West Coast Fishers Get Boosted Limits for 2025-2026 Season
Published Date: 5/1/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting May 1, 2026, fishermen off the West Coast can catch more of the healthy groundfish while still protecting the weaker stocks. These smart changes help commercial fishers and recreational anglers make the most of the 2025-2026 fishing season, supporting $164 million in fish sales and about 100,000 fishing trips in Oregon. It’s a win-win for fish, fishers, and the economy!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Big Increase in Commercial Trip Limits
Starting May 1, 2026, commercial non-trawl canary rockfish trip limits are increased coastwide to 4,000 lb per 2 months for limited entry fixed gear (LEFG) and 2,000 lb per 2 months for open access (OA). NMFS says the inseason change is intended to increase utilization while keeping catch within allocations and to help support $164 million in ex-vessel revenue for commercial non-whiting groundfish landings.
Oregon Recreational Bag Limit Changes
Starting May 1, 2026, federal rules for the Oregon recreational long-leader fishery set the overall bag limit at 10 marine fish per day (down from 12) and increase the canary rockfish sub-bag limit from 1 to 2 fish per day. NMFS and the Council say these changes align Federal and Oregon state rules and aim to allow additional opportunity for canary rockfish while limiting total daily take.
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