WDFW canceled the July 18-20 shrimp opener in Marine Area 7 West but added two fishing days in Marine Area 6 after quota updates from the 2026 season. (Photo: WDFW)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Recreational shrimp anglers planning trips to the San Juan Islands will need to adjust their plans after the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced a major change to the 2026 Puget Sound shrimp season.
The agency canceled the previously scheduled July 18-20 opening in Marine Area 7 West after harvest data showed anglers reached the area’s spot shrimp quota. At the same time, WDFW added two days of shrimp fishing in Marine Area 6 outside Discovery Bay on July 19-20 because enough quota remains available there.
The emergency rule took effect June 29.
Marine Area 7 West Season Canceled
WDFW said harvest and effort data from previous openings confirmed that recreational anglers met the allowable harvest quota for spot shrimp in Marine Area 7 West.
As a result, the July 18-20 opening for all shrimp species in the area has been canceled.
Meanwhile, Marine Area 7 East remains open through Oct. 15 for shrimp species other than spot shrimp. Anglers must immediately release any spot shrimp they catch and may not fish in waters deeper than 200 feet.
Marine Area 7 South also remains closed.
Marine Area 6 Receives Additional Opportunity
While the San Juan fishery closes, shrimp anglers in Marine Area 6 will gain an extra opportunity.
Marine Area 6, excluding the Discovery Bay Shrimp District, will open July 19-20 during daylight hours for all shrimp species, including spot shrimp.
The Discovery Bay Shrimp District remains closed.
WDFW said shifting the available quota helps keep recreational harvests within state and tribal management agreements.
Most Puget Sound Marine Areas Remain Open
Several marine areas remain open through Oct. 15 for non-spot shrimp, although each has area-specific depth restrictions designed to protect spot shrimp populations.
Marine Areas 4 and 5 remain open through Oct. 15 for all shrimp species. Marine Area 7 East is open for non-spot shrimp only with a 200-foot depth limit. Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2 are open for non-spot shrimp only with a 175-foot depth limit. Marine Area 9 is open for non-spot shrimp only with a 150-foot depth limit. Marine Area 11 is open for non-spot shrimp only with a 150-foot depth limit. Marine Area 12 opens July 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for all shrimp species. Marine Area 13 is open for non-spot shrimp only with a 200-foot depth limit. Marine Area 10 remains closed.
Shrimp Fishing Regulations Remain in Effect
During all-species shrimp seasons, anglers may keep up to 80 spot shrimp within a combined daily limit of 10 pounds whole shrimp. Pots must have at least 1-inch mesh.
During non-spot shrimp fisheries, anglers may harvest up to 10 pounds of shrimp but must immediately release any spot shrimp they catch. Those fisheries allow pots with a minimum half-inch mesh, while area-specific depth restrictions help reduce encounters with spot shrimp.
For both types of fisheries, shrimp heads must remain attached until anglers return to shore and finish fishing for the day. Shrimp pots may only be set or retrieved from one hour before official sunrise until one hour after official sunset, and all gear must be removed from the water when fisheries are closed.
Anglers Encouraged to Check Emergency Rules
WDFW reminds recreational shrimp anglers that emergency rule changes can occur throughout the season based on harvest data.
Before heading out, anglers should review the latest emergency regulations, consult the current Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet, or check the Fish Washington mobile app for updates.
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