Lingcod (also known as Ling, Buffalo Cod) in Washington. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit, slot rule — verified against the WDFW guide, 2026.
In Washington, the minimum legal size for Lingcod varies by area — check the official source for the area you are fishing and the daily bag limit is 2 (coastal Marine Areas 1–4); 1 (Puget Sound/Strait). A slot limit applies: Maximum size 36 in (coastal Marine Areas 1–4); counts toward the 9-bottomfish aggregate. Season note: Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current Washington rules (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
There is no single Washington minimum legal size for Lingcod — it varies by area. Coastal Marine Areas 1–4 have no minimum size, while Puget Sound / the Strait carries a 26–36 in slot. Check the WDFW sport fishing rules for the area you are fishing before you keep a fish.
Maximum size 36 in (coastal Marine Areas 1–4); counts toward the 9-bottomfish aggregate.
Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current Washington rules (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
Coastal = no min, 2/day. Puget Sound = 26-36 in slot, 1/day. Spearfishing Puget Sound = no min but max 36 in. STATE waters. Coastal MA 1-4 2026 lingcod season March 14 - Oct 17, no min size, 2/day. Puget Sound MA 5-13 has a separate annually-set lingcod season window with a 26-36 inch slot and 1/day. Depth restrictions apply seasonally. Confirm current dates + open depth/area.
These limits are pulled from the WDFW sport fishing rules. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
This species has no single Washington minimum legal size — it is set per area. Confirm the minimum for the exact area you are fishing before keeping a fish.
Washington requires a fishing licence for anyone aged 15 or older, plus a (free) Catch Record Card for halibut and certain species. WDFW licences.
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