Hey there, seafood lovers! As someone who’s been cooking and writing about seafood for years, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about shrimp seasons. Trust me, knowing when shrimp are in season can help you get the tastiest shrimp at the best prices!
Quick Answer
Shrimp season varies by region, but generally peaks from late spring through early fall (May-October) in most U.S. coastal areas. The Gulf Coast sees peak seasons from June through December, while the South Atlantic experiences prime shrimping from May through January.
Understanding Shrimp Seasons by Region
Gulf Coast (The Big Player!)
- Main Season: June through December
- Peak Months: June-August (brown shrimp), August-October (white shrimp)
- Key States: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida
- Fun Fact: The Gulf produces about 70% of U.S. shrimp!
South Atlantic Coast
- Season: May through January
- Prime Time:
- Spring: Brown shrimp dominate
- Fall: White shrimp take over
- States: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, North Florida
Pacific Coast
- Season: April/May through October/November
- Peak: June-August
- Note: Southern areas have year-round availability but winter catches are smaller
New England
- Traditional Season: December-February
- Current Status: Mostly closed since 2014 due to population concerns
- Limited: Only recreational fishing allowed in some areas
What Affects Shrimp Season?
-
Water Temperature
- Sweet spot: Above 55°F
- Warmer = more active shrimp
- Affects breeding cycles
-
Environmental Factors
- Salinity levels
- Nutrient availability
- Storm activity
- Predator populations
-
Fishing Regulations
- Harvest quotas
- Size restrictions
- Area closures
Tips for Buying Fresh Shrimp During Season
What to Look For:
- Firm texture (should snap when bent)
- Clear, translucent appearance
- Mild ocean smell (no fishy odors!)
- No black spots or freezer burn
Pro Tips:
- Buy shell-on shrimp when possible
- Ask about harvest dates (fresher = better)
- Keep ’em cold! Use ice during transport
- Local is usually best during peak season
Sustainability Matters!
We gotta think about the future of our shrimpy friends! Here’s what you can do
- Look for MSC or BAP certifications
- Support local shrimpers during season
- Check state regulations before buying
- Consider farm-raised alternatives during off-season
Money-Saving Tips
-
Buy in Bulk During Peak Season
- Prices are lowest when supply is high
- Freeze extra for later
-
Watch for Seasonal Sales
- Local markets often run specials
- Compare prices between sellers
Common Questions We Get
Q Can I get good shrimp off-season?A Yep! Frozen shrimp can be just as good if properly handled Look for IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) varieties
Q: How long do fresh shrimp last?
A: Use within 1-2 days if refrigerated, or freeze for up to 6 months.
Q: Which shrimp species is best?
A: It depends! Brown shrimp are robust, white shrimp are sweet, and pink shrimp are tender. Try ’em all during their peak seasons!
Wrapping It Up
Knowing your local shrimp season helps you get the best quality and value. Here at The Kitchen Know-How, we always recommend buying during peak season when possible. The freshness and flavor just can’t be beat!
Remember, Mother Nature doesn’t always follow our calendar exactly, so these seasons can vary a bit year to year. Your best bet? Make friends with your local seafood market or shrimper – they’ll keep you in the loop about the best times to buy!
Happy shrimping, y’all!
Would you like me to explain any part of this article in more detail?
2025 Puget Sound area recreational spot shrimp seasons
- Marine Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh Line: Open daily beginning May 21. Shrimping is allowed during daylight hours only. The recreational spot shrimp season closes when the quota is met or Sept. 15, whichever comes first.
- Marine Area 5 (western Strait of Juan de Fuca): Open daily beginning May 21. Shrimping is allowed during daylight hours only. The recreational spot shrimp season closes when the quota is met or Sept. 15, whichever comes first.
- Marine Area 6 (Port Angeles Harbor, eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca, excluding the Discovery Bay Shrimp District): Open on May 21-23, June 6-7, June 20-21, and July 18-19. Shrimping is allowed during daylight hours only. An announcement regarding additional dates may be made later in the season.
- Marine Area 6 (Discovery Bay Shrimp District): Open on May 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. only. An announcement regarding additional dates may be made later in the season.
- Marine Area 7 East (northern Rosario Strait, Bellingham Bay, Sucia, and Matia islands, Strait of Georgia): Open on May 21-23 and June 6-7. Shrimping is allowed during daylight hours only. An announcement regarding additional dates may be made later in the season.
- Marine Area 7 South (Iceberg Point, Point Colville, Biz Point, Salmon Bank): Open on May 21-23 and June 6-7. During June 20-21 only the Iceberg Point section will be open for spot shrimp. Shrimping is allowed during daylight hours only. An announcement regarding additional dates may be made later in the season.
- Marine Area 7 West (San Juan Channel, Speiden Channel, Stuart, and Waldron islands): Open on May 21-23, June 6-7, June 20-21, and July 18-19. Shrimping is allowed during daylight hours only. An announcement regarding additional dates may be made later in the season.
- Marine Area 8-1 (Saratoga Passage, Deception Pass) and Marine Area 8-2 (Port Susan, Port Gardner, Everett): Open on May 21, and June 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. only. An announcement regarding additional dates may be made later in the season.
- Marine Area 9 (Edmonds, Port Townsend Bay, Admiralty Inlet): May 6, 2025 update: Open May 21 from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. for all shrimp species in that portion located west of a line projected from Possession Point (47.905036 -122.380062) to Apple Cove Point (47.817348 -122.484381). The portion of Marine Area 9 east of a line projected from Possession Point to Apple Cove Point will remain closed. Refer to the emergency rule change or WDFWs blog post for more information. An announcement regarding additional dates may be made later in the season.
- Marine Area 10 (inside of Elliott Bay east of a line from West Point to Alki Point): Open on May 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. only. An announcement regarding additional dates may be made later in the season.
- Marine Area 10 (outside of Elliott Bay west of a line from West Point to Alki Point, which includes the Bainbridge Island shrimp fishing grounds): Closed for spot shrimp harvest in 2025 due to low abundance.
- Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island): Closed for spot shrimp harvest in 2025 due to low abundance.
- Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal Shrimp District): Open on May 21, May 22, June 4, June 18, and July 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. only. An announcement regarding additional dates may be made later in the season.
- Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound, Carr Inlet): Closed for spot shrimp harvest in 2025 due to low abundance.
Proposed state ferry terminal closure zones
A proposed rule prohibiting deploying shrimp fishing gear in state ferry terminal closure zones could take effect when the 2025 spot shrimp season opens. Shrimpers should refer to the WDFW emergency fishing rules webpage for any updates.
If implemented, the proposed rule will prohibit commercial or recreational crabbing, shrimping, and fishing with purse seine or gillnets near 19 Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)-managed ferry terminals in Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands.
These types of fishing and shellfishing equipment can cause significant and costly damage to Washington State Ferries. The closure would prohibit using these types of fishing gear within 400 yards from the end of the ferry terminal dock and 100 yards on each side.
The rule would not apply to trolling or other methods of recreational salmon, lingcod, and finfish fishing. To view the proposed rule, refer to the WDFW current rule making webpage.