As spring approaches, Bodega Bay's fishing activity is heating up, particularly for lingcod, while halibut catches seem to be lagging. Local captain reports highlight significant variances in luck over recent days, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of fishing in the area.
"The offshore lingcod bite was wide open," noted Cpt. Josh during the week of April 27, 2025. “Inshore halibut not so much.” These observations set the stage for a fishing landscape that was both promising and challenging as the warmer months beckon.
Capt. Josh reported robust fishing conditions on April 23, saying, "We grabbed a scoop of live bait from the city and found a spot in the north bay holding a good grade of fish today." His efforts culminated in a productive day, landing five sizeable halibut, the largest reaching 36 inches, along with several stripers.
However, the very next day revealed a stark contrast. "It had slowed a lot, as in the bite was completely dead," said Capt. Josh on April 24. He reported a decline in halibut catches, expressing frustration as several boats struggled to hook even a single legal halibut. He advised clients to reschedule their weekend trips for better prospects during smaller tides, hoping that conditions might improve.
The fishing scene continued to fluctuate on April 25, with the tides impacting activity. “The big tides typically shut down the halibut but really wake up the lingcod, and that was the case this weekend,” Capt. Josh observed. Following a trip southwest into choppy waters, he reported successfully gathering sand dabs for bait, leading to a day of abundant catches. Limitations of mid-grade rockfish were followed by a fantastic lingcod bite, yielding limits for clients and impressive sizes, with an average around 15 pounds, and some even exceeding 20 pounds.
On April 26, the situation shifted again. "There was a steady north wind showing at the offshore buoy and we realized the forecast had changed... This trip was special as there’s also a good chance this will be a last trip to Rittenburg Bank since Cordell Banks may very well be opening by the return of deepwater rockfish season in October," Capt. Josh shared. With time running out, they quickly ventured out to work on lingcod in 300 feet of water, again retrieving limits of quality lings before the wind ramped up. While the sizes decreased slightly compared to previous days, they still managed lings close to 20 pounds.
Mother Nature reminded fishermen that spring is still very much in play when rain fell on recent days, signaling the changing of seasons. Capt. Josh predicted another high-pressure system approaching, likely accompanied by strong north winds. "The forecast looks very similar for the next 14 days and that’s nothing but wind and more wind," he remarked. As he looked ahead, he expressed hopes that the halibut would increase their activity and that the winds would go calm, just in time for the upcoming salmon season.
As the warm weather beckons, Bodega Bay's fishing outlook remains a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The lingcod are demonstrating a lively bite, setting up thrilling fishing excursions. With the potential shift of tides and weather, local fishermen are left hoping for a smooth start to summer and an early tuna season, drawn by the promise of future fishing adventures.
