Can I Keep?Pacific halibut Regulations in Washington (2026)
Recreational pacific halibut rules in Washington saltwater, as published by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Pacific halibut rules in Washington
- Where
- Puget Sound (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- In all marine areas open to halibut fishing, there is a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction.
- Bag limit
- In all marine areas open to halibut fishing, there is a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction.
- Season
- April 2 through June 30, seven days per week.; August 16 through September 30, seven days per week.
- Reminder that Barbless Hooks are required for all species in Marine Areas 5 through 13 —including for halibut and bottomfish—except when using forage fish jig gear to target forage fish (herring, sandlance, anchovy, sardine and smelt). See Marine Area Rules & Definitions in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules.
- There is a six fish annual bag limit. Anglers must record their catch on a WDFW catch record card.
- Fishing may close before September 30 if the quota is taken.
- Where
- North Coast (Marine Areas 3 and 4) (ocean)
- Size limit
- In all marine areas open to halibut fishing, there is a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction.
- Bag limit
- In all marine areas open to halibut fishing, there is a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction.
- Season
- April 30 through May 16 (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday); May 22, 23, 24 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for Memorial Day weekend); May 28, 29, 30 (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday); June 1 through June 28 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday); August 16 through September 30 (seven days per week)
- There is a six fish annual bag limit. Anglers must record their catch on a WDFW catch record card.
- Fishing may close before September 30 if the quota is taken.
- Where
- South Coast (Marine Area 2) (ocean)
- Size limit
- In all marine areas open to halibut fishing, there is a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction.
- Bag limit
- In all marine areas open to halibut fishing, there is a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction.
- Season
- Apr 30 (Thursday); May 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31 (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday); Jun 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30 (Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday); August 8 through September 30 (seven days per week)
- There is a six fish annual bag limit. Anglers must record their catch on a WDFW catch record card.
- Fishing may close before September 30 if the quota is taken.
- Where
- Columbia River (Marine Area 1) (ocean)
- Size limit
- In all marine areas open to halibut fishing, there is a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction.
- Bag limit
- In all marine areas open to halibut fishing, there is a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction.
- Season
- April 30 - May 31 (Thursday, Friday, and Sunday); June 4 - 7 (three days per week, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday); June 8 - 28 (five days per week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday); August 8 through September 30 (seven days per week)
- There is a six fish annual bag limit. Anglers must record their catch on a WDFW catch record card.
- Fishing may close before September 30 if the quota is taken.
- The nearshore fishery will not be open in 2026.
Quick answers
What is the pacific halibut size limit in Washington?
In all marine areas open to halibut fishing, there is a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many pacific halibut can I keep in Washington?
In all marine areas open to halibut fishing, there is a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is pacific halibut season in Washington?
April 2 through June 30, seven days per week.; August 16 through September 30, seven days per week.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Pacific halibut limits in other states →
More groundfish & flatfish in Washington
All Washington saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Most anglers need a Washington saltwater license or registry: get one here.