Sport halibut fishing closes off central coast

NEWPORT, Ore. – Fishing was so good off the central coast last weekend that anglers took the remaining Pacific halibut quota for the season, causing fishery managers to close the popular fishery.

“Anglers took advantage of decent ocean conditions last weekend and caught the remaining all-depth halibut quota,” said Lynn Mattes, halibut project leader for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

NOAA Fisheries, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife met today and determined no quota remains to continue the central coast fishery. Therefore, fishery managers decided not to re-open the all-depth sport halibut fishery off the central Oregon coast.

The Columbia River sub area, from Cape Falcon (30 miles south of the Columbia River) to Leadbetter Point, Wash. (north of the mouth of the Columbia River) , remains open Fridays through Sundays. 

“Catch in the Columbia River sub area during the opener last week was moderate and the fishery will continue for now,” said Mattes. 

Approximately 3,600 pounds, of the summer quota remain for the Columbia River sub area. Fishing will continue every Friday through Sunday until the quota is taken or Sept. 27, which ever occurs first.

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