NOAA Scrambles to Correct West Coast Halibut Dates Fiasco
Published Date: 8/7/2026
Rule
Summary
Fishermen in the Columbia River and Washington areas got some wrong fishing dates for Pacific halibut this summer. NMFS fixed those dates fast so anglers know exactly when they can fish from August 5 to September 30, 2026. This correction keeps the fishing rules clear and fair without changing any fees or limits.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Columbia River & South Coast Openings
You can fish Pacific halibut in the Columbia River subarea and the Washington South Coast subarea 7 days per week from August 8 through September 30, 2026, or until there is not sufficient allocation for another full day of fishing. This document corrects previously published, incorrect dates so anglers know the exact days these subareas are open.
Puget Sound & North Coast Openings
You can fish Pacific halibut in the Washington Puget Sound subarea and the Washington North Coast subarea 7 days per week from August 16 through September 30, 2026, or until there is not sufficient allocation for another full day of fishing. This correction fixes earlier incorrect dates so participants know when those subareas are open.
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