NEWPORT, Ore – The all-depth sport halibut fishery off the central Oregon coast will reopen July 19, 20 and 21.

The central Oregon coast – from Cape Falcon 30 miles south of the Columbia River to Humbug Mountain south of Port Orford – has 36,000 pounds remaining from the all-depth spring quota.

Following July 21, anglers on the central Oregon coast will have further opportunity when the summer all-depth halibut fishery opens on Aug. 3. The summer fishery is scheduled to be open every other Friday-Sunday until the combined spring and summer season all-depth quota of 226,989 pounds is taken or October 28, whichever comes first. Open dates will be announced on the National Marine Fisheries Service hotline (1-800-662-9825) and posted on the ODFW Marine Resources Program website at www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/.

Anglers are reminded possession of groundfish species is not allowed north of Humbug Mountain when a Pacific halibut is aboard the vessel during all-depth Pacific halibut dates. The exception is sablefish; also know as black cod, which may be retained with halibut between Humbug Mountain and Cape Falcon. Other non-groundfish species, such as salmon during authorized seasons and tuna, may be possessed with halibut on open all-depth Pacific halibut days.

Anglers are also reminded the high-relief area of Stonewall Bank, west of Newport, is closed to halibut fishing to reduce incidental catch of yelloweye rockfish and canary rockfish. The closed area is defined by latitude and longitude waypoints.

Mor details regarding the sport halibut fishery, including regulations and waypoint coordinates for closed areas, can be found at www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/ or in the 2007 Oregon Sport Ocean Regulations for Salmon, Halibut and Other Marine Species booklet. General regulations can be found in the 2007 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.