Lingcod fishing out of Port Orford centers on two reefs off Cape Blanco, and the local fleet lands the most lingcod from April through August. Biology and tackle are covered in our lingcod species guide. This page covers timing, grounds, closed water, and who fishes the port. The wider picture is in the Pacific Northwest region guide.
When lingcod are here
The Port Orford Seafood co-op publishes a landing calendar showing when lingcod are on the reefs and boats are working them. It tracks commercial landings, not recreational catch.
| Month | Co-op status |
|---|---|
| March | Available |
| April through August | Peak |
| September and October | Available |
Peak April through August
The co-op lists lingcod as peak in these months, so plan a first trip around this window.
March, September and October
The co-op lists lingcod as available rather than peak in these months. Expect fewer fish on the reefs than in the peak window.
Where boats run
Both named grounds are nearshore rocky reef off Cape Blanco. Chart layers are not for navigation.
- Orford Reef: off Cape Blanco on the southern Oregon coast
- Blanco Reef: off Cape Blanco
- Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve: just south of town, closed to groundfish harvest
Orford Reef
Orford Reef is a named nearshore reef off Cape Blanco on the southern Oregon coast.
Blanco Reef
Blanco Reef is a named reef off Cape Blanco.
Redfish Rocks is closed water
Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve sits just south of town. It is a rocky reef with islands, and it bars groundfish harvest, so it is not a lingcod ground. Because it is the structure closest to the harbor, it is easy to head there by default; the open reefs off Cape Blanco are the places to fish. The reserve maps are on the linked page.
How lingcod are fished from Port Orford
According to the co-op fleet, lingcod fishing out of Port Orford uses three gear types.
Hook and line
Co-op boats fish hook and line, which is also the method that carries over to a private boat. For technique, see our bottom-fishing and deep-drop techniques.
Long line
Co-op boats also work long line gear.
Pots
Co-op boats also work pot gear.
Who fishes lingcod here
- The co-op fleet: sets the landing calendar and the gear above
- Charter operators: one local charter lists lingcod
- Private boats: your own boat, on the open reefs off Cape Blanco
The co-op fleet
The Port Orford Seafood co-op boats are the fleet behind the landing calendar and the gear listed above.
Port Orford Fishing Charters
Port Orford Fishing Charters lists lingcod, for anglers who would rather book a trip than run their own boat.
FAQ: lingcod fishing out of Port Orford
What are the best months for lingcod at Port Orford?
Peak is April through August on the co-op landing calendar. March, September, and October are listed as available. The calendar tracks commercial landings, not recreational catch.
Which reefs do boats run to for lingcod?
Orford Reef and Blanco Reef. Both sit off Cape Blanco on the southern Oregon coast.
Can you fish Redfish Rocks for lingcod?
No. The marine reserve, just south of town, bars groundfish harvest. Check ODFW and the reserve maps before fishing.
What gear does the local fleet use?
Per the co-op fleet: hook and line, long line, and pot gear. Hook and line is the method that carries over to a private boat.
Is there a charter that lists lingcod?
Yes. Port Orford Fishing Charters lists lingcod.
