Pacific Halibut (also known as Halibut, Barn Door) in Washington. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the WDFW guide, 2026.
In Washington, Pacific Halibut has no minimum legal size and the daily bag limit is 1 per person (6 per year). Season note: Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current Washington rules (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current Washington rules (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
Quota-managed short season; open days/dates differ by marine sub-area and can close early when the sub-area quota is taken. STATE + federal waters under the IPHC Area 2A Catch Sharing Plan (NMFS/PFMC). Season is a short, quota-driven opener set annually with different dates per sub-area (Puget Sound, North Coast MA 3-4, South Coast MA 2, Columbia River MA 1) and frequent open-day-of-week limits. Confirm current dates + sub-area quota status.
These limits are pulled from the WDFW sport fishing rules. Last verified September 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
Washington requires a fishing licence for anyone aged 15 or older, plus a (free) Catch Record Card for halibut and certain species. WDFW licences.
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