I am interested in finding out the status of salmon and halibut quotas in Area 1-4 prior to going out to Neah Bay (don't want to go out only to find one or both are closed due to quota filling). Anyone know how to get current info on the quota status?

Thanks!

Last year they never did fill their salmon (chinook) quota, they were begging for more fisherman. This year has quota number even bigger, so I wouldn't worry much about salmon. Sekiu filled theirs very quickly but Neah Bay kept right on going as not near the fishing pressure. As to halibut, not my gig, ya might call Big Salmon resort or one of the charters, i.e Tommy Cod

Sorry, but I got called yesterday and canceled for my Friday halibut trip in Neah Bay. They fully expect the quota to be reached today or tomorrow.

Halibut is closed on the US side as of the end of today, but if you have a Canadian license, you can still fish halibut on the Canadian side, and you can keep two fish.

No word yet on the Chinook quota, but I was there yesterday and there weren't lots of chinook coming in, like 15 fish in 55 boats, but not everyone was targeting them. We'll know more next weekend, after people are targeting mostly just chinook.

-N.

StormN,
Any idea how long the Canadian halibut season will last? Or where can I find out?

jcw,

In Canadian waters, halibut is open for two fish a day, three in possession from Feb 1st to Dec 31st... ie., there is no quota and it's only closed for the month of January... a little different than down here, eh?

If you're talking about the Canadian swiftshure, I think that area is overseen by the Fisheries & Oceans office in Port Alberni, you can call them 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday at 250-724-0195 for more details.

For general BC fishing regs and info, go here:
http://www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/english/sfg/

For for BC in-season updates, go here:
http://www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/english/sfg/updates_e.htm

Hope this helps, email me if you need more.

-N.

Good stuff, StormN. Thanks a lot. I'm probably gonna go to Sooke this weekend.