Three halibut dates added off Pacific Coast
OLYMPIA — Additional recreational halibut fishing dates have been added for the coastal marine areas, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife announced.
Inclement weather during May significantly reduced angler effort and a substantial amount of quota remains for the state’s sport fishery, particularly in Marine Areas 1-4.
The additional days in June were selected to provide more fishing opportunity without compromising already scheduled season dates.
2022 Coast additional June dates: Marine Area 3 (La Push) and 4 (Neah Bay): June 10, 17 and 24.
Weather has been an issue in the Puget Sound region this spring but projected quota attainment is more in line with where the fishery is expected to be this time of year, so no additional days are proposed for these areas at this time.
The department said it will evaluate catch at the end of June and may propose additional fishing days in August and September if there is quota remaining.
Anglers meet June 15
SEQUIM — Puget Sound Anglers’ members Bob Keck, Dave Croonquist and Ken Townsend will discuss crabbing in area waters at the June 15 meeting of the group’s North Olympic Peninsula chapter.
Dungeness crab’s summer season typically opens around July 1.
The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Sequim Elks Lodge, 143 Port Williams Road, with the gathering beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starting at 7 p.m.
A short business meeting and raffle drawings for prizes for members will be held following the talk.
Annual membership is $25 and includes a monthly subscription to The Reel News.
Find Your Trail program
SEQUIM — The YMCA of Sequim will offer its first Find Your Trail Summer Outdoor Leadership program, a free opportunity for youth ages 12-17.
In this 9-week program, youth will learn about hiking essentials, wayfinding and wilderness first aid.
The geology, geography and marine environments on the Olympic Peninsula also will be covered.
There will be weekly hikes that will introduce youth to local resources.
Hiking essentials, including day packs and clothing, will also be provided free.
Program dates are June 28 through Aug. 26 with meetings Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The program is sponsored by a grant from the Association of Washington Cities in partnership with the city of Sequim.
To sign up, call 360-477-4381, ext. 390 or email gail@olympicpeninsulaymca.org.
Chad Huffman caught this halibut over Memorial Day weekend while fishing with John Nunnally and Dave Sutton. All three found halibut inside the Strait of Juan de Fuca after getting bounced around and blown off the Pacific Ocean.
