Recreational halibut fishing to open June 17 in the ocean and most of Puget Sound

June 13, 2017

June 13, 2017

Recreational halibut fishing to open June 17
in the ocean and most of Puget Sound

Action: Open all depth recreational halibut fishing in Marine Areas 1 (Columbia River), Marine Area 2 (Westport), Marine Area 3 (La Push), Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay) and Puget Sound (Marine Areas 5-10) on Saturday, June 17.

Effective date: Saturday, June 17, 2017.

Species affected: Pacific halibut

Location: Marine Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Reason for action: Given the amount of halibut quota remaining and the lower than expected fishing effort in recent weeks, sufficient quota remains to open another day in the all-depth fishery in all coastal and Puget Sound marine areas on Saturday, June 17. Fishery managers expect the full Washington recreational all-depth halibut quota to be taken after Saturday, June 17, and the fishery will be closed for the remainder of the season.

The Marine Area 1 nearshore area will remain open seven days per week until further notice.

These rules conform to action taken by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) and the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC).

Information contact: Heather Reed, (360) 902-2487.

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.