Shrimping to Open in Puget Sound
By Salmon University Staff on May 3, 2017
Recreational spot shrimp fishing will open May 6 in Puget Sound under seasons announced late yesterday by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (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.
According to the WDFW, additional dates and times may be announced depending on remaining quotas after the originally scheduled dates.
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.
Be sure to check-out Salmon University’s “Shrimping 101.”
Cover image courtesy Susan (CC BY-SA 2.0).