When lingcod are around Trinidad
Lingcod fishing out of Trinidad runs year-round on the reefs, and the pier has its own peak. The Trinidad port page covers the harbor and regional picture. This guide covers where the grounds are, how deep they sit, and when each is worth the trip. Region-wide coverage is in the wider Pacific Northwest guide.
The reefs
Reef reports show lingcod on Trinidad’s reefs year-round, both on the long run to Reading Rock and on the nearshore rock between Trinidad Head and Sue-meg (Patrick’s Point).
The pier
Pier reports name fall to winter as the best stretch at Trinidad Pier, when lings move shallow to spawn.
Where boats run from Trinidad
There are three options. Check the official marine forecast before the 20-mile trip to Reading Rock.
- Reading Rock: the long run, to charter grounds with deep margins.
- Trinidad Head to Sue-meg: the shorter run, to shallow rock.
- Trinidad Pier: no boat needed, with structure close to the dock.
Reading Rock
Reading Rock lies about 20 miles north of Trinidad Head and is charter grounds. Charter reports list big lings on the reef.
Trinidad Head to Sue-meg
The nearshore rockfish grounds run between Trinidad Head and Sue-meg (Patrick’s Point), at about 30 ft. The structure is spire pinnacles and crevasse rock.
Grounds and structure that hold lingcod
These are the named grounds near Trinidad, with the depths the reports give.
| Ground | Location | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Rock | about 20 mi N of Trinidad Head | about 80 ft tops, 180 to 220 ft margins |
| Nearshore reefs | Trinidad Head to Sue-meg | about 30 ft |
| Prisoner Rock | south of pier, inside Trinidad Bay | |
| Little Head Rock | left of pier |
Reading Rock pinnacles and margins
Charter reports put Reading Rock at about 80 ft on the pinnacle tops and 180 to 220 ft along the reef margins. The margins call for deep-drop bottom fishing technique.
About a quarter of the reef has been the Reading Rock State Marine Reserve since 2012, so know the boundary before you drop. The Chart Contours layer shows the fall from 80 ft to 180 to 220 ft before you leave the dock. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Nearshore spires and crevasses
Between Trinidad Head and Sue-meg State Park (Patrick’s Point), spire pinnacles and crevasse rock formations sit at about 30 ft. This is the shallow end of the port’s lingcod water.
Prisoner Rock and Little Head Rock
Prisoner Rock is a sea stack south of Trinidad Pier, inside Trinidad Bay. Little Head Rock is to the left of the pier. Both are named structure near the dock.
How lingcod are fished here
For tactics, biology, and spawning behavior, see the lingcod species guide. This section covers only which water to work locally.
On the reef
At Reading Rock, boats work two zones: about 80 ft on the pinnacle tops and 180 to 220 ft along the margins. On the nearshore reefs, boats work about 30 ft around the spires and crevasses. Stay out of the reserve portion of Reading Rock.
From the pier
Pier anglers work mainly the end of the pier and the lower dock, with fall to winter best. Prisoner Rock and Little Head Rock are the nearby structure.
Who fishes for lingcod out of Trinidad
Lingcod fishing out of Trinidad is done from private boats, charters, and the pier.
- Private boaters: run the nearshore reefs or make the 20 miles to Reading Rock.
- Charter clients: Prisoner Rock Charters lists lingcod and runs the Black Cadillac, a 26-foot Glacier Bay catamaran.
- Pier anglers: fish the end of the pier and the lower dock.
Anglers towing in from elsewhere can book a charter trip to see the grounds before running their own boat.
FAQ: lingcod fishing out of Trinidad
What is the best time of year for lingcod at Trinidad?
The reefs hold lingcod year-round. At the pier, fall to winter is best, as lings move shallow to spawn.
How far is Reading Rock from Trinidad?
Reading Rock is about 20 miles north of Trinidad Head.
What depth do you fish on Reading Rock?
Boats fish about 80 ft on the pinnacle tops and 180 to 220 ft on the margins.
Can you catch lingcod from Trinidad Pier?
Yes. The end of the pier and the lower dock are the main spots, with fall to winter best.
Is any of Reading Rock closed to fishing?
About a quarter of the reef has been a state marine reserve since 2012. Know the boundary before you drop.
