Additional August and September sport halibut season dates announced

July 21, 2021

Action: Opens recreational halibut fishing in Marine Areas 3 through 10.

Effective dates and areas:

Marine Areas 3 through 10: Open August 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28; September 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25, 2021. (Open Thursdays through Saturdays from August 19 through September 25, 2021.)

Species affected: Pacific halibut

Location: Marine Areas 3 through 10

Reason for action: There is sufficient Washington sport allocation to open additional days in Puget Sound (Marine Areas 5 -10), Neah Bay (Marine Area 4) and La Push (Marine Area 3) to recreational fishing for Pacific halibut.

Additional Information: Sport halibut season dates in August and September will remain open as long as enough quota remains available but may close prior to September 25 if the Washington sport allocation is projected to be taken.

Halibut daily limit is 1, annual limit is 4.

Yelloweye retention is prohibited in all Washington Marine Areas.

It is unlawful to land halibut in an area that is closed to halibut fishing. Marine Areas 1, 2, 11, 12, and 13 remain closed for halibut fishing.

Information contact: Heather Hall, Intergovernmental Policy Manager, 360-490-9628

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at 360-902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call toll free 866-880-5431.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.