Northwest Fishing Reports

March 23, 2016
Contact: Heather Reed, (360) 249-1202

2016 halibut seasons include new measures to heed quotas

OLYMPIA – Anglers fishing for halibut in Washington waters can expect some changes in this year’s seasons, even though the state’s annual catch quota remains the same as in 2015.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) establishes halibut seasons using catch quotas adopted by the International Pacific Halibut Commission for coastal fisheries from California to Alaska. This year’s quota for recreational halibut fisheries in Washington state is 214,110 pounds.

As in years past, the growing popularity of recreational halibut fishing will require adjustments in this year’s season, said Heather Reed, WDFW coastal policy coordinator.

“Here and elsewhere, fishery managers are working to keep pace with the growing demand on the resource,” Reed said. “Strong catch rates continue to draw anglers to this popular fishery each year.”

One result, Reed said, is that the halibut catch in Puget Sound has exceeded the area harvest quota for the past four years. In response, this year’s halibut season in Marine Areas 6-10 in central Puget Sound will be reduced to eight days from 11 days last year.

That fishery will run concurrently with the one in Marine Area 5 (Sekiu), where the season has been limited to eight days since 2013, Reed said.

The other major change this year is in Marine Areas 3 and 4 (La Push and Neah Bay), which will open May 7, May 12 and May 14, then close for a catch assessment.

“Last year, we scheduled four days of fishing before the catch assessment, but we had to cancel the fourth day on short notice, because the quota was taken sooner than ever before,” Reed said. “This year’s season is designed to avoid that situation.”

This year’s fishery in Marine Areas 3 and 4 will reopen in late May if sufficient capacity remains under the quota.

In Marine Area 1 off the mouth of the Columbia River, anglers also reached last year’s quota earlier than expected, although not until early June. That fishery is scheduled to run four days a week this year from May 1 until the quota is taken, or Sept. 30, whichever occurs first.

Anglers fishing the nearshore area of that fishery will again be allowed to retain bottomfish – such as flounder and sole – as well as halibut on days when the rest of the area is closed to halibut fishing.

“We continue to look for ways to increase fishing opportunity in the Columbia River area where the catch has been below the quota in recent years,” Reed said.

In all marine areas open to halibut fishing, there is a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction. Anglers may possess a maximum of two fish in any form and must record their catch on a WDFW catch record card.

Anglers should check the WDFW website for complete information on recreational halibut regulations and seasons at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/creel/halibut/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2016 Puget Sound halibut seasons

Marine Area 5-10: May 7, 12, 13, 14, and May 26-29. The quota is 57,393 pounds for the season.
Marine Areas 11, 12, 13: These areas will remain closed to halibut fishing to protect threatened and endangered rockfish species.
2016 Pacific Coast halibut seasons

Marine Area 1 (Columbia River): The fishery opens May 1 and runs four days per week (Thursday-Sunday) until the subarea quota is taken, or Sept. 30, whichever occurs first. The nearshore area opens to fishing May 2 on a Monday-through-Wednesday schedule, which are the days the all-depth halibut fishery is closed. Coordinates for the nearshore fishery are available online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/creel/halibut/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; The all-depth quota is 10,509 pounds; the nearshore quota is 500 pounds.
Marine Area 2 (Westport): The fishery opens May 1 and runs two days per week (Sundays and Tuesdays) for three consecutive weeks, unless the quota is reached sooner. The primary fishery is closed May 22 and 24, but could reopen May 29 or 31 if sufficient quota remains. The northern nearshore area will open May 1 and continue seven days per week until Sept. 30, or until the nearshore quota is reached. The quota for the primary fishery is 40,739 pounds; the quota for the northern nearshore fishery is 2,000 pounds.
Marine Areas 3 and 4 (La Push and Neah Bay): The fishery in both areas will open May 7 (Saturday), May 12 (Thursday) and May 14 (Saturday), as long as there is sufficient quota. Both areas will be closed May 19 and 21. If there is available quota, the fishery will re-open May 26 and/or 28. Additional days could be added (Thursdays and Saturdays), depending on the amount of quota available. The combined quota for both areas is 108,030 pounds.
Fishing regulations include depth restrictions and area closures designed to reduce encounters with yelloweye and canary rockfish, which must be released under state and federal law. Anglers are encouraged to use a descending device to release any rockfish they don’t intend to retain.

Information about descending devices can be found on WDFW’s webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/bottomfish/r ... ality.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

We may not get to fish for salmon this year if they shut it down, so we are thinking of going for butts out of Port Angeles end of May. There are several potentially good spots within fairly short boat ride. Normally we head up to Sekiu or Neah Bay when we go for Butts, but we havent been in several years. We thought we would stay closer this year. We did fair off Green point several years ago and hooked and lost something really heavy at the Rock Pile but lost it too.

Anyone else thinking of going for the big flatties this year?

Good tips here for those who havent been.

http://salmonuniversity.com/regions/was ... %20Angeles" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm planning on going. First time in about 10+ years.

Thanks for the resource!

I haven't been, but sure am planning on trying this year. Is it pretty easy like most bottom fishing?

A lot depends on how deep your fishing and the current/tides and weather. When you are fishing deep in strong currents or when the wind is blowing you around, it takes a lot of weight to stay on the bottom which can mean an exhausting day. Then of course, if you hook into a big mamma it can take a long time to get it to the surface and into the boat. So, it can be a lot of work but it sure is fun

You also need to be prepared to handle a large, potentially very dangerous fish if you actually catch one. You will want a good gaff, a 'tailer' and I highly recommend a harpoon and float setup. Halibut have been known to knock fishermen out of the boat and break legs etc flopping around in the boat after being landed.

When we get a large one close enough to the boat, we harpoon it with the detachable float setup. That way if it breaks off, the float will bring it back up. Makes it easier to wear out the fish before you give out too. The float does a lot of the work for you. A big butt can make several dives back to the depths when your trying to bring one in. A fighting belt is also a must for large fish.

After its tired out, we get it close and attach the tailer and then cut the gills to bleed it and let it die before bringing it on board. Be sure its dead before you bring it on board! More than once we have been surprised by a "dead" 'butt that started flopping around like mad at a bad time.

Some people actually take guns and shoot the fish before bringing them on board but I think that is way to risky. Firing off guns on a tossing, heaving boat in the heat of battle with other boats all around is the height of stupidity as far as Im concerned.

There are several sites with good tips for halibut fishing. I suggest you Google it and do a lot of reading before hand. Here more sites with tips.

http://salmonuniversity.com/archives/tag/halibut" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.how-to-fish.com/halibut_fish ... canada.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for the run down! Seems like a good bit of work for some tasty fish. I can appreciate some hard work as it equals fun. Probably be easiest to take a charter to learn how to land'em you'd say?

Love the links!

A charter would be fun and a good way to get some experience.

Ive always preferred just going for it after reading as much as I can. You get some good (sometimes embarrassing) fish stories that way

We are really interested in trying this year. I have a couple of rods n reels that will work, it's just buying ALL the other gear (Harpoon, tailer, float set up, spreaderbars, ect) that is kinda throwing us off. That's a lot of expense for a maybe one time trip at maybe a fish... With the seasons getting shorter and turning into a one day here and there, it's also quite a gamble hoping the one day has good weather and tides. For Noobs, all this combined is daunting!

None the less, with salmon opportunities become scarcer, it would be nice to have another opportunity to fish...

I agree. At least this year they put more days in a row even though they still split it up. We are hoping the last 4 days will have at least one good day to fish.

Excellent advice Larry. There's much I don't know yet eager to learn. I've never caught anything bigger than halibut in the 35lb range in Alaska. I have though, cleaned barn door sized halibut that others caught. Haven't fished for halibut yet here in Washington. This is a great website! ((((Fish On))))

IMPO. You don't necessarily need a fighting belt, harpoon with float and extra gear like that.

Typically off our coast when your fishing outside 30 fathoms, Halibut grounds run from 400'-700'.
A usual set up found on a lot of boats is a spreader bar.
This set up includes a 24" "cord" with swivels at either end. A heavy rectangular weight (1-2lbs) that free slides on the cord. Then a heavy mono leader with two circle hooks spread out roughly 6-8". Bait can range from: ling cod bellies, whole rainbow trout, whole small squid, herring and other smelly baits/jigs.

A large reel that can hold (your choice) lb braided line. (Penn conventional - lower cost) (Diawa seagate - mid range) etc.
A sturdy/stiff rod. Some people like 1 piece and some like 2. It is all your own opinion. Typically a 6' medium/heavy rod.

Going out with a variety of fishing enthusiasts and first timers; I have found that a harpoon is never needed. If you are by yourself, then probably not a bad idea. However I don't think anyone would venture out 40-65 miles by themselves. Fighting time can take 5 minutes to 30 minutes; just depending on the fish and how the person is working them up. They are powerful creatures! A quick gaff the head and up and over the rail usually does the job; then followed by a quick few thumps.

I know a couple of people had mentioned extra costs and being slightly deterred. I don't think you need more than sturdy gear, patience and of course a good spot!

If you make it out to fish this season; definitely try out deep water ling fishing with jigs! There is nothing like it!

Dang!!! Shinna and I really got the itch to give halibut a try. Because we are total "NOOBS", given the current days, any of you experienced guys willing to give us some insight on what the best times/days and some general areas for us to try? Of course, if anyone would be willing to let us buddy boat out, that would be really appreciated.

Thanks.

BayWolf, p.m sent!

Halibut fishing is a lot of fun. Its crazy to see the bite, it looks like trout pecks at first, then they get bigger and next thing you know, your rod is bent over. And pulling up water logged tire begins. HaHa!

I have seen many people try and set the hook on the fish; which is understandable because they get really excited and instinctively react. Because your gear is 600' down, there is no way a quick jerk is going to set anything, anywhere. When your letting your gear down, it is a smart idea, IMOP, to stop about every 30 seconds to minute. I have seen too many times, people who drop wide open, and they end up getting a line crossed with the person next to them. There is a lot of cross currents below you, so its good to make sure your gear is straight down below you and tight.
The best thing to do after you get a bite is let them eat it for about 30 seconds; once the rod stops making small bouncing movements and moves to stronger bends; you want to crank on that reel like your reeling up a loved one. The circle hooks will do the rest. Constant pressure and movement on the fish is key to landing.

Bay wolf wrote:Dang!!! Shinna and I really got the itch to give halibut a try. Because we are total "NOOBS", given the current days, any of you experienced guys willing to give us some insight on what the best times/days and some general areas for us to try? Of course, if anyone would be willing to let us buddy boat out, that would be really appreciated.

Thanks.

As far as where to fish, check out those links I posted above. Salmon University gives several locations with maps and GPS coordinates.

There is also Johns Sporting Goods website and news letter. He has fishing maps for halibut in the straight and inside the sound. I would not waste time inside the sound though.

His newest news letter also has other options for halibut fishing with downriggers and chum bags.

Newsletters
https://johnssportinggoods.com/newsletters/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Maps
https://johnssportinggoods.com/johns-maps/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

He also has tons of videos. Some of which he did with the guys from Salmon University.

As far as where they are biting when you are ready to go, of course check fishing reports here

There is also the Outdoor line Saturday podcasts:
http://www.theoutdoorline.com/podcasts/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I also check Bloody Decks and IFish for local reports.

My plan is to wait till the end f the season (weather depending), read all the reports I can find and talk to buddies, co-workers, etc - then decide where to go. We will most likely launch out of Port Angelus or Squim (John Wayne Marina) depending on what seems hot at the time.

Hopefully folks will report good spots here too