OLYMPIA – Recreational spot shrimp fishing will open May 6 in Puget Sound under seasons announced today by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
This year’s Puget Sound shrimp fishing seasons are generally similar to those in 2016 although there will be shorter seasons in some areas of south Puget Sound due to very large catches last season, said Mark O’Toole, a shellfish biologist for WDFW.
Puget Sound recreational shrimp season opening days are:
- Hood Canal Shrimp District (Marine Area 12): Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 6, 10, 17 and 20.
- Discovery Bay Shrimp District (Marine Area 6): Open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 6, 10, 17 and 20.
- Marine Areas 4 (east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line), 5 and 6 (excluding Discovery Bay Shrimp District): Open daily beginning May 6. The recreational spot shrimp season closes when the quota is attained or Sept. 15, whichever comes first.
- Marine Areas 7 East and 7 South: Open daily May 6-21.
- Marine Area 7 West: Open daily beginning May 6. The recreational spot shrimp season closes when the quota is attained or Sept. 15, whichever comes first.
- Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, and 9: Open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 6 and May 17.
- Marine Areas 10 and 11: Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 6.
- Marine Area 13: Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 6 and 20.
In areas 4, 5, 6, and 7 (East, South and West) start times will be one hour before sunrise.
Additional dates and times will be announced if sufficient quota remains after the initial fishing days scheduled above. For the latest information on sport shrimp seasons, or for a description of marine areas, visit WDFW’s Recreational Shrimp Fishing website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/
Also known as prawns, spot shrimp are the largest shrimp in Puget Sound and may grow up to nine inches in length. In all areas of Puget Sound, fishers are limited to 80 spot shrimp per day during the month of May. A valid 2017-18 fishing license is required to participate in the fishery.
