Lingcod
Ophiodon elongatus
Also known as: Ling; Buckethead
Size & Weight
Average Length
36.0"
Max Length
60.0"
Average Weight
15.0 lbs
Max Weight
85.0 lbs
Lifespan
25 years
Habitat
Depth Range
32 - 1400 ft
Water Temp
45-55°F
Rocky reefs; kelp forests; pinnacles; strong currents
Behavior
Spawning Season
December-March; males guard nest
Migration: Generally sedentary; males guard nests 8-10 weeks
Diet: Voracious predator: fish; squid; octopi; crab - will eat prey half their size
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round; closed spawning season
Techniques: Jigging; bottom bouncing; live bait
Best Bait: Live bait; leadhead jigs; shrimp flies; swimbaits
Eating Quality
Edibility
Excellent
Mild; tender; large flakes; white when cooked
State Records
Washington
61.0
lbs
California
56.0
lbs
Fun Facts
Not a cod (actually greenling); flesh can be blue-green raw; males guard nests aggressively
How to Identify
Large mouth with 18 sharp canine teeth (ophiodon = snake-toothed); variable color (brown, green, blue); sometimes blue-fleshed; large head
Official Resources
Sources: WDFW; ODFW; CDFW; NOAA
Change History (Last updated Feb 02, 2026 at 10:33 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 36.0 |