2009 HALIBUT LANDING REPORT NO. 3

Washington North Coast Area Sport Fishery Closure

The preliminary catch for the Washington North Coast sport halibut fishery (Sekiu River, WA to Queets River, WA) through June 6 is 102,782 pounds, leaving 5,248 pounds to be harvested. However, this amount is not enough to permit further sport halibut fishing in this area. Therefore, the North Coast sport halibut fishery is closed for the remainder of 2009.

Washington South Coast Area Sport Fishery Update

The preliminary catch for the primary Washington South Coast sport halibut fishery (Queets River, WA to Leadbetter Point, WA) through June 7 is 34,351 pounds, leaving 6,388 pounds to be harvested. The primary fishery in this area remains open only on Sundays until the quota of 40,739 pounds is reached. Anglers are allowed one fish per day of any size.

The northern nearshore fishery in this area has a quota of 2,000 pounds and through June 6, only 363 pounds have been taken. This fishery remains open on Thursday through Sundays until the quota is projected to be taken or September 30, whichever occurs earlier. Anglers are allowed one fish per day of any size.

Columbia River Area Sport Fishery Update

The preliminary catch for the Columbia River sport halibut fishery (Leadbetter Point, WA to Cape Falcon, OR) through May 29 is 11,266 pounds. This exceeds the early season quota of 11,014 pounds. Therefore, sport halibut fishing is now closed in this area. Fishing will resume in the fall season, beginning on August 7, with a daily bag limit of one fish of any size.

Central Oregon Area Sport Fishery Closure

The preliminary catch for the Central Oregon sport halibut fishery (Cape Falcon, OR to Humbug Mt., OR) through June 6 is 80,238 pounds, leaving 44,023 pounds available for harvest. The next scheduled fishery will occur on June 18-20. The potential for subsequent fisheries will be determined and announced shortly thereafter. Anglers are allowed one fish per day of any size.

The nearshore (less than 40 fathom) fishery in this area has a quota of 14,407 pounds, and through June 7, only 3,760 pounds have been taken. This fishery remains open seven days a week until the quota is harvested or October 31, whichever occurs earlier. Anglers are allowed one fish per day of any size at this time.

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