OLYMPIA - The recreational halibut fishery off the north coast of Washington is now closed after reaching the seasonal harvest quota, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.

Anglers reeled in 107,856 pounds of halibut in marine areas 3 (La Push) and 4 (Neah Bay) through May 18, leaving just 174 pounds remaining, said Heather Reed, WDFW coastal policy coordinator.

While the state fishing rules left open the possibility of additional days of halibut fishing, there is not sufficient poundage left to reopen for another day in May or June, Reed said.

Meanwhile, south coast recreational halibut fishing in Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) is open three days a week (Friday through Sunday) until further notice.

Halibut fishing in Puget Sound is coming to a close. Marine Area 5 in Western Puget Sound remains open, but anglers can only fish for halibut May 30-June 1 and June 8. Marine areas 6-10 in Eastern Puget Sound are also open, but anglers can only fish for halibut on May 30 and 31.