Recreational halibut fishing to open June 4 in Neah Bay, La Push and Puget Sound

May 31, 2017

May 31, 2017

Recreational halibut fishing to open June 4
in Neah Bay, La Push and Puget Sound

Action: Marine Areas 3 (La Push), 4 (Neah Bay), and 5-10 (Puget Sound) will be open to recreational halibut fishing Sunday, June 4.

WDFW previously announced halibut fishing will be open in these same areas on Thursday, June 1.

Effective date: June 4, 2017.

Species affected: Pacific halibut

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

Reason for action: Sufficient quota remains to open another fishing day in the north coast (Marine Areas 3 and 4) and Puget Sound (Marine Areas 5-10) on Sunday, June 4. Catch data will be evaluated following the opening on June 4 to determine if enough quota remains for additional fishing days in the north coast and Puget Sound. If sufficient quota remains the next potential fishing days would be Saturday, June 10, and/or Saturday, June 17.

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

Additional Information: Recreational halibut fishing will also be open Thursday, June 1, in the north coast (Marine Areas 3 and 4) and Puget Sound (Marine Areas 5-10). Halibut retention with bottomfish on board is allowed in the nearshore area in Marine Area 1 Mondays through Wednesdays until further notice.

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.