Recreational halibut fishing closes in Neah Bay and La Push

May 16, 2006

May 16, 2006

Recreational halibut fishing closes in
Neah Bay and La Push

Action: Marine Areas 3 and 4 close for halibut fishing at the end of the day May 18, 2006. Anglers may not fish for, retain, possess or land Pacific halibut into Marine Areas 3 and 4.

· Marine Areas 3 and 4 will reopen on June 22 and June 24 for two days of halibut fishing.

Effective dates: 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2006

Species affected: Pacific halibut

Location: Marine Fish Catch Areas 3 and 4

Reasons for action: The North Coast (Neah Bay and La Push) recreational halibut fishery is projected to attain its portion of the Pacific halibut quota.

Other information: Bottomfish fishing will remain open in Marine Areas 3 and 4. Beginning May 22 there is a 20-fathom depth restriction in place in Areas 3 and 4 through September 30, 2006. Anglers may not fish for, retain, possess or land any rockfish or lingcod caught seaward of a line approximating 20 fathoms offshore on days that halibut fishing is closed. The coordinates are available on the Departments website and recreational hotline.

Information contact: Michele Culver, (360) 249-1211

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.