One More Additional Day Of Halibut Fishing On Thursday, May 25th
WDFW approves another day of halibut fishing
in marine areas 3 and 4, portions of Puget Sound
Action: Recreational halibut fishing will open Thursday, May 25, in marine areas 3 (La Push), 4 (Neah Bay), and 5-10 (Puget Sound).
WDFW previously announced halibut fishing will be open May 21 in these same areas as well as Marine Area 2 (Westport).
Effective date: May 25, 2017.
Species affected: Pacific halibut.
Location: Marine areas 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Reason for action: After reviewing the most recent recreational Pacific halibut catch data, it is clear that 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 Thursday, May 25. Catch data will be evaluated following the opening on May 25 to determine if enough quota remains for additional fishing days in the north coast and Puget Sound.
However, there will not be sufficient quota remaining in marine area 2 to open another all depth fishing day after Sunday, May 21. We will assess the Area 2 catch and, if there is sufficient quota to open a nearshore fishery, we will announce that the following week. If not, then the nearshore fishery will remain closed.
The recreational halibut fishery remains open in Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) Thursdays through Sundays at all depths and Mondays through Wednesdays in the nearshore area.
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.
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