OLYMPIA -- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced the sport halibut fishery, off Westport, will close at 11:59 p.m. Saturday. Department biologists have projected that the recreational allocation will be reached at that time.

A near-shore area north of Westport will remain open to halibut fishing. The open area is from Ocean Shores, north to the Queets River and east of 124 degrees, 40 minutes longitude (approximately 50 fathoms). The area will remain open through Sept 30, or until the catch reaches a quota of 20,483 pounds.

Other areas currently open to recreational halibut fishing include: La Push and Neah Bay which are open Tuesday through Saturday. The Columbia River area open seven days per week.

The Strait of Juan de Fuca is scheduled to be open May 22 through August 10, Thursday through Monday of each week.