Lingcod and Rockfish Private Boat Adventure
Private Trip
Target lingcod and rockfish on productive Astoria wrecksSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests aboardDoubles possible when fish concentrate at prime spots
Nothing beats the anticipation of dropping your line into Astoria's legendary wreck sites, where toothy lingcod lurk in the shadows and colorful rockfish swarm the structure. This private boat charter puts you right on top of the most productive bottom fishing grounds on the Oregon coast, where doubles on the same rig aren't just lucky – they're expected. When you're targeting lingcod and rockfish around wrecks, every drop could bring up something different, and that unpredictability is exactly what keeps anglers coming back for more.
Your day starts with River Wanderer Outdoors getting you set up on one of Astoria's top-rated private boats, heading out to the wreck sites where these fish concentrate in serious numbers. The Columbia River Bar and nearby offshore waters hold some of the best structure on the West Coast, and our local knowledge puts you right where the action is. You'll be fishing with up to 5 other anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines without tangles. The beauty of wreck fishing is that habitat naturally funnels these fish into predictable spots – when you find them, you really find them. Expect to stay busy pulling fish, re-rigging, and maybe dealing with a few tackle-busting lingcod that remind you why they're called the wolves of the reef.
Wreck fishing is all about getting your bait down to the structure and keeping it in the strike zone. We'll be running heavy sinkers – usually 12 to 20 ounces depending on current and depth – with multi-hook rigs that let you target different species on the same drop. The key is finding that sweet spot just off the bottom where lingcod cruise for prey, while keeping your gear close enough to the rocks for the resident rockfish. You'll be using everything from live bait to heavy jigs, and the captain will adjust tactics based on what the fish are telling us. When the bite is on, it's a constant cycle of dropping, hooking up, and bringing fish to the boat. The structure holds fish at different levels, so don't be surprised when you hook into something completely different than what your neighbor just pulled up.
Lingcod are the main attraction here, and for good reason – these prehistoric-looking predators can reach 30+ pounds and fight like they mean it. They're most active during spring and summer months when they move into shallower water to spawn, making them prime targets around Astoria's wreck sites. What makes lingcod so exciting isn't just their size, but their attitude – they'll grab your bait with those needle-sharp teeth and head straight back to the rocks. The meat is pure white and flaky, perfect for the grill or fish and chips.
Black Rockfish are the workhorses of this fishery, schooling up in huge numbers around the wrecks. These dark, chunky fish typically run 2-5 pounds and are absolute fish taco gold. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit almost anything you put in front of them, and when you find a school, you can fill the cooler fast. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're feeding heavily in preparation for winter.
Copper Rockfish bring the color to your catch, with their distinctive pink and orange hues making them one of the prettiest fish you'll pull up. They tend to be larger than blacks, often hitting the 5-8 pound range, and they're known for their excellent table fare. Coppers love structure and will hold tight to the wrecks, making them a reliable target when you're positioned right.
Kelp Greenling are the surprise catch that keeps things interesting – these mottled brown fish are smaller but pack serious flavor. They're curious and aggressive, often being the first to hit your bait when you drop into a new spot. Don't let their size fool you; greenling are considered some of the best eating fish in these waters.
Black Sea Bass round out the mix with their distinctive appearance and solid fight. These fish are making a strong comeback in Oregon waters and represent some of the most sustainable fishing on the coast. They're smart fish that require finesse, but when you connect with a good one, they'll give you a memorable battle.
Cabezon are the wild cards – these big, ugly sculpin can reach impressive sizes and are absolutely delicious despite their appearance. They're ambush predators that sit motionless on the bottom waiting for prey, which means they can be tricky to target but rewarding when you connect. The meat is firm and white, perfect for grilling or frying.
This private boat charter gives you access to Astoria's most productive lingcod and rockfish grounds without the crowds of party boats. With only 6 anglers maximum, you'll have the space to fish properly and the flexibility to move spots when the captain finds better action. River Wanderer Outdoors knows these waters like the back of their hand, and that local knowledge is what turns a good day into a cooler-busting adventure. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer with quality fish or just want to experience some of the best bottom fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait – the best wreck fishing days book up fast, especially during peak season when these fish are most active.
The Good Ju Ju cuts through Astoria's choppy waters like she was born for it. Built tough with an extra heavy hull, this fishing machine handles the rough stuff while keeping you comfortable on deck. She's got everything you need to find and fight lingcod around the wrecks - GPS to mark the hot spots, fish finder to see what's lurking below, and VHF radio to stay connected. With space for 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to work your jigs without getting tangled up. The stable platform makes it easy to handle those toothy lingcod when they come up fighting, and you'll have room to sort through your rockfish haul. Perfect for wreck fishing where you never know if you're pulling up a monster ling or a mixed bag of tasty rockfish for the dinner table.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are some of the most reliable fish we target, running 3-6 pounds on average with that classic bass-like shape. They start out dark gray to black but can lighten with age, and those spiny fins will get you if you're not careful handling them. You'll find them from shallow nearshore waters down to 400+ feet around rocky structure, though we usually work 60-200 feet for the best action. They school up with other rockfish species, so when you find one, there's usually more below. Year-round fishing is solid, but spring and early summer are peak. What guests enjoy is their aggressive feeding - they'll hit jigs, bait, whatever you drop down there. Perfect for fish tacos and always a crowd-pleaser. Watch out for barotrauma when bringing them up from deeper water - their eyes can bulge pretty dramatically from the pressure change.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting fish that turn a brilliant blue during spawning season. These members of the grouper family average 2-4 pounds but can push 8+ pounds around deeper structure. You'll find them around jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 30-120 feet, with bigger males holding in the deeper spots. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. They're born female then change to male as they grow - pretty wild biology. What makes them fun is their aggressive strike and bulldog fight once hooked. They'll hit both bait and jigs readily, making them great for mixed bag trips. The meat is excellent - firm and mild. Key tip: fish right on the bottom with squid or cut bait on a two-hook rig, and be ready for that solid thump when they grab it.
Scorpaenichthys MarmoratusCabezon are the ugliest fish you'll catch out here, but don't let their looks fool you - they're excellent eating and put up a solid fight. These scaleless sculpins can reach 15-20 pounds with heads that seem way too big for their bodies. They're ambush predators that sit motionless in kelp beds and rocky areas from shallow water down to 200+ feet, waiting to inhale anything that swims by. Available year-round except brief closures in spring. The flesh is blue when raw but turns white when cooked, and it's some of the best table fare around. Just never eat the eggs - they're toxic. What's cool is they don't have swim bladders, so no barotrauma issues when bringing them up. Fish right on structure with rubber-tailed jigs tipped with crab or shrimp, and keep it within a foot of bottom. They'll grab hard and try to wrap you up.
Sebastes CaurinusCopper rockfish are beautiful fish with their distinctive copper and orange blotching that helps them blend into rocky structure. They average 3-4 pounds and stick tight to rocky areas and kelp forests from 30-200 feet deep. These guys are homebodies - once they find a good rock pile, they don't move far from it. December through March during spawning season is when they're most active, but they bite year-round. What makes them great for beginners is they're not picky eaters and there's usually plenty around. They'll take jigs, cut bait, shrimp, whatever you put in front of them. The key is getting your bait right to the bottom then working it up and down a few feet - that's where they're waiting. Use enough weight to stay in contact with bottom structure, and be ready for that solid bite when they grab it.
Hexagrammos DecagrammusKelp greenling are scrappy little fighters that pack more attitude than their 2-4 pound average suggests. You'll find them in 20-150 feet around kelp beds, rocky areas, and structure where they blend in perfectly with their mottled coloring. Males have distinctive blue spots while females show golden ones. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit most anything - worms, shrimp, small jigs, even pieces of fish. Fall months during spawning are prime time, but they bite consistently year-round. What guests love is their willingness to bite and the surprise factor - you never know if that next fish will be a greenling or something bigger. They make excellent table fare too. Here's the trick: once hooked, they'll dart straight for kelp to tangle your line, so keep steady pressure and work them away from cover quickly.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod aren't actually cod at all - they're greenlings with massive heads and razor-sharp teeth that'll grab anything that fits in their mouth. These ambush predators hang out in 30-300 feet around rocky reefs and kelp beds, using their mottled coloring to blend in perfectly. Most run 15-25 pounds, but we see 40+ pounders regularly. They're available year-round, though spring and summer fishing is most consistent when they're more active. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit hard and fight dirty, trying to wrap you up in structure. The meat is firm, white, and fantastic eating. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them up fast - they'll use those rocks against you every time if you give them slack.
Astoria, OR