The 2026 Pacific halibut fishing season is officially underway in Prince Rupert, marking a vital time for the local economy even as the industry faces its most restrictive quotas in recent history. The season, which opened on March 26, 2026, will continue until December 7, 2026.
This year’s opening follows intense international negotiations that resulted in a 7.2 percent reduction in the halibut allocation for Canada. The International Pacific Halibut Commission set the overall coastwide harvest at 29.3 million pounds, which represents the lowest commercial harvest in over a century. Scientists report that halibut spawning biomass has declined nearly 80 percent from levels seen in the late 1990s, driving these lower catch limits.
In British Columbia, the total allocation for 2026 is 1,923 tonnes. This is divided into 1,637 tonnes for the commercial fishery, which operates under an individual quota system, and 290 tonnes for the recreational sector. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages these limits to ensure the long-term sustainability of the stocks.
For those participating in recreational fishing, regulations are in place to help protect the species. Anglers are limited to one halibut per day, and any halibut caught must not exceed 112 centimetres in head-on length. Tourism Prince Rupert continues to highlight the importance of these sustainable practices for the community.
Prince Rupert has long held deep ties to the industry, historically earning the nickname of the Halibut Capital of the World due to its massive processing and shipping capacity in the early 20th century. Today, the local fishing sector remains a significant economic driver, with more than 30 active sport fishing charter operators in the area providing guided experiences for visitors.
