WDFW: More recreational shrimp fishing opportunities open in four Puget Sound marine areas in late June and early July

By on June 25, 2024

OLYMPIA – More recreational shrimp fishing opportunities will occur in four Puget Sound marine areas, in addition to other scheduled openers, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.

“In Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, and 10 we’ve expanded the harvest window from four to six hours for this opening,” said Don Velasquez, WDFW shellfish biologist.

Following review of the recreational shrimping catch and effort data in Puget Sound to date, WDFW shellfish managers determined that enough of the quota remains in four marine areas to offer additional harvest opportunities:

Other areas currently open or with dates remaining for recreational shrimping include:

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 anglers are ashore and finished fishing for the day. Daylight hours only indicates that pots can be set and retrieved from one hour before official sunrise to one hour after official sunset. All traps must be removed from the water during periods when fishing is closed.

More information on recreational shrimp seasons, and a description of the marine areas, is available on WDFW’s recreational shrimp fishing section of the website.

Shrimp fishers are reminded to follow Be Whale Wise regulations and guidelines to help protect endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW). Avoid approaching SRKW, and at minimum stay the required distance away (reference the Be Whale Wise website for more information). For details, visit BeWhaleWise.org.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

Contact: Don Velasquez, 425-725-3038

Salmon University Staff
Salmon University is the top online resource for fishing in the Pacific Northwest. Follow us on Twitter @salmonuniv for the latest news and other updates.

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