Actions:
- The recreational shrimp seasons for targeting spot shrimp in Marine Area 11 will not open.
- Recreational shrimp seasons targeting spot shrimp in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2 will not open. This cancels dates that were previously announced on April 13.
- Recreational shrimp seasons for non-spot shrimps will open on June 1 in Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 9, 11, and 13.
Species affected: All shrimp species which include spot shrimp, coonstripe shrimp, dock shrimp, pink shrimp, and sidestripe shrimp.
Updated effective dates by location:
Marine Areas 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line and 5:
- Open May 24 each day until further notice for all shrimp species. Daylight hours only.
Marine Area 6 (excluding the Discovery Bay Shrimp District):
- Open May 24, May 26, June 7 through 8, and June 21 through 22 for all shrimp species. Daylight hours only.
Discovery Bay Shrimp District:
- Open May 24 from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. for all shrimp species.
Marine Area 7 South:
- Open May 24, May 26, and June 7–8 for all shrimp species. Daylight hours only.
Marine Areas 7 East:
- Open May 24, May 26, and June 7–8 for all shrimp species. Daylight hours only.
Marine Area 7 West:
- Open May 24, May 26, June 7–8, June 21–22, and July 18–20 for all shrimp species. Daylight hours only.
Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2:
- Will not open for spot shrimp harvest.
- Open June 1–Oct. 15 for shrimp species other than spot shrimp. It is unlawful to set or pull shrimp gear in waters greater than 175 feet deep. All spot shrimp caught must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.
Marine Area 9:
- Will not open for spot shrimp harvest.
- Open June 1–Oct. 15 for shrimp species other than spot shrimp. It is unlawful to set or pull shrimp gear in waters greater than 150 feet deep. All spot shrimp caught must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.
Marine Area 10:
- The portion of Marine Area 10 east of a line from West Point to Alki Point (inside Elliott Bay) will remain closed.
Marine Area 10:
- The portion of Marine Area 10 west of a line from West Point to Alki Point will remain closed.
Marine Area 11:
- Will not open for spot shrimp harvest.
- Open June 1–Oct. 15 for shrimp species other than spot shrimp. It is unlawful to set or pull shrimp gear in waters greater than 150 feet deep. All spot shrimp caught must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.
Marine Area 12:
- Open May 10, May 24, May 26, June 7, and June 21 from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. for all shrimp species.
Marine Area 13:
- Will not open for spot shrimp harvest.
- Open June 1–Oct. 15 for shrimp species other than spot shrimp. It is unlawful to set or pull shrimp gear in waters greater than 200 feet deep. All spot shrimp caught must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.
Reason for action: The recreational shrimp season for spot shrimp harvest in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2 that was previously announced is being cancelled for conservation reasons consistent with State/Tribal management agreements. Other marine areas remaining closed to spot shrimp harvest for conservation reasons include Marine Areas 9, Marine Area 10 outside Elliott Bay, Marine Area 10 inside Elliott Bay, Marine Area 11, and Marine Area 13.
Additional information:
"All shrimp" seasons which include spot shrimp – Pots with a minimum mesh size of 1 inch are allowed. The daily limit is 80 spot shrimp during the "all shrimp" season 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.
"Non-spot only" seasons – Pots with a minimum mesh size of ½ inch are allowed. There are maximum fishing depth restrictions specific to each area to limit capture of spot shrimp. All spot shrimp must be immediately returned to the water unharmed. The daily limit is 10 pounds (whole shrimp) all species combined. All shrimp heads must be retained in the field until ashore and finished fishing for the day. 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.
Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website before fishing. Refer to the 2025–2026 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for current regulations. Download the Fish Washington® mobile app to stay up to date on the go.
Information contact: Donald Velasquez, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, (425) 725-3038