Lingcod fishing out of Newport is open year-round at all depths. Boats work two kinds of water: inner reefs in view of shore and deep grounds 10 to 15 miles out, and both runs start at the Yaquina Bay entrance. This page covers when the fish are around, how far boats run, the named grounds, how the local fleet fishes them and who runs the trips. Biology and general technique are in the lingcod species guide; this page stays in port. The same fishery along the rest of the coast is in the Pacific Northwest offshore fishing guide.
When lingcod are around off Newport
Lingcod are open year-round at all depths off Newport. Two operators give timing, and their statements describe different things.
Fall, winter and spring peak
Newfin says peak is fall, winter and spring.
Offshore in summer into fall
Yaquina Bay Charters says its offshore trip is preferred in summer into fall. That reflects when the operator likes its offshore run, not when lingcod peak, so treat the two as separate inputs to your own plan.
- Open: year-round, all depths
- Peak per Newfin: fall, winter and spring
- Offshore trip preferred per Yaquina Bay Charters: summer into fall
How far boats run from Newport
Run distance is the first decision. Boats here split into a short nearshore run and a long offshore one.
| Nearshore | Offshore | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | Typically under 1 mile, in view of shore | About 10 to 15 miles from shore |
| Water | Inner reefs | Deep water |
| Trip length | Half-day | Full-day |
| Timing noted | Year-round | Preferred summer into fall |
Distances and trip lengths come from Newport Marina Store and Yaquina Bay Charters.
Nearshore reefs under 1 mile
Newport Marina Store says its half-day boats stay in view of shore, typically less than 1 mile offshore. For a trailer-boater, this is the water within short reach of the Yaquina Bay entrance.
Offshore grounds 10 to 15 miles
Yaquina Bay Charters’ full-day trip fishes deep water about 10 to 15 miles from shore. Check wind, wave height and period in the official marine forecast before the run, and plan the day around those numbers.
Bonus fish on halibut trips
Lingcod are also taken as a bonus on halibut trips. Those fish fall under more than one set of rules, covered in the Regulations section below.
Grounds and structure that hold lingcod
Named grounds give you positions to plot, and the best known is Stonewall Bank.
Stonewall Bank (the Rock Pile)
Stonewall Bank sits about 15 miles west of Newport. Locals call it the Rock Pile. Depth runs from about 23 ft at the shallowest point to 520 ft. The bank holds the Stonewall Bank Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area, covered in the Regulations section below.
Banana Bank, West Lighthouse, North Rockpile, Chicken Ranch
Banana Bank, West Lighthouse, North Rockpile and Chicken Ranch are named local grounds. Check positions on a current chart.
Nearshore inner reefs
The inner reefs are the under-1-mile water the half-day boats fish. They sit close to the Yaquina Bay entrance and are the shortest run on this page.
The Chart Contours layer shows the bottom around these banks. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How lingcod are fished locally
Newfin uses live and fresh bait, jigs and soft plastics on medium-heavy tackle, which is a workable starting kit for your own boat.
For rigging the deep offshore water, see the deep-drop bottomfish guides.
Who fishes lingcod out of Newport
These Newport operators list lingcod:
- Yaquina Bay Charters (with Newport Marina Store)
- Newfin Charters, boat: the Bluefin
- Good Time Charlie Sportfishing: its FishingBooker reports page credits the reports to Joe Schaumburg
- Newport Tradewinds Deep-Sea Fishing
- Patriot Fishing
- Lance Fisher Fishing, boats: the 34 ft Legion’s Mercy (a Venture) and the 25 ft Willie Raptor
FAQ about lingcod fishing out of Newport
Is lingcod open year-round out of Newport?
Yes, year-round at all depths. Check ODFW rules before you fish, as noted in the Regulations section.
When is the peak for lingcod off Newport?
Newfin says fall, winter and spring. Yaquina Bay Charters says its offshore trip is preferred in summer into fall.
How far offshore is Stonewall Bank?
About 15 miles west of Newport. It is known locally as the Rock Pile, with depths from about 23 ft to 520 ft.
Can you catch lingcod on a Newport halibut trip?
Yes, they are taken as a bonus. Both state and federal rules apply, so check the Regulations links.
What tackle do Newport boats use for lingcod?
Newfin uses medium-heavy tackle with live and fresh bait, jigs and soft plastics.
Which Newport charters fish for lingcod?
Yaquina Bay Charters, Newfin Charters, Good Time Charlie Sportfishing, Newport Tradewinds Deep-Sea Fishing, Patriot Fishing and Lance Fisher Fishing all list lingcod.
