the harbor. The reasons lings move shallow to spawn are covered in our lingcod guide.
Where boats run from Brookings Harbor
The grounds sort by run length: the half-day range, the spring shallows, the long-range grounds to the north, and the reef straight out.
| Ground | Direction from harbor | Trip type |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Rocks and Bird Island | North | Half-day trips |
| Bird Island to House Rock | North | Spring shallows |
| Mack Reef, Arch Rock, Mack Arch, Whaleshead Island | North | Long-range trips |
| Point St. George Reef | About 11 miles, almost straight out | Offshore run |
Half-day range: harbor to Twin Rocks and Bird Island
Half-day trips fish between the harbor and the Twin Rocks and Bird Island area. Bird Island sits north of the harbor, and Twin Rocks marks the edge of the half-day range. The rockfish gear described below is used here.
Spring shallows: Bird Island to House Rock
Shallow spawning-season lings are best from Bird Island to House Rock, north of the harbor. Fish this stretch in March, April and May, in the 20 to 50 foot band.
Long-range north: Mack Reef, Arch Rock, Mack Arch, Whaleshead Island
Long-range trips reach Mack Reef, Arch Rock, Mack Arch and Whaleshead Island, all north of Brookings Harbor. Mack Arch is reached on 6-hour trips targeting lingcod. Mack Reef and Mack Arch are separate marks, so plot them separately.
Point St. George Reef and Dragon Channel
Point St. George Reef lies in a different direction from the rest: boats run straight out rather than north. The lighthouse sits about 11 miles almost straight out from Brookings Harbor, and Dragon Channel is part of the reef. Check the official marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before the run.
How lingcod are fished here
Gear follows the target species: light tackle for rockfish and heavier gear for lings.
Light gear for rockfish
The rockfish setup out of Brookings is a light spinning rod with shrimp flies and grubs. Our bottomfish tactics page covers how that light-tackle approach fits with heavier tactics on the same structure.
Heavier jigs and whole baits for lings
Trips targeting lings step up to heavier jigs or whole baits. Both work on the same structure the rockfish live on.
Spring depths
Spring spawning-season fish come from 20 to 50 feet, and some are caught at about 20 feet. A typical spring setup combines heavier jigs or whole bait, the Bird Island to House Rock stretch, and 20 to 50 feet of water, from March to May.
Who fishes for lingcod out of Brookings
These operators list lingcod trips out of Brookings Harbor.
| Operator | Boats and captains | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Brookings Fishing Charters | Miss Brooke (Capt. Andy Martin, Capt. Travis); Nauti-Lady | Brookings Fishing Charters website |
| Tidewind Sportfishing | Tidewinds, a 36-foot Modutech | Tidewind Sportfishing website |
| Old Dog Sportfishing | Captain Mike | Old Dog Sportfishing trips |
FAQ about lingcod fishing out of Brookings
When is the best shallow lingcod fishing out of Brookings?
March, April and May, when lingcod move shallow to spawn. Brookings Fishing Charters calls it the best shallow-water window.
How far is Point St. George Reef from Brookings Harbor?
About 11 miles, almost straight out from the harbor. Dragon Channel is part of the reef.
Where do half-day trips fish?
Half-day trips fish between the harbor and the Twin Rocks and Bird Island area. Long-range trips reach Mack Reef, Arch Rock, Mack Arch and Whaleshead Island, and Mack Arch is reached on 6-hour trips.
What depth do spring lings hold in?
20 to 50 feet, as shallow as about 20 feet. The stretch to fish is Bird Island to House Rock.
Which charters target lingcod out of Brookings?
Brookings Fishing Charters (Miss Brooke, Nauti-Lady), Tidewind Sportfishing (Tidewinds) and Old Dog Sportfishing (Captain Mike).
