ODFW release – The Oregon central coast subarea (Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain) spring all-depth halibut fishery will open every week (Thurs – Sat) starting July 7 until July 30. The summer all-depth halibut fishery will begin on Aug 4-6. Opening up every weekend (beginning July 7) for the remainder of the spring all-depth fishery, instead of skipping weekends, allows anglers more opportunity to harvest halibut. High winds and rough seas during the first two months of the spring all-depth fishery caused bar restrictions and/or bar closures up and down the central Oregon coast, severely limiting the number of anglers able (or willing) to participate in the fishery. With approximately half of the spring all-depth quota remaining, we are looking to provide anglers more opportunity to harvest halibut. Reminder: The Bottomfish fishery seasonal depth restriction, inside or shoreward of 40 fathoms, will be in effect during the months of July and August. During days open for all-depth halibut fishing in the months of July and August, EITHER a combination of sablefish, Pacific cod & other flatfish species OR longleader rockfish may be retained when halibut are onboard the vessel. Longleader gear fishing may be combined with a halibut trip, but only outside of 40 fathoms, and once rockfish are on board, no further halibut fishing is allowed. The nearshore halibut fishery will remain available for anglers on days that the all-depth halibut fishery is closed. Use of a descending device to release rockfish is required when fishing deeper than 30 fathoms, and recommended at any depth for fish that are not able to submerge on their own. For additional information please see our halibut map and the ODFW Sport Halibut page.
