WDFW announces additional halibut fishing days

Public invited to June 7 virtual meeting

OLYMPIA – Halibut anglers now have extra days to reel in halibut this season, fishery managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.

The additional halibut fishing dates include: 

Ilwaco (Marine Area 1), LaPush (Marine Area 3), and Neah Bay (Marine Area 4) 

• June 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, and 30 for the Washington North Coast subarea 
• June 13 and 20 for the Columbia River subarea.

Anglers are reminded that Westport (Marine Area 2) is scheduled to be open June 15, 18, 22, and 25 and Puget Sound (Marine Area 5-10) is open June 1-30, all dates are pending available quota. 

The public is also invited to a 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. virtual meeting on Wednesday, June 7. At this meeting, managers will present a 2023 season harvest summary and review the Pacific Fishery Management Council catch sharing plan. Additional meetings will also be scheduled for August and September 2023 to plan for the 2024 halibut season.

For more information on the halibut season-setting process reference the PFMC’s website.  More information about the June 7 virtual meeting is available on WDFW’s website. 

Because halibut fisheries are managed to a quota, closures can happen quickly. Anglers should check the WDFW website or Fish Washington App to ensure a specific area is open prior to fishing. Complete information on recreational halibut regulations and seasons is available on WDFW’s website. Anglers must record their catch on a WDFW halibut catch record card.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.