Lingcod and Rockfish Wreck Fishing in Astoria
Shared Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target lingcod and rockfish in concentrated wreck locationsDoubles possible on single lines at prime fishing spotsPrivate charter accommodates one guest for personalized experience
Picture this: you're bouncing jigs off sunken ship hulls and rocky structure, never knowing if the next bite will be a monster lingcod with teeth like a piranha or a colorful rockfish perfect for tonight's fish tacos. That's exactly what you get on our top-rated wreck fishing trips out of Astoria. This isn't your typical salmon charter – we're targeting the toothy predators and tasty bottom dwellers that call the Columbia River Bar and nearshore reefs home. With just one angler on board, you'll have my undivided attention to put you on fish and make sure your technique is dialed in for maximum success.
We'll launch from Astoria's boat basin and make a quick run to some of my favorite wreck sites and rocky bottom structure. The beauty of fishing these spots is that the habitat naturally funnels fish into concentrated areas – when we find them, we really find them. I've seen anglers pull doubles on the same drop, with lingcod and rockfish coming up together. The action can be fast and furious, which makes this trip perfect for those who like to stay busy and experience the surprise of never knowing what's coming up from the depths. We'll spend our time bouncing between proven spots, adjusting our approach based on tide, current, and what the fish are telling us. Some days they want a slow presentation, other days they'll hammer anything that moves.
Wreck fishing is all about getting your bait or lure down to the structure where these fish live and hunt. We'll primarily be using heavy jigs – usually 8 to 16 ounces depending on current – tipped with fresh bait like squid, anchovy, or rockfish strips. The key is maintaining bottom contact while working the jig vertically along the wreck or reef structure. I'll have you set up with medium-heavy to heavy action rods paired with conventional reels loaded with 40-65 pound test. The heavy tackle isn't just for the big lingcod – it's essential for pulling fish away from the structure before they can wrap you up in the wreckage. We'll also use circle hooks when bait fishing to improve our catch and release success on any fish we're not keeping.
Lingcod are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking predators can grow over 40 pounds in our waters, though most of what we catch runs 5-15 pounds – perfect eating size. They're ambush hunters that lurk in rocky caves and wreck structure, waiting to inhale anything that swims by. Fall through early spring is prime time for lingcod, when they move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively. What makes them so fun to target is their attitude – they'll often follow a hooked rockfish right to the surface, trying to steal your catch. Plus, they're absolutely delicious with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips.
Black rockfish are probably the most cooperative species we'll encounter, often schooling in large numbers around the wrecks. These copper-colored beauties typically run 1-3 pounds and are famous for their willingness to bite. They're active year-round but peak during summer and fall when baitfish concentrate around the structure. Black rockfish have excellent table fare with flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos, and they're a blast on lighter tackle when the bite gets hot.
Copper rockfish are the colorful cousins of the black rockfish, sporting brilliant orange and copper hues that make them a favorite with photographers. They tend to hold tighter to structure than blacks and can grow quite a bit larger, with 5-pound fish not uncommon. Coppers are known for their sweet, mild flavor and firm texture. They're most active during daylight hours and seem to prefer the deeper, more complex wreck structure where they can ambush small fish and crustaceans.
Kelp greenling are the acrobats of our target species – when hooked, they'll often jump and thrash on the surface like a miniature tarpon. These slender fish rarely exceed 2 pounds but make up for their size with attitude and excellent eating quality. They're curious by nature and will often investigate lures or baits repeatedly before committing to a bite. Kelp greenling are most active during the warmer months and prefer areas where kelp or other marine vegetation grows on the wreck structure.
Black sea bass are the heavyweights of the rockfish family, capable of reaching 20+ pounds in our area waters. They're slower growing and less common than other rockfish species, making them a prized catch when they show up. These fish have a more elongated body shape and tend to hold in deeper water around major structure. Black sea bass are known for their excellent table fare and fighting ability – a big one will test your tackle and technique.
Cabezon round out our target list as one of the most unique-looking fish in our waters. These sculpin relatives have massive heads, no scales, and an attitude that matches their appearance. They're ambush predators that rely on camouflage, often sitting motionless on the bottom until prey comes within striking distance. Cabezon can exceed 20 pounds and are prized for their sweet, lobster-like meat. Just remember – the eggs are toxic, so we always discard those, but the fillets are world-class eating.
If you're tired of the same old salmon fishing routine and want to experience some of Astoria's best-kept secrets, this wreck fishing adventure delivers everything you're looking for. With constant action, multiple species, and some of the best eating fish in the Pacific Northwest, it's no wonder this trip has become a customer favorite among serious anglers. The single-angler capacity means you'll get personalized instruction and have the flexibility to fish
The Good Ju Ju cuts through Astoria's choppy waters like she was born for it. Built specifically for these Oregon coastal conditions, her extra heavy hull delivers a smooth ride even when the seas get attitude. This motorboat makes an excellent fishing platform for targeting lingcod around the local wrecks where these toothy predators love to hang out. With comfortable seating for up to six anglers, she's equipped with GPS navigation to pinpoint those productive wreck sites, VHF radio for safety communication, and a fish finder to locate where the lingcod and rockfish are stacked up. When you hook into Astoria's underrated lingcod fishery, you might just pull up doubles on the same line - these fish concentrate around the wrecks in serious numbers. Add some rockfish to the mix and you've got yourself a fish taco feast. Perfect for anglers who want steady action and never know what's coming up on the next drop.
Sebastes MelanopsThese dark gray to black rockfish are some of the most aggressive feeders you'll encounter on the bottom. They average 4-5 pounds but can reach over 2 feet and 11 pounds. You'll find them around rocky reefs, jetties, and nearshore structure from shallow water down to 1,200 feet, often schooling with other rockfish species. They're available year-round and will hit just about anything you drop down - jigs, cut bait, or live anchovies all work well. What guests enjoy is their willingness to bite and how they can fill the cooler quickly when you get into a school. The meat makes great fish tacos. Watch out for their venomous dorsal spines when handling. One thing to remember - use enough weight to get your bait down to their level and work it right on the bottom where they feed.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky members of the grouper family are plump-bodied fighters that turn bright blue during spawning season. Most run 2-4 pounds, though they can reach 8+ pounds and 25 inches. You'll find them around underwater structure like wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in less than 120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. They put up a solid scrap until they break the surface, then give up pretty quick. What makes them interesting is their unique biology - they're all born female and change to male as they grow. The meat is excellent and they're not too picky about bait. My go-to method is a simple two-hook bottom rig with squid strips - they're mostly bottom feeders but will occasionally hit jigs on the drop.
Scorpaenichthys MarmoratusThese scaleless bottom dwellers are the ultimate ambush predators with massive heads and mouths to match. They can reach over 3 feet and 30 pounds, with females typically larger than males. You'll spot them from shallow tide pools down to 600 feet, favoring rocky ledges, kelp beds, and structure where they sit motionless waiting for prey. They're available year-round except March-April closures. What's unique is their blue flesh that turns white when cooked, and the color difference between sexes - most green ones are female, red ones are male. They fight hard and don't give up easy. Since they lack swim bladders, they handle being brought up better than other bottom fish. My best advice: fish rubber-tailed jigs right on the bottom and be patient - they'll study your bait before committing. Never eat the eggs though - they're toxic.
Sebastes CaurinusThese beautiful copper and orange-colored rockfish are perfect for beginners since they're not bait-shy and will hit almost anything. They typically run 13 inches and 3 pounds on average, though they can reach 26 inches. You'll find them in rocky areas from 30-600 feet, often around jetties and nearshore structure. They don't migrate much - once they find a good rock to call home, they stick around. December through March during spawning is prime time, but they bite year-round. What makes them appealing is their willingness to cooperate and decent eating quality. They're bottom huggers, so the key is getting your bait down and working it right on the rocks. I like to drop my jig to the bottom, then lift it a couple feet and drop it back down repeatedly until something grabs it.
Hexagrammos DecagrammusThese smaller relatives of lingcod are scrappy fighters that love rocky structure and kelp beds. Males have distinctive blue spots while females sport golden-brown markings, both averaging 12-15 inches and 2-4 pounds. You'll find them in shallow to mid-depth waters around 30-150 feet, especially near jetties, pilings, and rocky shorelines where current breaks. They bite almost anything you put in front of them, making them perfect for keeping lines tight between bigger fish. October through November during spawning season is prime time. What guests love is their willingness to bite and the decent table fare they provide. One trick I've learned - they'll often tangle you up in kelp when hooked, so keep steady pressure and try to lead them away from structure right after the hookset.
Ophiodon ElongatusThese gnarly looking fish aren't actually cod but greenlings, and they're one of the most aggressive predators you'll encounter. With massive heads full of razor-sharp teeth, lingcod typically run 15-25 pounds but can reach 60+ inches. They ambush prey from rocky ledges and kelp beds in 30-300 feet of water, using their mottled coloring as camouflage. Best fishing is year-round, but they're especially active during spawning from December to April. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive nature - they'll fight hard but won't run far from their rocky home. The meat is excellent eating with firm white flesh. Pro tip: use heavy jigs and keep them moving near the bottom - lingcod will often follow your lure up before striking, so don't give up if you see one tracking.
Astoria, OR