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Pacific Halibut Recreational Fishery Season is Open from May 1st, 2023 to Nov. 15th, 2023

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The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut(opens in new tab) (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is open as of May 1, 2023 and will continue until November 15, 2023 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier.

Pacific Halibut

 

The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit. When angling, no more than one line with two hooks attached may be used. For complete regulation information, see current ocean sport fishing regulations. For further information about Pacific halibut, please visit the CDFW Pacific halibut web page.

 

Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) are large flatfish that can be found from the Bering Sea in Alaska to northern California. According to the IPHC, Pacific halibut can reach a maximum length of nine feet and maximum weight of 500 pounds. The oldest recorded age is 55 years for both females and males. They reside along the continental shelf and are found in a broad range of depths (from inshore to 450 meters). Their large size and delectable meat make them a popular and prized target for both sport and commercial fisherman.

 

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) works with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(opens in new tab) (NOAA) Fisheries, the California Fish and Game Commission(opens in new tab), the Pacific Fishery Management Council(opens in new tab) (PFMC), the International Pacific Halibut Commission(opens in new tab) (IPHC), and the states of Oregon and Washington to manage the Pacific halibut fishery off the Pacific West Coast.

 

The 2023 recreational Pacific halibut fishery is scheduled to be open May 1 through November 15, or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier. Recreational regulations and season structure for the Pacific halibut fishery in California are designed to maximize fishing opportunity while ensuring that catch remains within the federally set quota of 39,520 pounds. CDFW tracks daily recreational Pacific halibut landings. To view the current level of quota attainment, see the “In-Season Tracking” tab below.

The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish with no minimum size limit.

Methods of Take: When angling, no more than one line with two hooks attached may be used. A harpoon, gaff, or net may be used to assist in taking a Pacific halibut that has been legally caught by angling. See California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 28.95, for additional restrictions on the use of harpoons. Take by spearfishing is allowed pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 28.90.

 

Before engaging in fishing activity, check this page for current closure notifications, or you may call either of these hotlines:

  • National Marine Fishery Service Halibut Hotline at (800) 662-9825

  • CDFW Recreational Groundfish Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801

Commercial Fishery

For information pertaining to the 2023 commercial season dates, application deadlines and catch limits, please refer to the NOAA Fisheries website(opens in new tab).

 

California HalibutCalifornia Halibut

The recreational fishery for California halibut(opens in new tab) (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year-round. The daily bag and possession limit is three fish north of Point Sur, Monterey County, and five fish south of Point Sur, Monterey County. The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length.

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