The recreational halibut fishery off the north coast will reopen June 3 and 5, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife just announced.

Marine areas 3 and 4 (La Push and Neah Bay) will be reopen for halibut fishing in all waters from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on June 3 and again on June 5.

The halibut fishery in those areas was open on Thursdays and Saturdays, May 13 through Saturday. Poor weather last weekend resulted in fewer fish being caught than was expected. Sufficient quota remains in these areas to offer anglers two days in early June, said Heather Reed, coastal policy coordinator.

Through May 22, anglers caught 57,812 pounds of halibut off the north coast. Anglers have an opportunity to catch the remaining 43,367 pounds available under the quota, starting with the openings on June 3 and 5.

The fishery is closed to halibut fishing on Thursday and Saturday in order to assess the May catch and give anglers time to prepare for the next opening.

Meanwhile, the primary halibut fishery in Marine Area 2 has closed for the remainder of the season. The northern nearshore area, which has a separate quota, will remain open seven days a week until further notice. Halibut fishing in Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) remains open three days per week, Thursday-Saturday.