OLYMPIA — Halibut, the lowland lake trout opener, spot shrimp and spring turkey and bear hunting seasons will be delayed in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Tuesday.
The decision follows a Friday announcement that all state land and boat ramp closures would extend to May 4 to coincide with Gov. Jay Inslee’s extension of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
Department staff expect most recreation activities to remain closed through the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. The department will reevaluate specific hunting, fishing, shellfish harvesting, public land, and boat ramp closures as new information becomes available from public health officials.
These newly extended closures include all recreational fishing and shellfish harvesting, whether on public or private lands. The department will postpone the spring bear and turkey season opening days, which were previously scheduled to open on April 15. The department made the closure decisions after consulting with local health departments.
While some recreational fishing opportunities exist year-round, the lowland lakes trout season opener, previously scheduled for April 25, is one of the most celebrated angling days of the year. The recreational halibut seasons scheduled to open on April 16 in Marine Areas 6-10 and Areas 1-5 on April 30 will be delayed.
There have been discussions between the state and halibut stakeholders on potentially adding season dates in late August and September.
Recreational harvesting of spot shrimp in Marine Areas 5-7 and 12 also will be delayed.
