Did you know halibut absolutely LOVE trout? They do and it is one of the best baits you can use to attract halibut to your hook.

Recently I posted this picture of sport-caught trout from a local lake with the title, “Perfect sized trout for halibut bait.”

As you can imagine, several private messages pinged my phone telling me it is illegal to use sport-caught trout for halibut. However, I knew better but decided to be cautious and e-mail WDFW Fishing Regs via this address fishregs@dfw.wa.gov

Here’s the e-mail I received today.

Good Morning John,

Yes, it is legal to use sport caught trout for bait for halibut.

Tight lines,

Washington Dept of Fish & Wildlife

Fish program

Also note, in the Washington Department of Fish & Game Pamphlet, on page 4,  second paragraph from bottom left it reads as follows under the “You May Not:”

“Use salmon, herring, or halibut for anything other than human consumption or fishing bait.”

Hopefully this settles the debate whether sport halibut anglers can use sport-caught trout, salmon, herring or halibut for fishing bait.

Good luck this season,

John L. Beath, editor, Halibut Chronicles.com