Nearshore Pacific halibut fishery to close July 6
By the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Oregon fishery managers decided to close the central Oregon coast (Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain) nearshore (inside 40 fathoms) sport Pacific halibut fishery on 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, because the quota is projected to be attained.
“Angler effort per week in the nearshore halibut fishery was similar to last year; however, 2011 anglers were much better at catching halibut and the average fish was two pounds heavier,” said Patrick Mirick, halibut assistant project leader for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
During the nearshore fishery anglers averaged one fish per four people in 2011, compared to one fish per five people in 2010.
Last year the nearshore halibut fishery was open until July 17.
Retention of Pacific halibut will again be allowed when the summer all-depth fishery begins Aug. 5.