halibut closure - Neah Bay/LA Push

[Mfowl]

So I just heard second hand that the state has cut out fishing tomorrow (Thursday, 5/21) for halibut in Area 4 due to the quota being reached during the initial opener. Did anyone get the email about this? I am scheduled to leave today for Neah Bay. My father called Big Salmon and  they were trying to get to the bottom of this. I am outraged right now, I can't believe that the state would do this on such short notice. If its true, people should be fired for pulling a stunt like this! Anyone else screwed by this?

[Knocker of rocks]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/creel/halibut/northcoast.html

There's an update page.  Feel free to click it

[wildmanoutdoors]

I would be dissapointed but the posted seasons always have the "or until the quota is met". That should tell you its a gamble and you shouldent be outraged at the state? Thats why ya go fish it when it opens.

[Mfowl]

I wouldn't be pissed if they gave some advanced notice, the day before is unexceptable. From what I hear from folks on the peninsula in ts an endless stream of boats headed west down the highway, likely unaware of the total screw job.

[Knocker of rocks]

Where on the WDFW update page does it say that the fishery is closed?

[Knocker of rocks]

From what I hear from folks on the peninsula in ts an endless stream of boats headed west down the highway, likely unaware of the total screw job.

 

[Mfowl]

Where on the WDFW update page does it say that the fishery is closed?

I can't find anything on it or on the fishing hotline.

[Knocker of rocks]

Where on the WDFW update page does it say that the fishery is closed?

I can't find anything on it or on the fishing hotline.

And, extend that thought..........

OR JUST PANIC AND COMPLAIN BASED ON HEARSAY THAT IS FACTUALLY INCORRECT   

[Mfowl]

Where on the WDFW update page does it say that the fishery is closed?

I can't find anything on it or on the fishing hotline.

And, extend that thought..........

OR JUST PANIC AND COMPLAIN BASED ON HEARSAY THAT IS FACTUALLY INCORRECT   

I was checking here to clarify. That's why I asked if anyone received the email that was sent out. That's also why I stated "If this is true..."  But, flame on!

[wildmanoutdoors]

They would have posted by now. I think its game on!

[NRA4LIFE]

No email here.  Not listed on the emergency closure on WDFW, only part of area 2.  Perhaps a mixup with areas?

[Knocker of rocks]

And you also said this

From what I hear from folks on the peninsula in ts an endless stream of boats headed west down the highway, likely unaware of the total screw job.

Seems like your mind was made up

[Mfowl]

Peninsula Daily News is running an article today that states tomorrows halibut fishery is in fact closed in area 4. Google "emergency halibut closure Neah Bay" and you will find the article. No longer "hearsay" its a fact.

[Knocker of rocks]

Or an incredibly poor job of journalism
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/
http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/emergency_rules.html

[MooseStock]

The peninsula daily news article stated it was closed for Thursday but would be open again saturday and that was to be the last day of this years quota....hope that helps....Les

[Mfowl]

The peninsula daily news article stated it was closed for Thursday but would be open again saturday and that was to be the last day of this years quota....hope that helps....Les

Yeah, I knew it would still open on Saturday. They chose to he day with the more favorable weather report to keep it open. I am still extremely annoyed with WDFW. They should have kept both days and adjusted next seasons quota appropriately. Then they wouldn't be shafting so many folks that's partly pay their salaries.

[JimmyHoffa]

They did something similar for razor clams a couple weeks ago, but gave a little more advance notice.  Then after the one day that was allowed sent out messages to destroy the clams.
I wonder if they think a Thursday harvest would still keep them under the quota making people want it to reopen another day to get the remainder, but if they close Thursday and keep Saturday will max the quota?
And yes, been lots of boats being trailered down the road....they can still get the other species.

[NWRookie]

Just got this release -

WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/

May 20, 2015
Contact: Heather Reed, (360) 249-4628, ext. 202

Halibut fishing off Neah Bay, La Push
to close May 21, will re-open May 23

OLYMPIA - Halibut fishing will be closed tomorrow (May 21) off the state's north coast but will re-open for a final day of fishing on May 23, Washington fishery managers announced today.
 
Anglers are expected to reach the 108,030-pound halibut quota in marine areas 3 (La Push) and 4 (Neah Bay) after one more day of fishing, said Heather Reed, coastal policy coordinator for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). 

Those marine areas had been scheduled to be open for halibut fishing Thursday, when the weather is forecast to be marginal. Department staff consulted with sport fishing representatives and agreed to hold the final day of halibut fishing on Saturday, when weather is expected to improve, Reed said.

"We apologize for the short notice," Reed said. "We typically like to give more warning of a closure. But we want to give anglers a good chance to catch a halibut and we believe the better opportunity to do so will be on Saturday."

In all marine areas open to halibut fishing, there is a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction. Anglers may possess a maximum of two fish in any form and must record their catch on a WDFW catch record card.
 

[GUscottie]

I feel badly for the guides who have to refund all of their clients for tomorrow. I feel badly for all of the guys who were leaving and didn't get the memo about the fishing being closed. I am not sad for the trollers who are still out there today "fishing"

[Capt. Rob]

What I don't get is that two days of halibut fishing at NB I was not checked for my halibut, but only for my bottom fish. I don't understand where they are getting these numbers when there was no one doing a real creel count at the dock.

[lokidog]

Nice fish Capt. Rob!   

I got the same email as NWRookie at 4:26 pm Wednesday.

[wheels]

i was in sekiu with full intensions of  going to neeah bayn at  430   eating at  clallam bay inn  had t hear it from the bar tender