Pacific halibut sport regulations

2020 halibut season

Updated 2020 sport halibut season map and regulations 

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• The daily bag limit is 1 fish per person per day, no size limit.  Annual limit is 6 fish.

• Columbia River all-depth:  opens Thursday, August 6, then beginning August 13 is open each Thursday and Sunday or until the quota is taken. If catch and effort is tracking slower than anticipated, additional days may be added.

• Columbia River nearshore:  opens August 10 for three days per week, Monday – Wednesday through September 30 or until the quota is reached.

• Central Coast summer all-depth:  Opens August 6-8, then every other Thursday through Saturday until October 31, or the quota is caught.

• Central Coast nearshore: Opened May 1, 7 days per week.  However on days when the All-Depth fishery is open, all depth regulations must be followed such as:  no bottomfish allowed except Pacific cod, sablefish, and other species of flatfish.

• Southern Oregon Subarea: Opened May 1, 7 days per week.

Many coastal communities remain concerned about a large influx of visitors while COVID-19 restrictions remain in effect. Anglers are asked to be mindful of social distancing and mask guidelines, as well as coastal community concerns and:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Check for access before you go. Even if fishing is open, the boat ramp or park where you want to go might be closed. ODFW does not control access to land or facilities it doesn’t manage, so check with the land manager or facility owner where you want to go about what’s open before you leave home.
• Stick close to home. Don’t travel far to hunt or fish. Some places may still be closed to overnight camping/lodging. 
• Be prepared. Restrooms and other facilities may be more limited. Bring your own soap, water, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, food, etc. Buy your license online before you go.
• Avoid crowds. Go someplace else if your destination looks crowded.  
• Practice social distancing. Keep six feet between you and anyone who doesn’t live in your immediate household, including while on a boat or at a fish cleaning station.
• Wash your hands often. Keep up on personal hygiene and bring your own water, soap, and hand sanitizer with you.   
• Pack out what you pack in. Take any garbage with you, including disposable gloves and masks.

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Other resources:

• Waypoints for fathom lines and other restricted areas
• Catch estimates (sport halibut)
• 2020 Oregon Sport Fishing eRegulations
• Cold spots for yelloweye rockfish -- recommended soft-bottom areas for halibut with low yelloweye rockfish bycatch out of Newport and Depoe Bay.
• Management of Oregon's sport halibut