Recreational halibut fishing closes in Neah Bay and La Push

May 16, 2006

May 16, 2006

Recreational halibut fishing closes in
Neah Bay and La Push

Action: Marine Areas 3 and 4 close for halibut fishing at the end of the day May 18, 2006. Anglers may not fish for, retain, possess or land Pacific halibut into Marine Areas 3 and 4.

· Marine Areas 3 and 4 will reopen on June 22 and June 24 for two days of halibut fishing.

Effective dates: 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2006

Species affected: Pacific halibut

Location: Marine Fish Catch Areas 3 and 4

Reasons for action: The North Coast (Neah Bay and La Push) recreational halibut fishery is projected to attain its portion of the Pacific halibut quota.

Other information: Bottomfish fishing will remain open in Marine Areas 3 and 4. Beginning May 22 there is a 20-fathom depth restriction in place in Areas 3 and 4 through September 30, 2006. Anglers may not fish for, retain, possess or land any rockfish or lingcod caught seaward of a line approximating 20 fathoms offshore on days that halibut fishing is closed. The coordinates are available on the Departments website and recreational hotline.

Information contact: Michele Culver, (360) 249-1211

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.