Saltwater · Spring and summer (check local openings — retention is seasonal)
Lingcod
Ophiodon elongatus
An aggressive ambush predator of rocky structure. Lingcod hit jigs hard and fight dirty around the reef — heavy tackle and quick pressure win.
Where they live
In this guide: Vancouver, BC · Victoria, BC · Campbell River, BC.
How to catch them
Vertical jigging swimbaits and leadheads
Rig: 6-9" swimbait on a 4-8 oz leadhead, fished on the bottom
Bait/lure: Large soft swimbaits; live bait where legal
Key tip: Keep contact with bottom. Most hits come on the first drop.
Baseline setup
- Rod: 7-8' jigging rod, heavy
- Line: 50-65 lb braid
- Terminal: Leadheads 4-8 oz, large swimbaits, 60 lb leader
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
New to Lingcod? Start with a complete kit
Saltwater Boat Starter Kit — Lingcod & Rockfish — About $120–175 all-in · About $255–370 all-in
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