EXHIBIT 16.1


                        [Arthur Andersen LLP Letterhead]



April 17, 2002


Office of the Chief Accountant
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549


Dear Sir or Madam:

We have read the second through the fourth paragraphs of Item 4 included in the
Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 17, 2002 of Pogo Producing Company to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are in agreement with the
statements contained therein.


Very truly yours,

/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
Arthur Andersen LLP


cc: Mr. Paul G. Van Wagenen - Pogo Producing Company