When lingcod are around out of Neah Bay
Ripple Effects Charters runs its halibut and lingcod trips in May-June and August-September. Those are the windows for lingcod fishing out of Neah Bay, and they double as the combo windows, when halibut and lingcod can be fished on the same trip. The same fishery along the rest of the coast is in the Pacific Northwest offshore fishing guide.
Before you go, read wind, wave height and period from the NWS marine forecast and plan around those numbers.
Where boats run from Neah Bay
Boats out of Neah Bay fish both nearshore and deepwater grounds. The Garbage Dump at 300 ft is a short run; the banks are the long one. For rigs and approach, see our guide to deepwater bottom fishing.
- Nearshore grounds: Garbage Dump, Waadah Island, Tatoosh Island
- Deepwater grounds: Swiftsure Bank, Table Rock, Blue Dot (Marine Area 4)
Nearshore
The Garbage Dump sits just west of Neah Bay, close to shore, at 300 ft. Waadah Island and Tatoosh Island are the other nearshore names to mark. Tatoosh Island is a named lingcod and black rockfish area.
Deepwater
Swiftsure Bank is about 21 miles from Neah Bay. Table Rock and Blue Dot are the other offshore banks in Marine Area 4. Factor the run distance into your planning, and carry fuel to match your boat’s range.
Grounds and structure that hold lingcod
Mark these names and check them against chart depth contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
| Spot | Depth/Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Waadah Island | Named structure | |
| Garbage Dump | 300 ft, just west of Neah Bay | Close to shore |
| Duncan Rock | 120 ft (20 fathoms) | Rock |
| Duntze Rock | 120 ft (20 fathoms) | Rock |
| Tatoosh Island | Lingcod and black rockfish area | |
| Table Rock | Offshore bank, Marine Area 4 | |
| Blue Dot | Offshore bank, Marine Area 4 | |
| Swiftsure Bank | About 21 miles from Neah Bay | Bank |
Waadah Island
Waadah Island is named structure near Neah Bay.
Garbage Dump
The Garbage Dump is 300 ft, just west of Neah Bay and close to shore. It is the closest of the named spots to the harbor.
Duncan Rock and Duntze Rock
Duncan Rock and Duntze Rock both sit at 120 ft (20 fathoms). Mark both and check them against your chart contours.
Tatoosh Island
Tatoosh Island is named as a lingcod and black rockfish area, so the two species share structure here.
Table Rock and Blue Dot
WDFW’s Marine Area 4 page lists Table Rock and Blue Dot as offshore banks in Marine Area 4.
Swiftsure Bank
Swiftsure Bank is about 21 miles from Neah Bay, the farthest ground on the run.
How lingcod are fished locally
Excel Fishing Charters uses light gear on bottom fish trips and offers jig and downrigger fishing. Jigging and light gear are the local approach, with the downrigger as an option alongside them. For general tackle and fish behavior that this page leaves out, see our lingcod guide.
Who fishes lingcod out of Neah Bay
Three Neah Bay charters list lingcod.
Excel Fishing Charters
Excel Fishing Charters runs the Captain Crosby, a 26 ft boat. It uses light gear on bottom fish trips and offers jig and downrigger fishing.
Ripple Effects Charters
Ripple Effects Charters runs halibut and lingcod trips in May-June and August-September.
Big Time Sportfishing
Big Time Sportfishing (Ocean Sport Fishing) runs the Pacific Fin II.
FAQ: lingcod fishing out of Neah Bay
When do operators run halibut and lingcod trips for lingcod fishing out of Neah Bay?
Ripple Effects Charters runs them in May-June and August-September. Before the run, check the NWS marine forecast numbers for wind, wave height and period.
How far is Swiftsure Bank from Neah Bay?
About 21 miles. It is the far deepwater ground, compared with nearshore spots like the Garbage Dump, which sits just west of the harbor.
How deep is the Garbage Dump?
300 ft. It sits just west of Neah Bay, close to shore.
What depth are Duncan Rock and Duntze Rock?
Both are at 120 ft (20 fathoms). Mark them and check your chart contours before you go. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Which charters fish lingcod out of Neah Bay?
Three list lingcod: Excel Fishing Charters (Captain Crosby, 26 ft), Ripple Effects Charters, and Big Time Sportfishing (Pacific Fin II). Each runs its own trips from the port.
Where are the lingcod rules for Neah Bay?
WDFW sets them, under Marine Area 4. Check the agency’s rules before fishing, since limits and seasons are not restated here.
