Action: Sets opening dates for recreational halibut seasons in Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco/Chinook), Marine Area 2 (Westport), and Marine Areas 3 and 4 (Neah Bay and La Push). Raises annual halibut limit to six.
Effective dates: April 30–June 30, 2026 (See below for specific open days in each area.)
Species affected: Pacific halibut
Locations and specific open dates:
Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco/Chinook):
- The all-depth fishery opens April 30; May 1, 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22, 24, 28, 29, and 31; June 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 14, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, and 28 as long as there is sufficient quota. If it is determined there is sufficient quota for additional fishing days, the fishery may also open June 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23.
- The fishery will be managed to 19,299 pounds.
Marine Area 2 (Westport):
- The all-depth fishery opens April 30; May 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, and 31; June 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, and 30, as long as there is sufficient quota.
- This area will be managed to an overall quota of 65,857 pounds.
Marine Areas 3 and 4 (Neah Bay and La Push):
- Open April 30; May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, and 30; June 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, and 28 as long as there is sufficient quota.
- The combined quota for both areas is 131,149 pounds.
- In Marine Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, sablefish, Pacific cod, and lingcod may be retained in waters seaward of the 120-foot bottomfish closure on days open for halibut.
Halibut Rules: Daily limit 1 halibut, no minimum size. Annual limit 6 halibut. All catch must be immediately recorded on a WDFW catch record card. Possession limit is two daily limits in any form, except only one daily limit while aboard the fishing vessel.
Reason for action: This emergency rule revises state rules, to conform with federal regulations.
Additional information: Recreational halibut is quota managed, days open are dependent on available quota and areas will close when the quota is projected to be taken. If quota remains after June 30, additional halibut fishing may be considered for August and September.
Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website before fishing. Refer to the 2025–2026 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for current regulations. Download the Fish Washington® mobile app to stay up to date on the go.
Information contact: Heather Fitch, Intergovernmental Ocean Policy Coordinator, 360-581-5611.