Welcome to the IPHC sport fishery web page!

Sport fishing regulations for Pacific halibut are developed at three different governmental levels: (1) the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), (2) the Canadian and U.S. federal governments, and their agencies, and (3) state/provincial agencies. All regulations, regardless of the source, are regulations which apply to halibut fishing in the North Pacific Ocean.

IPHC began developing regulations for the sport fishery in the early 1970s, at the request of the U.S. and Canada. The early regulations consisted of bag and possession limits, seasons, and gear restrictions. Since that time, both countries have determined that they have needed additional restrictions on their sport fisheries to resolve allocation policies which could only be developed through their own domestic agencies. For Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) carries this responsibility. In the U.S., this responsibility rests with the regional fishery management councils and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Additionally, the coastal states of Alaska, Washington and Oregon have implemented their own regulations for sport fishing which may also affect fishing for halibut.

We have endeavored to supply as much information as we can on this page regarding halibut sport fishing regulations - IPHC, federal, and state/provincial. However, anglers are strongly advised to check with their local authorities to fully understand the regulations applicable for their area.

Sport Halibut Regulations

IPHC Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations pertaining to the sport fisheries (all areas)

Alaska

ADF&G Sport Fish Links

ADF&G Sport Fish Guide, Business, Logbook, Charter Information

Fish retention by charter captain and crew: 

ADF&G Emergency Order No. 2-R-3-03-09

ADF&G News Release

NMFS Alaska's Sport halibut management page

Summary of NMFS rules for Area 2C

2009 Daily bag limit regulations for Area 2C charter anglers - effective June 5, 2009

North Pacific Fishery Management Council - Sport halibut Issues

British Columbia

DFO Sport page

California, Oregon, and Washington

An overview of the catches by area can be found in the IPHC table, Area 2A Sport Halibut Seasons at-a-glance.  For a more detailed look at the Washington State sport halibut catch, click on Washington State Sport Halibut Catch Updates.  Detailed Oregon State information can be found at the ODFW site.

Further sport halibut regulation information can be found in the Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations.

Please contact local National Marine Fisheries Service or State Fisheries Department representatives for current information on opening dates, local area closures, and bag limits.

NMFS Area 2A Halibut Hotline -   In-season updates on 2A non-tribal recreational fishery seasons.   (1-800-662-9825, press 5)

Area 2A License Application (as required by sport charter operations)

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