The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission (OFWC) finalized the 2017 Oregon recreational halibut seasons and regulations.

The OFWC adopted mandatory descending devices for the recreational halibut fishery. It is mandatory to have a descending device onboard the vessel when fishing for, or in possession of, Pacific halibut, and must be used for releasing any rockfish species when fishing outside of 30 fathoms. Information on descending devices can be found online.

The OFWC also adopted the season dates recommended by ODFW staff, described below:

Columbia River Subarea (Leadbetter Point, WA to Cape Falcon, OR)

Nearshore Season--Open Mon-Wed, inside the 40-fathom line off of Oregon, beginning May 8, 2017 through the earlier of quota attainment or Sept. 30, 2017. Quota = 500 lbs.

All-Depth Season--Opens May 4, 2017 Thurs-Sun, every week through the earlier of quota attainment or Sept. 30, 2017. Quota = 12,299 lbs.

Central Oregon Coast Subarea (Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.)

Nearshore Season--Opens June 4, seven days per week, inside the 40-fathom line, through the earlier of quota attainment or Oct. 31, 2017. Quota = 28,897 lbs. Note: June 1-3 are "all-depth" days which supersedes the nearshore fishery, so regardless of depth fishing the all-depth regulations apply (limited retention of other species). Therefore the nearshore fishery starts June 4, instead of June 1 this year.

Spring All-Depth Season-- fixed open dates are: May 11-13; May 18-20; June 1-3; June 8-10; and June 15-17. If quota remains, possible back-up dates are: June 29-July 1; July 13-15; and July 27-29. Quota = 151,712 lbs.

Summer All-Depth Season-- opens Aug 4-5, every other Fri. and Sat. through the earlier of quota attainment, or Oct. 31, 2017. Quota = 60,203 lbs.

Southern Oregon Subarea (Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border)

Opens May 1, seven days per week through the earlier of quota attainment or Oct. 31, 2017. Quota = 10,039 lbs.

For additional information on the 2017 Recreational Halibut Seasons see the ODFW halibut webpage.