When Pacific halibut are around Crescent City
Pacific halibut fishing out of Crescent City takes place in deep water, past the South Reef. The season closes on a fixed date or when the quota is reached, whichever comes first. California halibut are a separate, inshore fishery. The same fishery along the rest of the coast is in the Pacific Northwest offshore fishing guide.
Season window
The season runs to Nov. 15 or until the quota is reached. Because the quota can end the season early, check status with CDFW before you tow.
- Opens: early spring, with the best bites coming later as fish move shallower.
- Closes: Nov. 15, or sooner if the quota is reached.
- Where to confirm: CDFW, covered in the Regulations section below.
How the season opened
The opening weeks were slow. No one can promise fish, but the sections below show where to look.
Where boats run and the grounds that hold halibut
The run is past the South Reef. Start there, work the depth band, then use the other named grounds to orient yourself.
Past the South Reef
Boats run past the South Reef, which is the anchor reference for the fishery. Measure the rest of the run from it.
Depth
Halibut depths off the South Reef vary from report to report:
| Report | South Reef depth for halibut |
|---|---|
| July 2023 | about 230 to 280 ft |
| Aug 2026 | about 250 ft |
The Chart Contours layer in Breakpoint can help you find the 250 ft band before you leave the dock. Chart layers are not for navigation.
North Reef, The Sisters and the cans
These are the named grounds near the harbor:
- North Reef: named structure near Crescent City.
- The Sisters: named ground near Crescent City.
- The cans: "right out front" of the harbor.
Point St. George Reef
Point St. George Reef and its lighthouse sit halfway between Brookings and Crescent City. Use them as an orientation landmark when you plot the run.
South Beach and the rock wall
South Beach is a trolling ground for California halibut. The rock wall across from the boat launch is a launch-side reference point. Both belong to the California halibut fishery rather than the deep Pacific halibut fishery.
How halibut are fished out of Crescent City
Two local charters list Pacific halibut trips, and either is a reasonable way to see the fishery before you run your own boat. No Crescent City-specific rigging or bait turned up, so local method comes from the trips themselves.
Charters that run halibut trips
- Crescent City Fishing (Steve Huber Guide Service): Captain Steve Huber. The operation lists a 6-hour halibut-only trip.
- Stella’s Adventures: lists Pacific halibut trips.
Gear and rigging
For rigging, bait and the wider species picture, see our Pacific halibut fishing guide. Holding bottom in 230 to 280 ft is covered in deep-drop bottom fishing.
Reading conditions before the run
The nearest official reading comes from a buoy that does not sit on the grounds.
NDBC 46027 ST GEORGES
NDBC station 46027 sits at 41.840N 124.382W, 8 NM NW of Crescent City, in 60 m of water. Read wind, wave height and period as numbers, and judge the run against your own boat and limits.
What the buoy can’t tell you
The buoy reads the water 8 NM northwest of the harbor, not the grounds past the South Reef. Pair it with the official NWS marine forecast for the zone, and treat both as inputs rather than verdicts.
FAQ about Pacific halibut fishing out of Crescent City
How deep do Pacific halibut hold off Crescent City?
About 230 to 280 ft past the South Reef (July 2023), and about 250 ft (Aug 2026).
Where do boats go for Pacific halibut?
Past the South Reef. Other named grounds are North Reef, The Sisters and the cans right out front.
Which buoy should I check?
NDBC 46027 ST GEORGES, 8 NM NW of the harbor in 60 m of water. It is the nearest reading, not a reading on the grounds. Pair it with the official forecast.
Who runs Pacific halibut trips out of Crescent City?
Crescent City Fishing (Capt. Steve Huber) lists a 6-hour halibut-only trip. Stella’s Adventures lists Pacific halibut trips.
Is this the same as California halibut?
No. Pacific halibut are fished deep, past the South Reef. California halibut are trolled at South Beach.
