Recreational shrimp fisheries for all shrimp, including spot shrimp, will open in many Marine Areas

April 9, 2024

Recreational shrimp fisheries for all shrimp, including spot shrimp, will open in many Marine Areas 

Action:  Recreational shrimp seasons will open for all shrimp including spot shrimp in Marine Areas 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, 5, 6, 7 East, 7 South, 7 West, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10, 11, and 12 according to the schedule below. 

Effective dates by area:   

Marine Areas 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line and 5: Open daily for all shrimp species beginning May 16 until further notice. Daylight hours only.

Marine Area 6 (excluding the Discovery Bay Shrimp District): Open for all shrimp species May 16 through 18, May 30 through June 1, June 13 through 16, June 28 through 30, and July 12 through 15. Daylight hours only.

Discovery Bay Shrimp District: Open for all shrimp species May 17 from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m..

Marine Area 7 South: Open for all shrimp species from 1 hour before official sunrise to 1 hour after official sunset on May 16 through May 18. Only that portion of Marine Area 7 South that is west of a line projected due south from Point Colville on Lopez Island and east of a line projected due south from Cattle Point on San Juan Island, will open from May 30 through June 1.

Marine Area 7 East: Open for all shrimp species May 16 through 18. Daylight hours only.

Marine Area 7 West: Open for all shrimp species May 16 through 18, May 30 through June 1, June 13 through 15, June 28 through 30, and July 12 through 14. Daylight hours only.

Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2:

Open for all shrimp species May 16 and May 30 from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m.

Divers may take shrimp by hand or hand-held device from 7:00 p.m. until midnight on May 16 and May 30 in Marine Area 8-2.

Marine Area 9: Open for all shrimp species May 16 from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. 

Marine Area 10: Open for all shrimp species May 16 from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m.

Marine Area 11: Open for all shrimp species May 16 from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. 

Marine Area 12: Open for all shrimp species May 17, May 18, May 30, and June 15 from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m.

Species affected:  All shrimp species which include spot shrimp, coonstripe shrimp, dock shrimp, pink shrimp, and sidestripe shrimp.

Locations:  Marine Areas 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, 5, 6, 7 East, 7 South, 7 West, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10, 11, and 12.

Reason for action:  To harvest recreational shrimp (primarily spot shrimp) consistent with State/Tribal management agreements.

Additional information: The daily limit is 80 spot shrimp; with a total daily weight limit of 10 pounds (whole shrimp) all species combined.  If retaining non-spot shrimp, all shrimp heads (spot and non-spot) must be retained in the field until ashore and finished fishing for the day. Daylight hours only indicates that pots can be set and retrieved from 1 hour before official sunrise to 1 hour after official sunset.  All traps must be removed from the water during periods when fishing is closed. 

Information contact: Donald Velasquez, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, (425) 725-3038

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at 360-902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call toll free 866-880-5431.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.