Action: Opens halibut dates in August and September. Annual halibut limit is six. Anglers may clean and portion halibut in the field but must retain the fish carcass until coming ashore.
Effective dates: August 8 – September 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 is open August 8 – September 30 (seven days per week), as long as there is sufficient quota.
- The fishery will be managed to 19,299 pounds.
Marine Area 2 (Westport):
- The all-depth fishery is open August 8 – September 30 (seven days per week), 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 August 16 – September 30 (seven days per week), as long as there is sufficient quota.
- In Marine Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, sablefish may be retained in waters seaward of the 120-foot bottomfish closure on days open for halibut.
- The combined quota for both areas is 131,149 pounds.
Marine Area 5 (Sekiu) and Marine Areas 6 – 10 (Puget Sound):
- Open August 16 – September 30 (seven days per week), as long as there is sufficient quota.
- In waters seaward of the 120-foot bottomfish closure in Marine Area 5 sablefish may be retained on all days open for halibut
- The total combined quota for all areas is 80,512 pounds.
Marine Areas 11–13 (Puget Sound):
- Closed
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.
- Anglers may clean and portion halibut in the field but must retain the fish carcass until coming ashore.
- 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.
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 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.